Baby Hates Tummy Time? 9 Things to Try Before You Give Up

Parent lying face to face with a baby during tummy time on a beige play mat, holding a small mirror toy and rattle

If your baby screams the moment their tummy touches the floor, you are in very large company. The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne says it is normal for young babies to be unhappy on their tummy, because their heads are heavy and tummy time is hard work for them. The same hospital's advice is short: keep trying.

The good news is that "keep trying" does not have to mean "keep crying." Here are nine things to try before you decide tummy time is not for your baby, drawn from pediatric and public-health guidance. You will probably need two or three of them, not all nine.

This is general information, not medical advice. Your pediatrician knows your baby, so check with them about what is right for you, especially if your baby was born early or has a health condition.

First, the ground rules

Tummy time is for awake, supervised moments only. Every source we checked says the same thing: stay with your baby the whole time, and if your baby falls asleep, gently roll them onto their back and put them down to sleep on their back in their sleep space. In the words of the AAP, "back to sleep, tummy to play." If you want the full picture of how long to aim for at each age, see our guide to tummy time by age. This article is about what to do when the numbers feel impossible.

9 things to try

1. Pick a better moment

Choose a time when your baby is happy, alert and interested, as the Australian health information site Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests. The Royal Children's Hospital says supervised tummy time works best when your baby is awake, not too tired and not too soon after a feed, which can cause vomiting or discomfort. Ireland's HSE says to avoid tummy time just before or after a feed, especially if your baby has reflux. If your baby has reflux, the Royal Children's Hospital suggests leaving 20 to 30 minutes after a feed.

2. Shrink the session

One to two minutes is a real session. The Royal Children's Hospital says to start with one to two minutes and build slowly, and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby says the same. The HSE suggests 2 to 3 minutes at a time. Several tiny sessions across the day beat one long, tearful one, and they add up to the same daily total.

3. Start on your chest

If the floor is a hard no, lie back in a supported position and place your baby on your chest. The HSE describes this chest-to-chest position as a way to start, and says you can slowly move to a flatter position as your baby gets stronger. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests the same when a baby does not like being on the floor, and adds that you can play gently with your baby's hands and feet, sing or rub their back. The NHS adds that you should only do this if you are wide awake and unlikely to doze off.

4. Get down to their level

Lie on the floor face to face. The HSE suggests playing face to face during tummy time, and the Royal Children's Hospital recommends getting down on the floor with your baby, using rattles and singing and talking to them. At this age you are the best toy in the room.

5. Try a different position

Tummy time does not have to be flat on the floor. The Royal Children's Hospital shows several options, including chest to chest, across your lap and over a rolled towel placed under your baby's chest with arms forward. It notes that the more upright your baby is, the easier tummy time is for them. The HSE also lists placing your baby across your lap and carrying them face down, supported by your arm. These suit babies who find the flat floor hard or who have reflux or colic. For how to do each one, see our guide to tummy time positions for a fussy baby or one with reflux.

6. Give them something worth lifting their head for

Babies need a reason to put up with it. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby suggests moving safe toys from side to side so your baby follows them with their eyes and head, and holding a non-breakable mirror next to your baby so they can see their reflection. Keep hold of the mirror yourself and stay right there. The AAP suggests putting yourself or a toy just out of reach, or arranging toys in a circle so your baby reaches in different directions.

7. Help them take weight through their elbows

The Royal Children's Hospital says tummy time is easier when your baby can take weight through their elbows, and that you may need to help or support them there. It also suggests gently pressing down on your baby's bottom to give them something solid to push off. Your pediatrician or a pediatric physiotherapist can show you this in person if you are not sure.

8. Hang it on routines and change the scene

The AAP suggests tummy time after a diaper change or after waking from a nap. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby also suggests changing the activity or location if your baby is restless, for example moving to a new spot in the house. A change of view can be enough to reset the mood.

9. Stop before the meltdown, then try again

The HSE's safety advice is simple: stop and try again later if your baby becomes upset. End on a calm note when you can, and come back at another time. The Royal Children's Hospital's reminder is a good one for tired parents: "every little bit helps." Giving up for the day is allowed. Giving up entirely is what the sources advise against.

Check the surface under your baby

Where you do tummy time matters. The HSE says to use a firm, flat mat on the floor, and the Royal Children's Hospital suggests a play mat that is not too silky, soft or slippery, and a surface that is not too soft. A bunched-up blanket can make it harder for a baby to push up.

If you would like a dedicated spot for tummy time and floor play, the GRHomera Playmat is a cushioned option with a coral fleece surface over memory foam and non-slip backing. It is about 1.3 in (3.3 cm) thick in total and comes in 50 × 50 in, 79 × 59 in and 118 × 79 in sizes, in Beige or Dark Grey. Our playmat size guide compares all three. Whatever surface you choose, it is for awake, supervised floor play only and is not a sleep surface.

When to check in with your pediatrician

Struggling at the start is common, but there are times to ask. The Royal Children's Hospital lists these reasons to seek medical advice from your GP, nurse, pediatrician or a pediatric physiotherapist:

  • your baby is not improving at tummy time after 6 to 8 weeks of age
  • your baby feels very stiff or very floppy
  • your baby is 6 weeks old and not making eye contact or focusing on toys
  • your baby has a misshapen head or a strong preference for having their head on one side
  • your baby is not moving both sides of their body the same

The hospital also notes that babies with big heads, or babies who were born early, often find tummy time more difficult and may need more time to improve. The CDC lists developmental milestones by age (for example, by 2 months most babies can hold their head up when on their tummy) and says to talk with your child's doctor if you have any concerns. Trust your instincts. Asking early costs nothing.

FAQ

Is it normal for my baby to cry during tummy time?

Yes. The City of Chicago's infant care page says most babies cry at first, and the Royal Children's Hospital says it is normal for young babies to be unhappy on their tummy. Short, frequent sessions with some company usually help.

Can I skip tummy time if my baby hates it?

The sources advise against giving up. The Royal Children's Hospital says it is important to keep trying and that it should get better with daily practice. If your baby truly cannot manage it, speak to your pediatrician rather than stopping on your own.

What if my baby falls asleep on their tummy?

Gently roll them onto their back right away. The HSE says not to let your baby sleep on their tummy. Tummy time is only for awake, supervised moments.

How long should I keep trying?

The Royal Children's Hospital suggests continuing until your baby starts to crawl or can get onto and off their tummy themselves, at which point they are doing their own tummy time.

Sources

— The GRHomera team