Tummy Time Troubles? 7 Expert Strategies That Actually Work
As an occupational therapist specializing in infant development, there’s one phrase I hear from parents almost daily: “My baby hates tummy time!” If you’re nodding in agreement right now, please know you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault.
Tummy time can be genuinely challenging for many babies, but with the right approach, it can transform from tears to cheers. Today, I’m sharing the strategies that have helped hundreds of families in my practice turn this essential developmental activity into an enjoyable experience for both baby and parent.
Why Tummy Time Matters (More Than You Might Think)
Before diving into solutions, let’s understand why we put our precious babies in a position they often protest:
Tummy time isn’t just about preventing flat spots on your baby’s head (though it certainly helps with that). It’s actually building the foundation for nearly every major milestone to come:
Brain development: When babies push up against gravity, they form crucial neural connections between both sides of the brain
Visual skills: The head control developed during tummy time directly supports eye tracking and depth perception
Core strength: That little push-up position activates the core muscles needed for rolling, sitting, and eventually walking
Hand development: Weight-bearing on arms prepares hands for fine motor skills like grasping toys and, years later, holding a pencil
One parent in our practice, Maya, put it perfectly: “I had no idea that those few minutes of tummy time each day were building so much more than neck muscles. Now I see how it’s connected to everything my daughter is learning to do.”
Why Do Some Babies Dislike Tummy Time?
Understanding why your baby might resist tummy time is the first step toward making it better:
Sensory Sensitivity - Some babies are more sensitive to how things feel against their skin. That face-down position can be overwhelming to their developing sensory system.
Core Weakness - Imagine being asked to hold a plank position when you haven’t exercised in months! Without sufficient strength, tummy time feels like work.
Reflux Discomfort - Babies with reflux may experience increased discomfort when pressure is placed on their tummies.
Timing Troubles - Even the most tummy time-tolerant baby will protest if they’re hungry, tired, or need a diaper change.
Visual Motor Challenges - Some babies need more support developing the visual skills that make tummy time interesting.
7 Therapist-Approved Strategies to Transform Tummy Time
Let’s move on to what really works—strategies I’ve refined through years of working with babies of all temperaments and abilities.
1. The Chest-to-Chest Approach: Start Where They’re Comfortable
Why it works: This position gives your baby all the developmental benefits of tummy time with the comfort of being close to you.
How to do it: Recline on your back with your knees bent and place baby tummy-down on your chest. Make eye contact and talk softly. This gentle introduction to tummy time uses your body as the supporting surface while still allowing baby to work against gravity.
Real parent tip: “My son would scream within seconds on the floor, but would happily lay on my chest for 15 minutes, lifting his head to look at me. We gradually transitioned to floor play as he got stronger.” —Jamie, parent of 4-month-old Noah
2. The High-Contrast Visual Strategy: Give Them Something Fascinating to Look At
Why it works: Babies are naturally drawn to high-contrast patterns and faces, which motivate them to lift their heads and focus.
How to do it: Place simple black-and-white patterns, pictures of faces, or a baby-safe mirror where your baby needs to lift their head to see. Even better—position yourself at their eye level and make animated expressions.
Pro tip: Swap out visual stimuli regularly to maintain interest. A smartphone with a high-contrast baby app can work wonders (just keep it at an appropriate distance).
3. The Rolled Towel Trick: Provide Strategic Support
Why it works: Slight elevation reduces the workload while still building crucial muscles.
How to do it: Roll a small towel or receiving blanket to create a 1-2 inch thick roll. Place it under your baby’s chest and armpits during tummy time, keeping their arms positioned forward.
Important safety note: Always supervise this position, ensure the face is unobstructed, and remove the roll if baby shows signs of fatigue.
4. The Toy Positioning Method: Create Motivation Through Play
Why it works: Strategic toy placement encourages weight-shifting and reaching—key pre-crawling skills.
How to do it:
For younger babies (0-3 months): Position high-contrast toys at eye level
For older babies (4+ months): Place interesting toys just slightly out of reach to either side, encouraging weight shifting
Developmental insight: “When babies reach during tummy time, they’re learning to shift weight to one side—a precursor to rolling and crawling. It’s not just about grabbing the toy!” —Nicole Ecker, OTR/L
5. The Mirror Magic Technique: Harness Self-Interest
Why it works: Babies are naturally drawn to faces—including their own!
How to do it: Position a non-breakable mirror where your baby can see themselves during tummy time. Many play mats come with attached mirrors, or you can purchase baby-safe mirrors designed for play.
What to say: Narrate what your baby might be thinking: “Who’s that baby? Is that you? Look at those big eyes!” This helps them connect their movement with what they’re seeing.
6. The Sensory Path Creation: Make a Tummy-Time Adventure
Why it works: Different textures provide sensory feedback that can make tummy time more engaging.
How to do it: Create a simple sensory path using different textured fabrics (velvet, corduroy, satin, etc.). Place them in a row and position baby at one end during tummy time. The varied sensations under their hands create an engaging experience.
Bonus idea: For water-loving babies, try a water mat with floating objects that move when pressed.
7. The Progressive Timing Approach: Build Tolerance Gradually
Why it works: This gentle method prevents tummy time from becoming a negative experience.
How to do it:
Start with very short sessions (even 20-30 seconds) several times daily
End each session before your baby becomes upset
Gradually increase duration as tolerance improves
Celebrate small victories with exaggerated praise
Success story: “We started with just 15 seconds, six times a day. My daughter went from screaming instantly to tolerating 10 minutes of tummy time within two weeks. The key was ending before she got upset.” —Taylor, parent of 3-month-old Ava
Creating a Tummy Time Routine That Works
Consistency is key to tummy time success. Here’s a simple approach:
Identify your baby’s “golden hours” (when they’re typically most content)
Start with 2-3 minutes, 3-5 times daily (or less if needed)
Incorporate it after diaper changes when your baby is already on their back
Use verbal cues like “tummy time!” to create positive associations
End with a cuddle to reinforce that tummy time leads to pleasant experiences
When to Seek Additional Support
While most tummy time challenges resolve with these strategies and time, occasionally additional help is beneficial. Consider reaching out to a pediatric occupational therapist if:
Your baby shows strong preference for turning the head to only one side
At 4 months, your baby still cannot lift their head 45 degrees during tummy time
Your baby seems excessively distressed by the position despite trying multiple approaches
You notice asymmetrical movements or positioning
Your Tummy Time Questions, Answered
Q: My baby is 5 months old and still hates tummy time. Is it too late?
A: It’s never too late! Older babies may need more engaging activities during tummy time, but the same principles apply. Try incorporating reaching games and placing favorite toys just out of reach to encourage movement.
Q: How much tummy time should my baby be getting?
A: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends working up to about 15-30 minutes of tummy time daily by 3 months, but this can be spread throughout the day in short sessions. Quality matters more than quantity!
Q: Does tummy time on my chest count?
A: Absolutely! While floor tummy time provides more resistance for muscle development, chest-to-chest tummy time is a valuable starting point and still builds important skills.
Q: My baby immediately face-plants during tummy time. What should I do?
A: This typically indicates your baby needs more core and neck strength. Start with chest-to-chest tummy time and the rolled towel support method. Even a few seconds of lifting against gravity builds strength over time.
Remember, every baby is unique. The path to successful tummy time might look different for your little one, but with consistency and these expert strategies, you’ll get there.
Nicole Ecker is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in infant development. Through her practice, Milestones and Moments, she has helped hundreds of families navigate developmental challenges with evidence-based, family-centered approaches.