Why Tummy Time Can Be Hard for Babies — and Helpful Alternatives
- trayloramandan
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Key Takeaways
Tummy time can be challenging due to limited head and neck control, unfamiliar positioning, reflux or gas, sensory overload, or muscle imbalances (such as with torticollis).
Alternatives include chest-to-chest positioning, tummy time on a lap, side-lying play, tummy time with props (towels, nursing pillows), baby wearing, and upright holding/burping positions.
Don't forget to start early and often! And don't practice tummy time during sleep and nap times.
“Tummy time” is often presented as a must-do activity for infants, but many parents quickly discover that their baby strongly disagrees. Crying, fussing, arching, or outright refusal are common — and they can leave caregivers feeling worried or guilty.
The truth is: tummy time can be genuinely difficult or uncomfortable for many infants, especially early on. Understanding why it’s hard — and knowing there are effective, gentler alternatives — can help parents support development without unnecessary stress.
Why Tummy Time Can Be Difficult or Uncomfortable
1. Babies Are Born With Limited Head and Neck Control
Newborns have heavy heads and weak neck muscles. Lifting the head against gravity is a major effort, and fatigue sets in quickly. What looks like resistance may simply be exhaustion.
What parents see:
• Face planted on the mat
• Short bursts of head lifting
• Frustrated crying within seconds
2. Tummy Time Puts Babies in an Unfamiliar Position
Babies spend a lot of time on their backs — sleeping, being carried, riding in car seats. Being suddenly placed face-down can feel disorienting and unsafe.
What parents see:
• Startle responses
• Crying immediately after being placed down
• Stiff or tense body posture
3. Reflux, Gas, or Full Bellies Can Make It Uncomfortable
Pressure on the abdomen can worsen reflux or gas discomfort, especially right after feeding.
What parents see:
• Spitting up during tummy time
• Arching the back
• Increased fussiness after feeds
4. Sensory Overload
Firm mats, cold floors, bright lights, and unfamiliar textures can overwhelm an infant’s developing sensory system.
What parents see:
• Turning head away
• Crying despite being otherwise calm
• Difficulty settling into the position
5. Muscle Imbalances or Tension
Some babies have tight neck muscles, asymmetrical movement, or preferences for turning one way (such as torticollis). These issues can make tummy time harder or even painful.
What parents see:
• Head always turned to one side
• Difficulty lifting head evenly
• Resistance to weight-bearing on arms
Alternatives to Traditional Tummy Time
The goal of tummy time isn’t the position itself — it’s building strength, coordination, and body awareness. It is also important to change the pressure on your developing baby's skull in order to prevent positional plagiocephaly (or flattening of the skull). These alternatives support the same goals while respecting the baby’s comfort.
1. Chest-to-Chest Tummy Time
Place your baby on your chest while you recline slightly.
Why it helps:
• Familiar caregiver smell and heartbeat
• Easier head lifting due to slight incline
• Encourages bonding
Bonus: This counts as tummy time.
2. Tummy Time on a Lap
Lay your baby face-down across your thighs while seated.
Why it helps:
• Softer surface
• Gentle elevation
• Easy to adjust angle
3. Side-Lying Play
Place your baby on their side with a rolled towel behind their back for support.
Why it helps:
• Reduces gravity demands
• Encourages hands to midline
• Builds trunk and neck strength
• Takes pressure off back of the head
4. Supported Tummy Time With Props
Use a rolled towel or small pillow under the chest (not the face).
Why it helps:
• Decreases effort needed to lift the head
• Allows longer, calmer play
• Builds confidence in the position
Post contains affiliate links
5. Babywearing
Using a properly fitted carrier allows babies to work on head and neck control throughout the day.
Why it helps:
• Strengthens postural muscles
• Regulates the nervous system
• Provides constant, gentle movement
• Relieves pressure off back of the head
Post contains affiliate links
6. Upright Holding and Burping Positions
Holding your baby upright against your shoulder encourages head control and core engagement.
Why it helps:
• Functional strengthening
• Comfortable for babies with reflux
• Easy to do during daily routines
Tips for Making Tummy Time Easier (If You Try It)
• Try short, frequent sessions (10–30 seconds counts)
• Choose times when your baby is alert but not hungry or tired
• Get down at baby’s eye level and talk or sing
• Stop before crying escalates — quality matters more than duration
Reassurance for Parents
A baby who dislikes tummy time is not failing — and neither are you.
Development happens through variety, repetition, and responsive caregiving, not through forcing a single position. Gentle alternatives still build the strength and skills babies need for rolling, sitting, and crawling.
If tummy time is a struggle, it’s okay to adapt. Meeting your baby where they are — physically and emotionally — is one of the best supports you can offer.
Looking to motivate your baby with images of cute babies working their muscles in tummy time? Check out this book:
