Tummy Time Intolerance

Tummy time is SUCH an important milestone yet, it’s not uncommon to hear that a baby doesn’t looove it or even downright hates it. Whether you’re curious about tummy time basics or trying to figure out if your little one is resisting it and what the causes may be, Dr. Dani is a Denver based infant chiropractor and has the answers!

Signs of tummy time intolerance

Listen, tummy time can be challenging, but it should also be engaging and fun! Here are a few signs your little one isn’t loving tummy time:

  • Crying when placed on tummy

  • Unable to lift the head (1mo.+)

  • Arching through the mid back instead of lifting the head in tummy time

  • Not placing weight through the forearms and hands (3 mo+)

Why does my baby not like tummy time

IF you find your baby dislikes tummy time, let’s look into why! This is SUCH an important milestone and babies are designed to be interested in movement and exploration. THEY ARE NOT LAZY. So, if your little one is struggling, let’s look into causes such as needing more support/strength, newborn tension, possible reflux, constipation, etc.

Also to note: babies are adapting and learning SO quickly, so what we expect from an infant in tummy time varies greatly from month to month and even week to week. For example, typically by 5 months, true “tummy time” changes drastically as we become more interested in being upright and vertical. Which is why having a pediatric chiropractor or pediatric physical therapist on your care team is helpful to troubleshoot any concerns and to provide guidance in how to advance and appropriately.

Tummy time modifications

If you find your baby is using their back muscles instead of their neck and shoulder muscles, try placing a rolled up receiving blanket or baby pillow (come with most play mats) under their chest and shoulders to help elevate their shoulders. This makes it easier for them to distribute weight through these important areas and decrease compensation patterns.

Other modification ideas:

  • Baby airplane hold

  • Elevated tummy time

  • over the knee or slightly inclined on an exercise ball if we have reflux, gas, or constipation to take pressure off of the belly

  • If your baby truly struggles with tummy time and all other positions haven’t worked, try holding them against you and upright (this will still encourage neck and core strength) until you are able to get an appointment with a pediatric chiropractor or pediatric physical therapist

Seeking professional help for tummy time intolerance

If your baby's tummy time intolerance persists despite your best efforts, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. A pediatric chiropractor (with additional training), pediatric occupational therapist, or pediatric physical therapist can provide further guidance and support tailored to your baby's specific needs.

These professionals can address areas of tension and restriction, identify any underlying issues, and recommend targeted exercises or therapies to address tummy time intolerance effectively.