Why Does My Baby Hate Tummy Time?

If your baby cries the second you place them on their tummy, you are definitely not alone.

Hi, I’m Karen Tanso, a board-certified pediatric physical therapist and founder of Inchstones PT. I help families support their baby’s development through movement, play, and early intervention support when needed.

This is one of the most common concerns I hear from parents, especially during those middle-of-the-night Google searches when you’re wondering if your baby is behind, if you’re doing something wrong, or if tummy time is supposed to look easier than it does.

Here’s the good news:

Many babies dislike tummy time at first.

Tummy time is hard work. Your baby is learning how to lift their head, move their body against gravity, build strength, and eventually prepare for rolling, crawling, sitting, and transitions.

That takes time.

And despite what social media may make it seem like, tummy time does not have to look perfect to be beneficial.

What Is Tummy Time?

Tummy time is any time your baby spends on their stomach while awake and supervised.

It helps babies strengthen their:

• neck

• shoulders

• upper back

• core

• hips

Tummy time also supports:

• head control

• rolling

• crawling

• reaching

• posture

• body awareness

Tummy time can actually start as early as days old and can even happen chest-to-chest with a caregiver.

That means tummy time does not always need to happen flat on the floor.

Why Do Babies Hate Tummy Time?

There are a few very normal reasons babies struggle with tummy time early on.

1. It’s a Workout

Imagine being placed into a push-up position before you fully understand how your body works.

That’s basically tummy time for a newborn.

Babies are still developing the strength to:

• lift their head

• shift their weight

• tolerate pressure through their arms

• hold themselves against gravity

Many babies can only tolerate a few seconds or minutes at first and that’s okay.

2. They Spend More Time on Their Back

(especially in our busy lives)

Babies sleep on their backs for safe sleep, and many also spend time in:

• car seats

• swings

• bouncers

• strollers

• 
  

Tummy time feels unfamiliar.

Sometimes babies simply need more opportunities to practice the position.

3. They Feel Frustrated

Some babies want to move and explore but do not yet have the strength or coordination to do it easily.

That frustration can quickly turn into crying.

This does not automatically mean something is wrong.

4. They May Have Tightness or Discomfort

Sometimes tummy time struggles can be connected to:

• torticollis

• body tension

• reflux

• muscle weakness

• positional preferences

• 
  

If your baby consistently becomes extremely upset during tummy time or strongly prefers looking one direction, it may help to speak with a pediatric physical therapist.

How Much Tummy Time Does My Baby Need?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that tummy time needs to happen all at once.

It doesn’t.

I recommend:

• starting small

• practicing throughout the day

• aiming for at least 3–4 opportunities daily

• increasing the time little by little as your baby tolerates it

Even:

• 30 seconds

• 1 minute

• a few attempts throughout the day

…counts.

Over time, these small moments add up.

The long-term goal is eventually working up toward about 60 minutes total throughout the day by around 3-4 months old, but that happens gradually.

Easy Ways to Make Tummy Time Easier

If your baby hates tummy time, here are some ways to make it more successful:

Start Chest-to-Chest

This is one of my favorite starting positions for newborns.

Lay back slightly and place your baby on your chest while you talk, sing, or make eye contact.

Your baby still gets the benefits of tummy time while feeling comforted and connected.

This position is especially helpful for babies who are having a hard time lifting their head up.

Try Tummy Time on Your Lap

If your baby dislikes the floor, place them on your lap facing outward or across your legs.

This can feel less overwhelming while still building strength.

Use a Small Towel Roll

A small rolled towel or pillow under your baby’s chest can give them a slight incline and make lifting their head easier.

Sometimes tiny changes make a huge difference.

Get Down on the Floor With Them

Babies love faces.

Try:

• singing

• talking

• making funny sounds

• laying face-to-face

• using a mirror

  
  

Tummy time should feel interactive and playful and not like a chore (for you or your baby).

Use Toys Strategically

Around 4–6 months, placing toys slightly in front of or to the side of your baby can encourage:

• reaching

• head turning

• pushing up on arms

• weight shifting

  • you might even see them roll!

This helps tummy time become more purposeful and engaging.

When Should You Be Concerned?

Some fussing during tummy time is completely normal.

But it may be worth reaching out to your pediatrician or a pediatric physical therapist if your baby:

• always looks to one side

• develops a flat spot on their head

• struggles to lift their head

• arches their bodies excessively

• seems very stiff or very floppy

• misses or having trouble with motor milestones

• becomes extremely distressed every single attempt

  
  

Early support can make a big difference.

Sometimes just a few small positioning changes completely improve tummy time tolerance.

Tummy Time Does Not Need to Be Perfect

This is important.

You do not need to force long tummy time sessions while your baby cries the entire time.

Start small. Stay consistent. Make it playful. Build tolerance over time.

Development happens in the small steps, or as I like to say, the inchstones.

Download My Free Tummy Time Guide

I created a free Tummy Time Guide filled with:

• tummy time positions

• simple routines

• age-by-age activities

• product recommendations

• ways to make tummy time easier for babies 0–6 months

• 
  

You can download the guide here.

You can also follow me on Instagram for more pediatric PT tips, milestone education, and baby movement activities.