The first time I placed my newborn on his belly, I expected a picture-perfect milestone moment.
Instead, I got:
✔️ A face-down protest.
✔️ Shrill, Oscar-worthy screams.
✔️ The kind of outrage usually reserved for toddlers denied a cookie.
I checked the baby manual (a.k.a. frantic Googling at 2 AM). Experts said tummy time was essential for strengthening muscles and preventing flat head syndrome.
But try telling that to my little dictator, who acted like I had committed a serious crime every time I placed him on his belly.
So, after weeks of failed attempts, I did what any desperate parent does—I got creative.
Here’s what finally worked (and might just work for you too).
the Tricks
1. Go Chest-to-Chest First (a.k.a. Sneaky Tummy Time 😏)
Babies love snuggles, so start with chest-to-chest tummy time.
📌 How to do it:
✔️ Lie down on your back and place your baby on your chest.
✔️ Talk, sing, or make silly faces.
✔️ Watch them lift their head without realizing they’re “working out.”
🎯 Why it works:
Your baby gets the benefits of tummy time while feeling safe and comforted. (Plus, bonus cuddles! 🥰)
2. Use a Magic Prop (a.k.a. The Almighty Rolled Towel)
If your baby hates tummy time flat on the floor, try a little support.
📌 How to do it:
✔️ Roll up a small towel or nursing pillow.
✔️ Place it under their chest with arms over the front.
✔️ This slight elevation makes it easier for them to lift their head.
🎯 Why it works:
Tummy time feels less like a struggle and more like a comfy stretch.
(Bonus: It also makes them look like a tiny model posing for tummy-time magazine covers. 😆)
3. Turn Yourself Into a Clown (No, Seriously 🤡)
One thing babies can’t resist? A ridiculous parent.
📌 How to do it:
✔️ Get down on their level—literally.
✔️ Make funny faces, noises, or sing badly on purpose (trust me, they love it).
✔️ Try holding a favorite toy and moving it side to side to encourage head movement.
🎯 Why it works:
Babies are social learners—they’ll lift their heads to see what on earth you’re doing.
(And if you feel silly? Good. Welcome to parenting. 😆)
4. The Mirror Trick (a.k.a. Who’s That Cute Baby? 👀)
Babies love looking at faces—especially their own.
📌 How to do it:
✔️ Place a baby-safe mirror in front of them during tummy time.
✔️ Watch their curiosity take over as they try to figure out who that other baby is.
✔️ Bonus points if you wave to their reflection like a VIP guest (because they totally are).
🎯 Why it works:
A mirror turns tummy time into entertainment, distracting them from their “misery.”
(Spoiler alert: They might even start flirting with themselves. 😂)
5. Make It a Sensory Adventure 🌈
Babies love new textures, colors, and sounds, so turn tummy time into a mini-exploration zone.
📌 How to do it:
✔️ Lay them on different surfaces—a soft playmat, a textured blanket, or a yoga mat.
✔️ Introduce toys with crinkles, rattles, or bright colors.
✔️ Try placing a book with bold patterns in front of them.
🎯 Why it works:
Engaging multiple senses makes tummy time interesting and fun, rather than just “exercise.”
The Lightbulb Moment
One day, after weeks of trying these tricks, I laid my baby on his belly with a mirror in front of him and a toy nearby.
Instead of instant wailing, he lifted his head… and smiled!
🥳 Victory.
That moment taught me something huge about parenting:
✔️ Babies aren’t just resisting to be difficult.
✔️ Sometimes, they just need a different approach.
✔️ And most things in parenting require a LOT of trial and error.
(And coffee. Lots of coffee. ☕)
Final Thoughts
If your baby hates tummy time, don’t panic. It’s normal!
✔️ Try different tricks until you find what works.
✔️ Be consistent, but don’t force it—short sessions are better than battles.
✔️ Trust that your baby will get there, even if it takes time.
And if all else fails? Turn tummy time into a bonding moment—because before you know it, they’ll be crawling away from you! 💛
