4 ideas for no-floor, less fussy tummy time

Baby doing tummy time and looking at the Wooden Book by Lovevery

Tummy time builds the muscles and coordination needed for rolling over, crawling, reaching, and playing. If your baby seems to be getting tired or starts crying, it’s time for a break.

Check out these ideas for how to do tummy time if your baby isn’t loving the floor:

Tummy time on a table

Woman getting a babies attention while doing tummy time on the kitchen table — In photo: Rolling Bell from The Charmer Play Kit

Closely supervise your baby (with a hand on their back or very close by) doing tummy time on the counter or table. They might be more willing if you are face-to-face and they get a different view of the room.

On your chest

Baby doing tummy time on a woman's chest

Put your baby on your chest on their tummy, facing you, and softly talk to them to try to encourage them to lift their head. By two and a half months, your baby will likely be able to lift their head up enough so that they can see a little ahead of them (but not yet straight ahead).

On your thighs

Baby doing tummy time on a woman's lap looking at Black and White cards by Lovevery — In photo: Framed Mirror from The Charmer Play Kit

Put your baby on your thighs, belly-down, and gently rub their back. If you raise one of your legs higher than the other, they will be able to see a little more. Show them a high-contrast image and slowly move it upward to encourage them to lift their head.

Use an exercise ball

Baby doing tummy time on an exercise ball being supported by a woman

Try gently rolling your baby back and forth on an exercise ball. You may need to give it a couple of tries, as this kind of movement is a new feeling for your baby! Read our tummy time FAQs for expert advice on common tummy time concerns as well as Lovevery’s favorite tummy time toys.

Lovevery is now offering The Course Packs! Get more information on “The Tummy Time Course Pack.”

See more tummy time toys from Lovevery

Tummy time toys

Engaging tummy time toys and activities that promote exploration and coordination.

Learn more

Author

Team Lovevery

Visit site

Posted in: 0 - 12 Weeks, 3 - 4 Months, Tummy Time, Gross Motor, Sensory Play, Reaching, Physical Development, Playtime, Child Development, us-weekly-series, Motor Skills, Child Development

Keep reading

12 - 48 Months

0 - 12 Weeks

3 - 4 Months

5 - 6 Months

7 - 8 Months

9 - 10 Months

11 - 12 Months

Investments that age up: These everyday essentials grow with your child

The Stokke Tripp Trapp® Chair and The Play Kits are investments that will offer years of playtime and mealtime fun.

12 - 48 Months

0 - 12 Weeks

3 - 4 Months

5 - 6 Months

7 - 8 Months

9 - 10 Months

11 - 12 Months

All the ways to get Lovevery books

Lovevery books are beloved by millions of families for good reason: They’re stage-based and written to be fascinating to your child right now, and stay interesting as your child grows.

0 - 3 Months

0 - 12 Weeks

The science behind building a secure attachment with your baby

Some parents and caregivers worry that being overly responsive will cause their child to become spoiled or too dependent—but research has proven otherwise.