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Patient Questions  /  Baby hates tummy time

Kids & Babies

My Baby Hates Tummy Time. What Can I Do?

Lots of babies fuss during tummy time at first, because lifting their head is hard work, and most complain less as they get stronger. Try shorter sessions more often, do tummy time on your chest or lap, and get down face to face with your baby. If your baby still cries hard every time, or always turns their head one way, talk with your pediatrician.

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Ways to make tummy time easier

  • Chest to chest. Lean back on a couch with your baby tummy-down on your chest. They'll lift their head to see your face.
  • Across your lap. Lay your baby tummy-down across your legs and gently rub their back.
  • A little lift. A small rolled towel under the chest and armpits can make it easier to push up. Only do this while you are right there.
  • Face to face. Lie on the floor at your baby's eye level. Talk, sing or use a baby-safe mirror.
  • Short bursts. Even a minute or two counts. Stop before a meltdown and try again later.
  • Good timing. Try when your baby is rested, not hungry, and not just fed.
  • Tummy-down carry. Carrying your baby face down along your forearm also works the neck and back.

Why some babies protest more

Some babies have weaker neck and shoulder muscles at first. Others have a tight muscle on one side of the neck (torticollis), which makes turning one way uncomfortable. Reflux or a full tummy can also make lying on the tummy unpleasant.

A little fussing is OK. Stay with your baby and help them through it rather than skipping tummy time.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your pediatrician if your baby:

  • Always turns their head the same way, or has a head tilt
  • Can't lift their head on their tummy by about 2 months, or push up on their forearms by about 4 months
  • Arches their back, spits up a lot or seems to be in pain, especially around feeds
  • Is developing a flat spot on the head
  • Feels very stiff or very floppy

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A pediatric physical therapist can check your baby's neck movement and strength, find out what makes tummy time hard, and show you positions and play that your baby tolerates better. You are part of every visit, you get a home program, and we coordinate with your pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026