“What if my baby doesn’t lift their head during tummy time?”
Parents ask:
“My baby isn’t lifting their head during tummy time. Is that a problem?”
Lovevery expert answer:
Head lifting in tummy time is hard work and takes practice. In the early stage, most babies only have the strength to lift their head slightly for a few seconds at a time. Their head will probably be wobbly and their face may turn a little to one side. As your baby learns to coordinate muscles on both sides of their body—a major neurological development—they’ll begin to raise their head higher and keep it steady and centered.
To make it a little easier for them, try positioning them on their belly with their shoulders slightly higher than their hips. For example, you could place your baby on your chest as you recline in a chair. By folding their arms under their chest, you provide a stable foundation that will help them lift their head. Simple modifications like these and others from The Tummy Time Course Pack are especially important for young babies still working on the first goal of tummy time: comfort.
Keep in mind: Tummy time is good for your newborn, even if they don’t lift their head. It’s helpful to begin trying tummy time with your newborn, even in the early days of life. It may not last long but starting early may help your baby become accustomed to the position. Tummy time helps your baby strengthen their upper body, even if they can’t raise their head at first. The cheek-down position helps stretch your baby’s neck muscles, which may be tight after being curled up in the womb. To ensure each side of their neck is stretched evenly, gently reposition your newborn to face in both directions.
Meet the Lovevery expert who answered this question:
Rachel Coley, MS, OT/L
Rachel Coley is a pediatric occupational therapist and child development expert, and founder of CanDo Kiddo.
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Posted in: 0 - 3 Months, Tummy Time, Head Control, Physical Development, Child Development, Motor Skills
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