If your baby cries every time you place them on their tummy, you’re not alone. Many parents worry that their baby “hates tummy time,” but the good news is that tummy time doesn’t have to look the same for every child.
At Back Bay Speech & Occupational Therapy, our pediatric physical therapists help families throughout Boston build tummy time into everyday routines using fun, developmentally appropriate strategies that support strength, motor skills, and healthy head shape.
Why Is Tummy Time Important?
Tummy time is one of the most important activities during your baby’s first year. It helps strengthen the muscles needed for:
- Rolling
- Sitting
- Crawling
- Standing
- Walking
- Head and neck control
- Shoulder stability
- Hand skills
- Visual development
It also reduces pressure on the back of the head, helping prevent positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome).
Why Does My Baby Hate Tummy Time?
Many babies don’t actually hate tummy time—they simply find it difficult.
Common reasons include:
- Neck muscle tightness (torticollis)
- Weak neck and core muscles
- Reflux
- Prematurity
- Fatigue
- Spending long periods in swings, car seats, or bouncers
If your baby consistently cries, always looks one direction, or seems uncomfortable during tummy time, a pediatric physical therapy evaluation can help identify why.
8 Ways to Make Tummy Time Easier
1. Start Early
Begin with just 1–2 minutes several times a day, even during the newborn stage.
2. Try Chest-to-Chest Tummy Time
Lie back on a couch or recliner and place your baby on your chest. They naturally lift their head to look at your face.
3. Use Your Legs
Lay your baby across your lap while gently talking or singing.
4. Get Down on the Floor
Your face is the best toy! Babies love seeing familiar faces.
5. Use Mirrors
A baby-safe mirror encourages lifting the head and looking around.
6. Bring Out High-Contrast Toys
Black-and-white books, rattles, and colorful toys keep babies engaged.
7. Make It Part of Daily Routines
Try tummy time after diaper changes, naps, or every feeding.
8. Keep Sessions Short
Five 2-minute sessions are often more successful than one long session.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Contact your pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist if your baby:
- Always turns their head one direction
- Has a noticeable head tilt
- Cries during every tummy time attempt
- Develops a flat spot
- Misses motor milestones
- Seems unusually stiff or floppy
How Pediatric Physical Therapy Can Help
Our pediatric physical therapists use play-based activities to:
- Improve neck flexibility
- Build strength
- Teach parents positioning techniques
- Support tummy time success
- Address torticollis
- Improve symmetry
- Promote age-appropriate development
Every treatment plan is individualized to your baby’s needs.
We Bring Pediatric PT to You
Back Bay Speech & Occupational Therapy provides pediatric physical therapy in our Charlestown clinic and in homes throughout Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Back Bay, South End, Beacon Hill, and surrounding communities.
Ready to Help Your Baby Love Tummy Time?
If tummy time has become stressful, we’re here to help. Early support can make a significant difference in your baby’s strength, movement, and confidence.
Contact Back Bay Speech & Occupational Therapy today to schedule a pediatric physical therapy evaluation.
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