My Son Hates Tummy Time

I've never put my babies on the floor. They hate it! And my kids have done just fine. One walked at 11 months, the other at 9 months. There's no reason to do it if it makes them mad and frustrated. I just hold my babes or put them in their chair with toys and, like I said, they're fine!

Just keep doing what you're doing -- for as long as YOU can tolerate it. Neither of my kids got much tummy time but now they roll and crawl and run like champs.

I would contact his doctor first and mention the same thing to him/her. My son had a reflux problem when he was only a couple of months old and didn't like to lay flat (either on his back or stomach). He eventually grew out of it.

Christina,

Forgive my laughter, but I couldn't help it. My children are 4 1/2 and 13 months. They both hated Tummy Time with a passion. Like you, I tried toys, mirrors, getting down on their level, all of it. NOTHING worked until they could roll over on their own. Once they figured out how to do that, I couldn't get them off their tummy's.

Keep trying, and give lots of praise for being so strong/brave/etc. When he starts to get mad about Tummy Time pick him up and love him. Have you considered getting a Boppy pillow to help him sit up? He may even enjoy doing Tummy Time on that because he's up a little higher and can see more.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

I read all your advice responses...um wow! I am with Tara V and her response. Hers is the only one that makes sense! I have never heard of "tummy time." Wasn't something I worried about, obviously. My daughter had a bowel problem when she was a baby, but wasn't diagnosed with anything until she was 2 years old and started pooping blood...If YOU think he has reflux or it hurts him to be on his tummy, put him in the damn bouncy chair, take him to his DR, get your DR's advice...baby's cry for a reason, they are helpless and need your nurturing. We used the bouncy chair a a lot. "Tummy time" shouldn't be an issue and cause you so much worry. Keep your baby comfortable and happy and you shall be comfortable and happy.

When my youngest was a baby they insisted that you put them down on their tummy to sleep, with our second son they said only let them sleep on their side.
back then no one insisted on "tummy time" I've noticed what is "essential" seems to change over time as to what is recommended.
I found this online
http://www.babycenter.com/0_tummy-time-how-to-help-your-b...
Relax, don't worry, soon he'll be rolling, crawling, walking, running ... and you'll remember fondly the days you could just set him down on a blanket and walk away, knowing he'll be right there when you come back.

I just read the other day they should do five minutes at a time, three times a day at this age. My oldest hated it, my youngest loves it, but only for five or so minutes. It probably strains their neck the way our neck feels after reading for a long period, since we're stronger. What seems to help is the boppy tummy play pad, the mini boppy props them up a little bit. He might be uncomfortable because of a gas bubble, we've used mylicon drops and made sure she's burped enough before tummy time, she seems to like it more then. Good luck!

I bet your son has bad gas and it is painful for him. Do you burp him well? I have to admit, I was not that great at burping my baby. However, you have to stay with it until they do burp. I think he spits up and passes gas because of digestive problems, not because he's mad. The bouncer, I'm sure relieves some of his problems, which is why he likes it so much.

I would check for allergies to milk, soy and wheat if it were me. Either that or cut out foods, one at a time for 4 days, to see what may be ailing him.

God bless.

Don't worry! My daughter did too and she is fine now!!! The more I pushed her the more she hated it so just chill.

I understand. My son who's now 6 months old hated tummy time too until he figured out how to roll over. Now he knows that he can control how long he stays on either his front or back so he's very happy to roll around on the floor with his toys. I would only put him on the floor for a few minutes until he started getting really frusterated and then I'd comfort him. Don't worry, he'll be just fine. Each baby develops at his or her own pace. My son has a head that's in the 99% so it took him a little longer to build the strength necessary to roll over, but now he's a rolling machine.

My daughter hated being on her belly too. Only on her back. I tried everything because I was sure it would affect her development if she didn't have tummy time. I think it was because she couldn't see everything. I eventually talked to her DR about it and she said as long as your child has good head and trunk control, there was really nothing to worry about and put your child in the position they like the most. Around 5 months, we got my daughter a jumperoo and that was a God-send for me and she loved it. And now my daughter is 17 months, has hit every milestone, her bald spot grew back in and sleeps on her tummy all the time. I never thought I would see that day!!! LOL. So, my words are don't worry about it too much.

Cristina,

I wouldn't be surprised if your son has lots of gas and is terribly uncomfortable on his tummy. Is he a fussy baby? In any case, try giving him some simethicone (gas drops). The name brand is Mylecon. But it costs an arm and a leg. I'd find any store brand, it's the exact same thing. And very safe. You can't give him too much. My daughter had extreme gas because of a condition she was born with. When she was 9 months old, I started giving her the liquid filled capsules for adults. It was the only thing that gave her relief along with a stool softener. I told my pediatrician, and he said it was fine. That I couldn't give her too much. Your son might also need to have a bowel movement. If you turn your baby on his back and bend his knees one at a time up to his chest, like riding a bike, it helps get gas out and they usually like it. For best results, I'd give him some gas drops, and then do his legs. It works imediately. And if you hear gas as soon as you start, you know that was the problem. Babies also seem to respond better to laying on their tummy with their head and chest elevated, like on a small blanket folded up. I am a nanny, and have even put the little guy I care for on his bouncy seat backwards facing me. I would turn on the vibration and gently bounce him, while talking to him. He would tolerate that for quite a while. And the vibration also helps break up gas bubbles. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Christy

Maybe try putting him on his side. Prop him up with a Boppy or pillow. ? My nephew hated tummy time too. When he was about your sons age if you even SAID "tummy time" he'd start screaming and crying and turn bright red. You could just cut down the floor time for a while and come back to it. ? Good luck!

My daughter hated being on her tummy and also preferred her bouncer. Because she did not spend enough time on her tummy, she skipped crawling and started walking at 9 months (not fun). I wish now I would of pushed tummy time more. When my son came along I bought one of the Boppy play mats with the matching mini boppy pillow. There are toys attached to the front of the pillow for him to grasp at. He loved it! It also took some of the pressure off of his tummy since he was propped up by the pillow. Yet he wasn't so high up that I had to worry about him rolling off. I would recommend getting one of those (I got mine at Target) and giving it a try. Good Luck!!

Hi Christina,

I was just reading a parenting magazine that addressed this question--it's not uncommon for babies to hate tummy time before they're able to roll over themselves! The doc quoted in the magazine suggested a couple alternative versions of tummy time that can be more appealing to some babes: you can lay him on his tummy on your chest, or you can lift him in the air, with his tummy facing down, to play "airplane." Both of those would also suffice to reduce the amount of time he's spending putting pressure on the back of his head and to work the muscles that get exercised best when he's on his tummy.

Hope that helps--good luck!

Hi Christina:) My 3 mo. old daughter is the EXACT same way...infact, if she has a buger that I just can't get out....I put her on her tummy and she gets so mad she'll snort it right out within minutes! I have bought and tried EVERY tummy time toy/activity center they sell and none of it works..I have talked to her ped. about it...they say just keep trying even if its only a few minutes at a time. One nurse said to lay down on the floor and let her lay on me if that keeps her calm(doesn't work for mine...maybe yours?). Well, good luck and I hope you find something that works:)

A couple things I thought of.
Learning to crawl is absolutely frustrating for children, and it is simultaniously the most important stage in early emotional, neurological and physical developement.
The instinct to crawl is stimulated by the desire toward something. The desire is stimulated by sight. The ability to see something will stimulate all sorts of movement in the rest of the body. If a child sees something it wants, the first instinct is to pull (use it's arms to pull itself toward something)at first the arm strength is not there and although the instinct is to pull, the arms will naturally usually push the child further away from the object which can be really really frustrating.
Working through all of this frustration is great for inner strength and emotional developement.
Things that can stem from skipping the crawling stage are... lack of coordination, lack of left right brain integration, the tendency toward lithergy and apathy or lack of drive or ability to work through challenges, digestive problems, lack of connection to ones physical self.....
Just being on the belly can be good enough for a while.
There are small movments that a child can develope with out pushing it too crawl right away. I would try taking away all or most of the outside stimulous (the toys) and allowing the child to rest on the belly. Maybe put something soft or soothing to look at close to one side of the body at level with the eyes. Turning and resting its head on one side and then the other can start the right nuerological channels to help develope crawling.
Please let me know how this works.

My son was the exact same way. His favorite position was standing up! The doctor encouraged us to continue with tummy time, even if he was whiny, and we did. He just turned 10 months and started crawling - and he still whines! We call him "the reluctant crawler" because he'll get up on his hands and knees and WHINE as he crawls.

I know it's hard to listen to them fuss, but just ten minutes a day makes a big difference!!!

From my experience as a mom and a child care provider I would say just keep doing what you are doing. Put your son on his tummy and let him get a little frustrated but once he starts to really cry move him. If you keep this up, he will eventually build the muscles he needs to. I just wouldn't completly give up.

I'm sorry your little guy gets so upset but it sounds like he is just frustrated and is not comfortable because of gas/air in his little tummy and being on said tummy puts so much pressure on it that it comes out any way it can,i.e. spitting up and farting. Try giving him some mylicon before you put him down. As for not liking lying flat at all that sounds to much like reflux and I would see his ped about it. Good Luck I know from my own 2 boys that it is no fun when they aren't comfy.

He will get over it eventually or he might not. I have worked with infants for over 10 years and some just hate being on their tummy. I always try to respect what the infant wants. Either way both infants that like their tummys' and those who don't almost always progress to the next stage:)

It'll come, I wouldn't stress about it :) My son was the same way- 8 months now and now loves tummy time as he has gotten good at rolling back and forth when he wants and he can spin on his tummy. He was able to roll over to his tummy at 4 months but would get "stuck" and grumpy before long. At 6 months he figured out how to roll to his back and that made things much better. Good luck, just be patient and he'll like it when he's ready, no harm done!

My son was the same way...! Keep working with him (even if it's just a few minutes at a time) and it will become easier. I had a baby Einstein dragon(?) mat specifically for tummy time with a mirror on one paw, something crinkly in another, etc. which helped to keep him interested. Good luck!

Christina,

go with what your baby is comfortable with! His actions will tell you if he is happy or not. Babies are not text book and will never be. You obviously want to do what is best for him and he will not be abnormal if you dont put him on his tummy for months! Let him go with the flow and you will feel more at ease. :)

S.

Tummy time doesn't have to be for very long to be effective. Have you tried putting a boppy on your lap, while you're in a chair and placing him on his tummy on this? That way he can look around a little easier. You can also vary the angle of the boppy so you can maybe find a more comfortable position for him. Tummy time is important to develop the back extensor muscles. If they are weak (which they no doubt are at this age) it is hard to do for him. It's exercise!!!!:) Short little bouts are perfectly fine.

Our little girl hated it too (along with MANY other babies we knew). I just think some babies hate it. If it makes you feel better, laying on you, having to hold their head up wile sitting against you, etc. are all considered "tummy time." Don't feel like you have to put him on the floor and watch him cry everyday. Let him strengthen his muscles while you hold him. You get in extra cuddles (that you'll long for when he's an independent toddler) and you'll have more bonding time while making him happy and strong. Also, when he starts rolling over both front to back and back to front, he'll enjoy it much more. :-)

I went through the same thing with my little boy (now 8 months). The key is to keep doing it and to distract him. He won't realize he's down there. I would put him down for about 2-3 minutes max, but I'd do it throughout the day (maybe 10 times a day). Every time, I'd get down on the floor with him or sometimes if he was on my bed, I'd get down so my face was at eye level with him. We'd sing a song, or I'd blow gently on his face to distract him. One day, I realized he'd sit for 5 minutes before fussing. Then it was up to 10 minutes. You'll never get more than 10-15 because they get bored. Still, its good for them because they build strength. Oh another great thing is to lay on the floor or on the bed and put the baby on your chest (chest to chest). This is probably the best way because he will be so excited, just looking in your eyes and touching your face, he won't realize that this is "tummy time" too. Eventually, their little necks get tired and they have to lay down and rest, but it works!

They usually do. He's not getting hurt by the crying and fighting and farting. :) He's getting good exercise. Soon enough he'll learn how to turn himself over and then you won't get any tummy-time in.

He gets sick? sounds more like a reflux thing. His tummy isnt' comfertable in that position. Same with his back. I wouldn't force it. IF he likes bounsing then he is workin ghis legs. If u want him to work his arems then have him stand and hold onto your hand adn pull hinself tords u. I would also check with the doc to see he is digestiong ok. It jsut isn't fun to ahve a tummy full of gass.

My son had the same problem and I asked his doctor and he said not to worry about it. What I did was just give him tummy time in small amounts sometimes even 1 min then roll him over and play with him and roll him back on his tummy. He finaly started to be ok with it more and more. He is 4 months now and still does not like it that much. My idea was I did not want him to associate being on his tummy and being upset so that is why I did not push the issue. Dont give up! Good luck.

LOL I am sorry that you are having such a hard time with him on his tummy. My son didn't mind it too much but he naturally rolled over about that time. (He is 2 and 4 months now) Time flies. Is he rolling yet? You might ahve to wait until then. Best wishes.

It took my son months before he would lay on his tummy. I attributed it to his circumcision. He would sleep in his bouncer but would not sleep on his tummy.

My last baby hated tummy time too. I bought the cute mats with the hanging toys, nothing worked. It was just a stage, she is now almost 6 yrs. old and is great!
We put her an exersaucer at 4 months, she loved it. She crawled at 9 months. The no tummy time only lasted a short time. She wanted to see what was going on and sitting up was her favorite time. It's really OK, he'll be fine.
D.
SAHM of 3

As much as it may pain you to watch him being upset with tummy time, keep at it. He will get used to it.
My 6 year old had a gastric feeding tube (in his stomach), was on oxygen, and had reflux when he was a baby. I layed a thick quilt on the floor at first, and I would play with him, talk to him, he had toys. He didn't like it at first, but he got used to it. He got really mad and upset. Try doing it for 5 minutes for a few days, then bump it up to 10 minutes.
It's always hard to watch them stuggle, and to see them unhappy- but he will get used to it.

37 SAHM of 2 boys ages 12 and 6. Married to the greatest guy for 17 years next month.

One nice way to do tummy time is with you lying on the floor on your back, and baby on his tummy on your chest. That way you can interact and be close while he's developing his tummy-time muscles. You can also make it more fun by rolling side to side, doing airplane-like things etc. Another thing that he might like would be using a boppy or even just a rolled-up small towel, to elevate his chest a little. I definitely wouldn't force tummy time for longer than he likes it. Or back time for that matter. Do you have a good sling or carrier? Some babies just want to be held more when they're little. He'll be crawling and then walking before you know it, so I'd say to really enjoy this special time with him now.

My son, who is now 15 months, hated tummy time too. All I did was maybe 2 times a day put him on his tummy. If he got upset I just helped him turned over. If he turned over on his own I would let him. He learned to crawl around 9 months and to walk at 11 months. While he never scooted along the floor like a lot of kids do before they crawl, he was still on time for everything else. A friend of mine had the same problem and her son ended up getting around earlier than normal. I would advise to just let him do his own thing. He will be fine. My son was LOVED his bouncer too!

Tummy time...a necessary evil to many babies! Sometimes you can only get a few minutes each time until they get the hang of it. Try it several times a day. Also try different variations. If you put him on the couch, totally supervised, you can easily be at eye level with him. Try him on your chest. Seeing you so close might help. Try it 20 - 30 mins after feeding. Good luck.

my son hated tummy time too! The nurse I called about it said that he needed 10 min a day (at 1 month) but it could be broken into even 10 1 min sessions. Also, laying him on your chest while you lay on the floor or bed counts too. Your breast work as a natural boppy and they love to look into your face while you talk and sing. You might also try giving him toys he can grab rather then setting them up to be looked at. I would just do it for however long he will stand it and then pick him up for a bit and try again later. Its really important to get that time for strengh and practice rolling/crawling but it shouldnt have to be a horrible experiance for both of you. Good luck, Jen

Christina,
You have received lots of great advice here from the other moms...I think most little ones hate tummy time at one point or another.
If he's 5 months old, why not try an exersaucer? I put my daughter in the saucer at 4 months, and she was super happy in it. The real reason that tummy time is suggested is to help develop neck and upper body strength, as well as prevent plagiocephaly (flat head). If he's 5 months and seems to be developing normally, try new upright activities.
Just wait til he's running around the house! I miss 5 months old--such a "portable" age!

It sounds to me like he may have uncomfortable gas bubbles in his little tummy that make pressure (like when he's lying on his tummy) uncomfortable.

One thing you might try is using a tummy pillow, like a Boppy, to prop him up a bit more. You would lay him on his tummy with the Boppy tucked under his armpits. This would put him more up at an angle and maybe a little less pressure on his tummy. If he does has some gas bubbles, it will be easier for them to work their way out without bringing his lunch up with it. Some of the Boppy Tummy Time pillows even have fabric loops that you can connect his toys to so they are within easy reach and won't "get away" and frustrate him.

Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much about this. Babies have personalities and preferences just like the rest of us. I personally HATE lying on my stomach to sleep or to lounge and never do it. Unless there's a reason he has to lie on his stomach, it's not going to hurt him to lay on his back instead...perhaps he just likes the view!

Hang in there and God bless,
T.
www.bornagainresale.net
www.bornagainresale.blogspot.com

My youngest son hated tummy time as well. If he was laid on his back he would be fine but he hated tummy time. It really started to worry me when he got to be about 8 months old and still was not crawling. Well, what happened is that at 9 months he decided to skip the whole crawling thing and he started walking. So you see it will work out.

I would try putting a small pillow under the blanket so he won't be flat on the ground either on his tummy or back, boppys are also really helpful for this.

My older daughter HATED tummy time so I just never did it with her. I held her a lot and wore her in slings/baby carriers and she was able to develop her neck and back muscles through that instead. She was sitting up by herself at 4 months, crawling at 6, and walking at 9 so she wasn't delayed in the least! Tummy time is definitely not the only way to ensure those muscles get developed and if your son hates it then I would skip it completely and give him plenty of time being held as I did with my daughters.

Best wishes!
~B.

Hi - both of my sons did not really seem to like tummy time either..same thing, would cry after a few minutes of it and then I would roll them over on their backs. For me I think it was because of reflux issues. He may have some issues with that? I used the bouncer a lot as well. It may be a personality thing too. I would keep trying though, dont give up on it. A couple of minutes of tolerating it is much better than none at all I think..that is what I thought. It was frustrating but some is better than none!
Hang in there though! Before you know it he will be up and walking around and that phase will be long gone!

Hi Christina,

First of all, great job on trying to get your baby on his tummy. I am a firm believer in the benefits of tummy-time for infants, but since so many babies spend so much time on their backs, being held, in the carseat, bouncer, etc. they just aren't used to being on their tummies. My advice is to keep trying! Get down on the floor with him a lot, so that he can look at your face. And when he gets upset, go ahead and pick him up, or if you can tell he's about to be upset, pick him up before he actually cries. A couple of minutes, a few times a day is great at this point. A friend of mine does a little tummy time after each diaper change. It only lasts a few minutes (if that!), but the repetition throughout the day is getting her 4 month old son used to being on his tummy. My son had acid reflux and hated tummy time until he was about 6 months. He would spit up regularly when on his tummy. It helped to put him on the boppy, so that he was slightly raised. Pretty much though, he just grew into liking tummy time through consistent exposure to it. Keep trying and great job on recognizing the developmental importance of putting him on his tummy!