Why does my baby hate tummy time? And what you can do

Why does my baby hate tummy time? And what you can do

If tummy time feels like a daily battle, you are not alone.
A lot of parents tell me it starts the same way. You put your baby down, they manage a few seconds, then the crying starts. Sometimes full red-faced protest. Sometimes that quiet, distressed whimper that makes you scoop them up straight away.

It is easy to think you are doing it wrong. Or that your baby is “behind”.
Usually, neither is true.

Why tummy time feels so hard for some babies

Tummy time is demanding. For a newborn, it is one of the hardest positions they are asked to be in.

On their tummy, babies have to work against gravity.
They need to lift their head, push through their arms, and engage muscles they barely know exist yet.

Some common reasons babies struggle include:

• Neck stiffness or a head preference
• Tightness through the shoulders or upper back
• Discomfort after feeds or reflux
• Sensitivity following a difficult or assisted birth
• Spending a lot of time on their back early on, which is very normal

For some babies, tummy time does not feel neutral.
It feels uncomfortable. Sometimes even overwhelming.

That discomfort often comes out as crying.

What tummy time is actually for

Parents are often told tummy time is “important” without much explanation. That does not help when your baby hates it.

Tummy time helps babies:

• Develop neck and upper body strength
• Learn to shift weight and move more freely
• Reduce the chance of flattening at the back of the head
• Prepare for rolling, crawling and later movement

It does not need to be long.
It does need to be comfortable enough to repeat.

What you can do if your baby hates tummy time

Start small. Smaller than you think.

A few seconds, many times a day, is more useful than one long session that ends in tears.

Some things that often help:

Use your body
Tummy time does not have to be on the floor. Lying on your chest counts. Being over your lap counts. These positions feel safer and softer for many babies.

Change the surface
A firm floor can feel harsh. Try a folded towel under the chest or a slightly inclined surface so your baby is not completely flat.

Time it carefully
Avoid tummy time straight after feeds. A baby with wind or reflux will usually protest more.

Get down to their level
Face-to-face contact matters. Babies tolerate discomfort better when they feel connected.

Follow their lead
If they manage five seconds today, that is fine. Tomorrow might be ten. Progress is rarely linear.

When tummy time might need extra support

If your baby consistently:

• Cries immediately every time
• Always turns their head one way
• Feels stiff when you try to move them
• Has a noticeable flat spot on one side
• Avoids using one arm or side of their body

It can be helpful to have them checked.

Sometimes there is underlying tension or asymmetry that makes tummy time genuinely hard. When that is addressed, many babies tolerate it better quite quickly.

A gentle word of reassurance

Tummy time is important, but it is not a test you can fail.

Your baby is not being difficult.
They are communicating.

With the right positioning, pacing and support, most babies improve steadily. Some just need a bit more help early on, and that is okay.

If you ever feel unsure, trust that instinct.
Getting advice early is usually simpler than waiting and worrying.