My Baby Hates Tummy Time at 6 Months – What Should I Do?

Does your 6-month-old scream during tummy time? You’re not alone! Many parents worry when their babies hate this important activity.

Tummy time helps babies build strong muscles, but what if your little one won’t do it?

In this blog, we’ll look at why some 6-month-olds fight tummy time, what might happen if they skip it, and simple ways to make it more fun.

We’ll also cover when you should talk to a doctor about your concerns.

Don’t worry – there are many ways to help your baby enjoy this important step in their growth. Every baby is different, and with some patience, you’ll find what works best.

Read on for practical tips that will help your baby with the tummy time.

What Is Tummy Time and When It Starts?

Tummy time is when babies lie on their stomachs while awake and supervised by their parents. Most babies start tummy time at 2-3 months old.

Tummy time helps build neck, shoulder, and arm muscles while reducing flat spots on the baby’s head. It helps babies learn to push up, roll over, and crawl as they grow.

This important activity builds core strength, improves motor skills, and supports brain development during a baby’s early months.

Is It Normal for a 6-Month-Old to Hate Tummy Time?

Yes, it’s completely normal if your 6-month-old doesn’t enjoy tummy time.

Many babies at this age resist or even cry during these sessions, and this doesn’t mean anything is wrong with your baby or parenting.

Why Your Baby Might Struggle?

Your baby’s dislike of tummy time is usually due to very normal developmental reasons.

Most babies find this position challenging at first, but they can gradually adjust with patience and the right approach.

These are some normal reasons why your baby might dislike tummy time:

Physical discomfort: Being on their stomach can cause pressure on their belly
Lack of neck strength: It’s hard work for babies to hold their heads up
Frustration: Babies can get upset when they can’t move how they want to
New position: Some babies prefer being on their backs, where they can see more

Remember, each baby develops at their own pace, and with gentle persistence, most babies gradually become more comfortable with tummy time.

What Happens if My Baby Misses Tummy Time?

Tummy time helps babies build neck, back, and arm muscles for crawling and sitting. Without it, babies may face growth delays.

Risks of skipping tummy time:

Slower motor skill growth
Weaker neck and shoulder muscles
Flat spots on the baby’s head
Delayed crawling and sitting

What to Do if Your Baby Has Had Little to No Tummy Time?

It’s never too late to start tummy time with your baby. If you’ve missed doing it before, you can begin now.

Most babies can catch up quickly when given the chance to practice. Here’s what you can do:

Start slow with 1-2 minutes of tummy time, 2-3 times daily
Lie down with your baby face-to-face
Put toys in a circle to make the baby turn their head
Try tummy time on your chest while you’re lying down
Be patient and add more minutes as the baby gets stronger

Should I Force Tummy Time If My Baby Cries?

You should not force tummy time if your baby is crying hard. Babies aren’t learning or building muscles when they get upset during tummy time. They’re just getting frustrated.

Watch for these signs to stop and try later:

Your baby starts to cry more loudly.
Your baby’s face is turning red.
Your baby is pushing himself/herself away.
Your baby’s head is lying down flat on the floor.

If your baby cries, pick them up, comfort them, and try again in an hour. Some babies need time to get used to being on their tummy.

Stay patient and keep trying with shorter times until they can handle more.

Special Note: Try short tummy time sessions (30-60 seconds) many times during the day instead of one long session. This helps babies build comfort without getting upset.

How Can I Make Tummy Time Fun for My 6-Month-Old?

Tummy time helps babies build strong neck and shoulder muscles. It’s an important part of your baby’s growth, but it can be tough if they don’t enjoy it.

You can try out these steps to make it more engaging and fun:

Engage with toys, mirrors, and music.
Try different tummy time positions-
- Tummy-to-tummy with a caregiver
- Use a rolled-up towel or tummy-time pillow
- Laying on an exercise ball
- Inclined tummy time (on lap or chest)
Make funny faces and sounds to keep the baby interested
Read books while baby is on their tummy
Place toys just out of reach to help baby stretch
Join in on the floor at baby’s eye level
Try tummy time after a diaper change when the baby is happy

Special Note: Start with short tummy time sessions and slowly add more minutes as your baby gets used to it. This helps build strength without making your baby upset

What Are the Best Alternatives to Traditional Tummy Time?

Tummy time helps babies develop strong muscles, but it can be tough for some infants who don’t enjoy being on their stomachs. There are other good ways to help your baby grow strong.

Here are some things you can try instead of tummy time:

Hold your baby in a football hold with one hand under their chest. This helps them lift their head and build neck muscles while feeling safe in your arms.
Place your baby across your lap on their stomach. You can gently rock them back and forth.
This gives them the same benefits as floor tummy time but with more comfort.
Use baby carriers that keep your infant upright. This position naturally makes them work their neck and back muscles while they look around the world.
Try side-lying play as a step toward full tummy time. Put your baby on their side with a rolled towel behind their back for support.

When Should I Be Concerned and Seek Help?

Watch for signs that your baby might need extra help. Talk to your doctor if you notice:

Your baby seems very stiff when moving.
Your baby cries a lot during tummy time.
Your baby can’t hold their head up after 4 months.
One side of the body seems stronger than the other.
Your baby doesn’t roll over by 6 months.

A doctor or therapist who works with babies can check for a problem. They might suggest special ways to hold your baby and gentle stretches for tight muscles.

They can show you more tummy time with support, side-lying positions to help movement, and sitting practice with cushions.

Early help works best, so don’t wait if you’re worried about how your baby moves.

Final Thoughts

Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s growth, even if they don’t like it initially. Remember that many 6-month-olds cry during tummy time – this is normal and doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong!

Start with short sessions of just 1-2 minutes several times daily. Try different positions, like putting the baby on your chest or using a rolled towel for support.

Make it fun with toys, mirrors, and getting down on the floor with your little one.

If your baby hates tummy time, try the alternatives we shared. These help build the same muscles in different ways.

Most importantly, know when to talk to a doctor. If your baby isn’t meeting movement milestones or seems very stiff, getting help early can make a big difference.