Tummy Time Without Tears (Making It Work For Your Baby)
Tummy time is one of the most important activities for your baby’s development, but let’s be real—some babies are not a fan. If your baby cries every time you place them on their belly, you’re not alone. The good news? It doesn’t have to be a struggle! With a few adjustments, you can make tummy time a more enjoyable (and tear-free) experience for both of you.
Why Tummy Time Matters
Tummy time isn’t just about getting your baby used to being on their belly—it’s about building the strength and coordination they’ll need for rolling, crawling, and even sitting up. Regular tummy time helps:
Strengthen the neck, back, and shoulder muscles
Improve head control
Prevent flat spots on the head (plagiocephaly)
Promote overall motor development
Skipping tummy time or avoiding it because your baby dislikes it can make these milestones harder to achieve later on. But don’t worry—there are ways to ease into it!
How to Make Tummy Time More Enjoyable
1. Be Respectful
Your baby’s brain takes a second to process. Give them a minute laying on the floor on their back before very slowly and gently rolling your baby onto their tummy. Make sure they can see you! See you while they do this hard work will make your baby so happy.
2. Try Different Positions
Tummy time doesn’t always have to mean placing your baby flat on the floor! Here are some alternative positions that count as tummy time:
Tummy-to-chest: Lay back and place your baby on your chest so they can lift their head to look at you.
Tummy-over-lap: Sit cross-legged and lay your baby across your thighs for gentle support.
Football hold: Carry your baby tummy-down along your arm for a change of scenery.
Blanket Roll: Okay this is my least favorite, but you can have your baby over the blanket roll to give them a little advantage.
3. Use Props & Engagement
Make tummy time more interactive with:
Your face! Getting down at their level and making eye contact can be super motivating.
A mirror in front of them to catch their interest
High-contrast black-and-white toys or colorful objects to look at
4. Time It Right
Babies are more likely to tolerate tummy time when they’re well-rested and fed. Try it after a diaper change or when they’re in a good mood!
Yes, it’s okay to do tummy time after your baby eats… they might spit up but as long as they seem comfortable!
5. Give Them An Advantage
Gentle traction on the hips can stretch the fascia on the back just enough to give your baby enough of an advantage to feel successful on their tummies.
Babies love interaction! Laying down next to your baby, talking, singing, or making silly faces can make tummy time feel like playtime instead of a chore.
6. Keep It Frequent but Short
Instead of a single long tummy time session, try incorporating it throughout the day in small bursts. Even rolling into tummy time a few minutes after every diaper change can add up and make a big difference.
When to Expect Improvements
Most babies adjust to tummy time within a few weeks, especially when it’s done consistently. By 3-4 months, they should start lifting their head higher and using their arms to push up. If your baby isn’t rolling by 4 months or seems uncomfortable in tummy time, a pediatric physical therapist can help assess if they need extra support.
Don’t wait to get support!
Final Thoughts
Tummy time doesn’t have to be a battle! With a little creativity and patience, you can help your baby build strength while keeping things fun and engaging. Remember, small steps add up—just a few minutes here and there can make all the difference.
If you have concerns about your baby’s movement, muscle tone, or head shape, a pediatric PT can provide guidance tailored to their needs. In the meantime, keep experimenting with different tummy time strategies until you find what works best for your little one!
Share this with a friend whose baby hates tummy time—it might just change everything.
Love,
Emily
