Regular tummy time is crucial to the healthy development of newborn babies. It encourages neck control and helps build the essential muscles for movements such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking.
To encourage this development, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all parents of full-term babies begin placing their little ones on their stomachs for short periods, starting about one week after they come home.
After beginning the practice, some parents are surprised to see that their baby cries and fusses when placed in this position, to the point where they assume they’re doing something wrong or that their baby is an anomaly. The good news is that fussing during tummy time is a completely natural phenomenon.
At Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, our caring pediatricians often help ease parents’ fears around this. Here’s why some babies hate tummy time and how to help your little one.
There are several reasons that some babies don’t respond well to tummy time. These include:
Babies are still learning about the world around them. Because they don’t have complete control of their motor functions, being placed in a new position can feel tiring or challenging. Without language to communicate, the easiest way to express their frustration is through crying or screaming.
Infants have very little muscle mass, but the only way to build it is through regular practice, like tummy time. This lack of muscle can make it difficult to lift their heads up and look around, which likely feels overwhelming.
Many babies are sensitive to different textures and positions. If your little one is accustomed to being held or lying in a crib, the transition to the floor without physical contact can seem intimidating or uncomfortable. Similarly, the texture of the carpet, blanket, or any other surface they happen to be lying on can also be a factor.
Babies get tired and hungry constantly. If you schedule tummy time before a meal or nap, it can make the experience even more overwhelming and increase the likelihood of issues.
Seeing your baby fuss at tummy time can be heartbreaking, but you don’t have to sit on the sidelines. Here are some tips that can help make it easier:
Tummy time doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process, especially at first. We recommend parents start by placing their babies on their bellies for two to three minutes several times a day. As your little one’s muscles get stronger, you can gradually increase these periods.
Lying in a new position can be overwhelming for infants, but it’s vital for their health and development. To ease some of the anxiety, try placing toys or a mirror on the ground in front of them. This can offer a distraction and make tummy time more fun. It may also help to get down on the floor with them as a way to provide moral support.
All babies have preferences (just like adults). If you notice that tummy time makes your baby fussy, it could be as simple as changing the surface on which they lie. Rather than placing them directly on the carpet or kitchen floor, place a blanket down or lay them on your chest. Small textural changes like these can make all the difference.
If you only do tummy time once or twice a week, your baby may feel surprised when it happens. Incorporating the practice into your daily routine can make it less stressful and eliminate some of the pushback. It also helps to schedule tummy time 20-30 minutes after meals and diaper changes, when your baby is alert, clean, and content.
Most babies cry and fuss during tummy time at first, but if these reactions continue for several weeks and don’t improve, even with our suggested changes, don’t wait to make an appointment. Sometimes a negative response doesn’t have to do with tummy time at all and is instead the result of developmental delays or underlying health issues.
If your child dislikes tummy time or exhibits unusual discomfort, it’s essential to understand the underlying cause. After reviewing your baby’s medical history, discussing their symptoms, and completing an exam, we can determine if there’s an underlying issue. From there, we’ll recommend the next steps. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today. Call our office or use the online booking feature to get started.
