If you've ever put your baby down for tummy time and been met with a red face, a wail, and a nose pressed into the blanket within seconds, you are in very good company. "My baby hates tummy time" is one of the things we hear most often from parents at B.well tots. And I want you to know right away: it doesn't mean you're doing it wrong, and it doesn't mean your baby is "behind."
Tummy time protest is information. Your baby is telling you something about how their body feels in that position. Our job, together, is to get curious about what that something is.
Why tummy time matters
Time on the belly helps babies build strength through the neck, shoulders, back, and core. It supports rolling, reaching, pushing up, and eventually crawling. It also gives the back of the head a break from pressure and lets babies experience the world from a new angle. (For more on how these early skills stack together, see our post on early movement and motor development.)
Babies sleep on their backs, on a flat, bare surface, every time. Tummy time is for awake, supervised play.
Why some babies protest
Here's where our blended approach comes in. At B.well tots, feeding, lactation, therapeutic movement, oral motor work, neuro, and bodywork aren't separate boxes. A baby is one connected system, and tummy time is often where we see that system working hard. A few common threads:
Tension in the body. Babies can carry tightness from their time in the womb or from birth. If the neck, jaw, chest, or hips feel tight, lifting the head against gravity can be genuinely uncomfortable.
A head tilt or turning preference. If your baby always looks one way or tilts their head to one side (sometimes called torticollis), tummy time asks them to use muscles that aren't sharing the work evenly yet. That's hard, and they let you know.
Reflux or a full, uncomfortable belly. Pressure on a belly that just ate, or one that's dealing with spit-up and discomfort, can make tummy time feel lousy. Timing matters a lot here.
Feeding fatigue. Feeding is a full-body workout for a baby. If latching, sucking, swallowing, and breathing are taking a lot of effort, there may not be much energy left over for pushing up on the floor. We often see feeding and movement struggles show up together. (Our post on painful latch and how infant OT and lactation work together digs into this connection.)
Oral motor and breathing patterns. How a baby uses their tongue, lips, and jaw is connected to how they hold their head and breathe. A baby who rests with an open mouth or works hard to breathe may find tummy time extra tiring. If you're curious about this, what "airway" means for babies and kids is a good place to start.
A busy nervous system. Some babies are simply more sensitive to new positions. A strong startle or a quickly overwhelmed system can make the floor feel like a lot. (Read more about the newborn startle (Moro) reflex.)
Often it's not just one of these, it's a few working together. That's exactly why we look at the whole baby.
Gentle tummy time ideas to try at home
You don't need a fancy mat or a strict schedule. Think "little and often" and "close to you."
Chest-to-chest. Recline on the couch or bed and lay your baby on your chest, tummy down. Your face is the best motivator there is. This counts as tummy time, and many babies who protest the floor love it.
Lap time. Sit with your legs out and lay your baby across your thighs, tummy down. Gently rub their back or lightly rock. Your lap gives support and a little movement at the same time.
Side-lying. Lay your baby on their side with a rolled towel behind their back for support, and play face-to-face. Side-lying is a lovely bridge that builds strength without the full challenge of being on the belly. Try both sides.
Short, frequent bouts. A minute or two, several times a day, is far more useful than one long, tearful session. End before the meltdown when you can, so tummy time stays a positive memory.
Mirrors and toys. Babies love faces, including their own. Set a baby-safe mirror or a high-contrast toy just in front of them at eye level. Get down on the floor yourself; your voice and face are the most interesting things in the room.
Watch the timing. Try tummy time when your baby is awake and alert but not right after a big feed. A diaper change is a natural moment for a quick roll onto the belly.
Support under the chest. A small rolled towel under the chest and armpits can make lifting the head easier while your baby builds strength.
When to reach out
Some fussing is normal. It may be worth getting support if your baby:
Consistently cries within seconds of any tummy position, including on your chest
Strongly prefers turning or tilting their head one way, or you notice flattening on one side
Struggles with feeding, gets tired quickly at the breast or bottle, or has a lot of spit-up and discomfort
Seems stiff, arches a lot, or feels tense when you hold them
How B.well tots helps babies
Our team is built for exactly this kind of overlap. Our therapists work alongside lots of lactation support on the team, so we can look at feeding, movement, oral motor skills, and bodywork in the same visit instead of sending you from place to place. Our therapists love helping little ones (and their grown-ups) find their way to more comfortable movement and feeding. Babies are welcome at all three of our offices: Fishtown (2011 N. Front St.), Fairmount (2000 Hamilton St., Ste 304), and Wyndmoor (1100 E. Mermaid Lane). We also offer home visits, which can be a gift in those early weeks.
Every visit is about you leaving with a clearer picture and simple things you can actually do at home.
If your baby hates tummy time and you'd like a second set of eyes, we'd love to help.
Warmly,
Kelsey Baker, OT, B.well tots
This post is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for individualized medical advice.