Why does my baby hate tummy time?  

From the first few days after your baby is born, your pediatrician will most likely remind you to start putting the baby on the floor in a safe, open space for tummy time.

Tummy time has many benefits for babies; it strengthens babies’ necks, shoulders, and arm muscles, improves their motor skills, and prevents any flat spots on the back of a baby’s head.

Some babies are perfectly happy spending time on their tummies, and those parents are fortunate that they don’t have to deal with the drama of tummy time. However, other babies protest tummy time from the first time you place them on the floor.

We’re here to encourage you not to give up! Tummy time is significantly beneficial for babies’ development, and there are a few tricks you can try to get your baby accustomed to being on their tummies.

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What’s the Deal with Tummy Time?

Do you think babies care if tummy time is great for their muscle development, vision, head shape, and even for socialization? Not a chance. Many babies get fussy and grumpy during tummy time. Sound familiar?

It’s actually completely normal for babies to protest tummy time. Being on their bellies is hard work, and they use brand new muscles to try and raise their neck and head off the ground. It can be frustrating for newborns to experience tummy time because they are so comfortable on their backs or in their parent’s arms; this sensation is new and different.

How to Make Tummy Time More Fun

Tummy time is a necessary part of every baby’s growth and development, and there are a few ways to make it a less dramatic experience for your little one. Here are a few suggestions worth trying to make tummy time more fun for everyone involved.

Get on the floor with your baby

If your baby is fussy during tummy time, join the party! Lay on your stomach beside your baby, talk to them, sing songs, play peekaboo, and try to make them coo or smile. Distraction is a great technique, particularly for babies who just want to wail while on their bellies.

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Do tummy time on your chest

If the floor makes your baby upset, lay them on their belly right on your chest! This way, they can stare at you, and you can talk to them or sing songs, making it a more comfortable experience than lying on the floor. Be sure to hold onto your baby in case they wiggle or roll.

Make sure they’re comfortable

Rather than laying the baby on tile or hardwood, ensure the floor is comfortable. Whether your living room has a plush carpet or you toss a thick, soft throw rug down for tummy time, making your baby comfortable will decrease the likelihood of tears or a grumpy baby.

Find a fun mat

Try an awesome inflatable water mat so your baby has something interesting to look at while they’re on their belly, or this vibrant playmat that they can listen to music and take in all the bright colors around them. As their eyesight develops, there’s so much to see, and they’ll be happy for the distraction.

Start small

If tummy time upsets your baby, don’t stress too much about it. Try it for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, and scale up as they become more tolerant.

Add toys, books, and more

In many cases, distraction is key to handling unpleasant experiences with kids, and tummy time is no different. Add your baby’s favorite rattle or stuffed animal, show them pictures in a high-contrast board book, or play nursery rhymes and other songs to keep them entertained.

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Final Thoughts on Tummy Time

Hearing your baby wail in protest to tummy time can be upsetting for new parents, but with practice and distractions, your baby will grow used to this activity in no time. The best thing you can do is lie beside your baby, talk to them, rub their back, and provide comfort. Before you know it, they’ll lift their head, roll around, and crawl!