Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s development, helping strengthen neck, arm, and core muscles. However, many babies fuss or cry during tummy time, leaving parents wondering if they should continue or give up. Here’s what you need to know about letting your baby fuss during tummy time.
What is tummy time?
Tummy time refers to any time your baby spends lying on their stomach while awake. It helps babies strengthen their neck, back, and arm muscles, which they need for skills like lifting their head, rolling over, sitting up, and eventually crawling. Tummy time may begin as early as a few days old.
Why do babies fuss during tummy time?
There are a few reasons babies may fuss or cry during tummy time:
- Discomfort or frustration – Babies are used to being held or lying on their backs. Tummy time is a new, uncomfortable position for them.
- Boredom – Babies have a limited view of their surroundings on their bellies, which may bore them.
- Fatigue – Keeping their head and chest lifted uses a lot of effort for little babies.
- Overstimulation – Being on their belly exposes babies to new sights, sounds, and sensations that may be overstimulating.
Is it okay to let my baby fuss during tummy time?
It’s perfectly fine to let your baby fuss or cry for a few minutes during tummy time. Crying won’t harm your baby, and some fussing is expected. Letting your baby fuss can help build their tolerance for tummy time and self-soothing skills. However, you should respond if your baby is in distress or has been crying for an extended time.
Tips for minimizing fussing during tummy time
There are things you can do to make tummy time more enjoyable and reduce fussing:
- Start slow – Begin with just 1-2 minutes at a time and gradually increase.
- Try different positions – Lay baby over an exercise ball or your legs.
- Engage baby – Get on the floor, make eye contact, sing, and play.
- Use toys – Put toys or mirrors near baby to entertain them.
- Pat or rub baby’s back – This can be calming and supportive.
- Watch for tired signs – End tummy time if baby yawns, closes fists, or turns away.
When to stop tummy time
While some fussing is normal, you should end tummy time right away if your baby:
- Cries hard for over 5 minutes
- Turns blue or has difficulty breathing
- Vomits or chokes
- Gets extremely agitated or exhausted
Comfort and soothe your baby before trying again later. Contact your pediatrician if you have concerns.
How much tummy time is recommended?
Tummy time guidelines from pediatric organizations include:
- Newborns: 2-3 sessions per day, starting at just 1-2 minutes at a time.
- 1-2 months: Work up to longer sessions of 10-15 minutes, 2-3x per day.
- 3-5 months: Increase to 30 minutes spread throughout the day as tolerated.
- 6 months+: Continue tummy time as long as baby enjoys it.
Aim to have baby spend less time on their back while awake. Do lots of supervised floor time too.
What if my baby hates tummy time?
It’s not unusual for babies to fuss or strongly dislike tummy time at first. Try the tips above to make it more enjoyable. But if your baby continues hating tummy time past 3-4 months, talk to your pediatrician. They may recommend:
- Occupational therapy exercises to improve neck/arm strength
- More assisted tummy time, like on your chest
- Baby wearing in an upright carrier
- Allowing baby more time sitting with support
With time and consistency, most babies do adjust to tummy time. But if yours remains resistant, take steps to support their development in other ways.
When can I stop tummy time?
Most babies enjoy tummy time by 4-6 months and will play happily on their bellies. You can phase out dedicated tummy time sessions as your baby becomes more mobile through actions like rolling, creeping, sitting up, and crawling. But continue supervised belly play through the first year as they build strength for walking.
Tummy time tips by age
Here are some tummy time recommendations tailored to your baby’s age:
Newborn to 2 months
- Go for very short 1-2 minute sessions 2-3x per day.
- Lay baby on a blanket on the floor or your chest.
- Get on the floor and interact – talk, sing, make eye contact.
- Try tummy time right after breast or bottle feeding when baby is content.
3 to 4 months
- Increase time to 5-10 minutes, 2-3x per day.
- Incorporate more toys and mirrors to engage baby.
- Do tummy time on an exercise ball with support.
- Start supervised tummy time in baby carriers and slings.
5 to 7 months
- Build up to longer sessions of 15-30 minutes 1-2x per day.
- Help baby push up on straight arms and hold their chest up.
- Place toys just out of reach to motivate rolling.
- Reduce time spent in carriers, bouncers, swings, etc.
8 months +
- Most babies will enjoy extended tummy playtime now.
- Incorporate tummy time into daily routines – after diaper changes, when playing, etc.
- Supervise rolling practice and reaching for toys.
- Phase out dedicated tummy time as baby becomes mobile.
Does tummy time really make a difference?
Research confirms that tummy time positively impacts babies by:
- Improving motor development – Strengthens muscles needed for milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.
- Reducing risk of brachycephaly – Flat head syndrome caused by too much time on the back.
- May reduce SIDS risk – Being on the stomach builds strength to lift the head if needed.
- Promoting sensory development – Provides new visual, tactile, and spatial experiences.
Babies who regularly do tummy time meet physical milestones faster. Tummy time also provides important bonding time for babies and parents.
Tummy time vs. baby containers
Many parents rely heavily on containers like car seats, bouncers, swings, and strollers to soothe and contain babies. However, overuse can contribute to flat spots on the head and delay physical milestones. Try to:
- Limit time spent in containers during waking hours.
- Vary the positions you place your baby in.
- Increase supervised floor playtime.
- Hold baby more often.
Using containers sparingly ensures your baby gets enough tummy time and movement for optimal development.
Involving caregivers in tummy time
If your baby attends childcare or is cared for by others, communicate about the importance of tummy time. Share these tips for caregivers:
- Have designated tummy time periods and record sessions.
- Engage the baby by singing, reading books face-to-face, and making eye contact.
- Incorporate upright tummy time in carriers and slings.
- Report any concerns about baby’s tolerance to parents.
- Follow safe sleep practices for naps and bedtime.
Consistent tummy time when away from parents will help reinforce your baby’s progress and development.
Conclusion
Letting your baby fuss a bit during tummy time is perfectly normal and can help them build tolerance. Use positive reinforcement and make sessions more enjoyable for your baby. Be attentive to signs of distress. With time and consistency, most babies get used to tummy time and reap huge developmental benefits from it. Don’t be afraid to discuss concerns with your pediatrician.