Baby Hates Tummy Time? Try These Expert OT Solutions

Does your baby cry every time you place them on their tummy? You’re not alone — many parents feel the same way. Those little tears can make you wonder if you’re doing something wrong. But here’s the good news: occupational therapy tummy time for 5-month-old babies isn’t just a milestone — it’s a powerful step in helping your child grow stronger, more curious, and more confident.

At 5 months, tummy time lays the foundation for big motor milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling. It helps your baby build neck, shoulder, and core strength — muscles they’ll rely on for everything from reaching toys to taking their first steps.

If your little one struggles with tummy time, that doesn’t mean they’re falling behind. It simply means they may need a little extra support — and that’s where occupational therapy tummy time for 5-month-old babies can make a real difference. Occupational therapists use gentle positioning strategies, sensory play, and baby-friendly routines to make tummy time less of a battle and more of a bonding moment.

Understanding Tummy Time & Motor Milestones at 5 Months

At around 5 months, your baby’s world is expanding — not just through their eyes, but through their movement. This is a key stage in 5-month-old motor development, when tiny muscles grow stronger, coordination improves, and your baby starts gaining more control of their body.

Between 4 and 6 months, most babies make exciting progress: they begin to roll from tummy to back, push up on their arms, and reach for toys in front of them. These are more than just cute moments — they are important tummy time milestones that build the strength and balance needed for sitting and crawling in the months ahead.

During tummy time, a typical 5-month-old will:

• Hold their head up steadily and look around the room.
• Push up onto their forearms or even extended arms.
• Reach forward to grab a toy or interact with a caregiver.
• Roll from tummy to back (sometimes both ways).
• Show more tolerance and interest in spending time on their tummy.

Every baby develops at their own pace — but consistent tummy time and OT tummy time exercises can make a big difference in how smoothly these skills emerge. Occupational therapists often use gentle play, positioning supports, and sensory activities to help babies strengthen their core and upper body in a fun, baby-friendly way.

If your baby:

• Still struggles to lift their head during tummy time,
• Can’t push up on arms by 5–6 months,
• Shows no interest in rolling or reaching for toys,

… it may be time to consult an occupational therapist. Early guidance can help address delays and set the stage for healthy motor development.

Remember: milestones aren’t about racing ahead — they’re about building strong, confident movement skills step by step.

Common Tummy Time Challenges Parents Face

If your baby bursts into tears the moment you lay them on their tummy — take a deep breath. You’re not alone. Many parents worry when their little one resists tummy time, but it’s actually one of the most common developmental challenges during the early months. Understanding why this happens can help you respond with confidence and support your baby’s growth.

1. Baby Hates Tummy Time

Some babies simply don’t enjoy being placed on their tummy in the beginning. They’re used to lying on their back, so tummy time can feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar. This may lead to fussing or crying within seconds. The key is to start short and frequent sessions, using songs, gentle touch, or your own face to comfort them. Over time, babies usually build strength and learn to enjoy the new view of the world around them.

2. Baby Arches Back or Dislikes the Prone Position

Arching the back during tummy time is often a sign that your baby is trying to adjust their posture. It can also indicate discomfort with the prone position. In these cases, using supportive props — like a rolled towel under the chest — can make tummy time more comfortable. Occupational therapists often recommend gentle positioning strategies to help babies feel safe while strengthening their neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles.

3. Short Tolerance or Poor Head Control

Some babies can only manage a few seconds on their tummy before getting upset. This short tolerance is normal at first. Building endurance takes practice. Gradually increasing tummy time throughout the day — even in 1–2 minute bursts — can help babies improve head control and core strength without becoming overwhelmed. Consistency matters more than duration.

4. Flat Head or Torticollis Concerns

When babies spend too much time on their backs, flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) or torticollis (tight neck muscles) can develop. Tummy time plays a big role in flat head prevention and can help relieve pressure on the back of the head. If your baby shows a strong head-turning preference or difficulty rotating their neck, torticollis and tummy time strategies from a pediatric occupational therapist can support healthy alignment and mobility.

Expert Insight:
“Parents often think their baby simply doesn’t like tummy time, but in most cases, it’s a sign of discomfort, not refusal. A few gentle adjustments — like using a towel roll, engaging their senses, or introducing tummy time gradually — can completely change the experience”.

Remember, tummy time refusal is not a red flag on its own. With patience, supportive positioning, and guidance when needed, most babies quickly adapt and begin to enjoy this essential developmental activity.

Occupational Therapy Tips to Make Tummy Time Easier

Tummy time doesn’t have to be a daily struggle. With the right approach and a few simple occupational therapy tummy time strategies, you can turn it into a playful, bonding experience that helps your baby build strength and confidence.

Many parents give up on tummy time when their baby fusses — but often, it’s not about disliking tummy time; it’s about needing comfort, support, and patience. Occupational therapists recommend starting slow, using gentle positioning, and making it fun through interaction.

1. Start Slow and Build Tolerance

In the beginning, aim for short, frequent tummy time sessions throughout the day — even 1 to 2 minutes at a time. Gradually increase the duration as your baby becomes more comfortable and stronger. This slow approach helps prevent overwhelm and encourages steady baby core strengthening exercises without tears or frustration.

Tip: Pair tummy time with happy moments like after diaper changes or playtime, not when your baby is tired or hungry.

2. Modify Positions for Comfort

If your baby struggles on a flat surface, change the tummy time positions for babies to make it more supportive.

• Try chest-to-chest tummy time, where your baby lies on your chest.
• Use a football hold, gently supporting their chest and head.
• Place a rolled towel or small pillow under the chest to elevate them slightly.

These modified positions make it easier for your baby to lift their head and look around without straining.

3. Make It Fun and Engaging

Babies love connection. Get down on the floor with them, smile, sing songs, or make funny faces. Using high-contrast toys, unbreakable mirrors, or soft rattles can turn tummy time into a mini adventure. The more engaged your baby is, the longer they’ll stay on their tummy — and the stronger their muscles will become.

4. Support Neck and Shoulder Strength with Gentle Stretches

If your baby has a head-turning preference or mild torticollis, occupational therapy guided stretches can help improve flexibility and comfort during tummy time. Always use gentle movements and stop if your baby seems uncomfortable. When needed, consulting an OT can give you specific stretches and positioning tips tailored to your child.

Pro Tip: Use a floor play mat for a safe, firm surface. High-contrast toys or a mirror placed at eye level can keep your baby curious and motivated.

Tummy Time Positions Recommended by Pediatric OTs

One of the biggest secrets to making tummy time enjoyable — for both you and your baby — is choosing the right position. Not every baby is comfortable lying flat on the floor right away. That’s why pediatric occupational therapists recommend starting with gentle, supportive positions that build confidence and strength step by step.

These tummy time positions are designed to make infant prone play easier, more engaging, and more fun. They’re especially useful during the 5-month stage, when babies are learning to push up, roll, and explore their surroundings.

1. Chest-to-Chest Hold

This is one of the most comforting positions for babies who resist tummy time at first. Simply recline on a sofa or bed with your baby lying on your chest, tummy down. Your face becomes the visual focus — helping your baby relax, lift their head, and build upper body strength without stress. This position is perfect for bonding while strengthening.

2. Over the Caregiver’s Lap

Placing your baby on your lap, tummy down, can make tummy time more secure and supported. Gently supporting their chest with your hands allows them to practice lifting their head in a semi-upright position. This is a great tummy time alternative for babies who get overwhelmed on a flat surface.

3. Rolled Towel Under the Chest

A rolled towel or small cushion under your baby’s chest can elevate their upper body, making it easier to lift their head and push up on their forearms. This position encourages shoulder stability and weight-bearing — essential for developing rolling and crawling skills later on. It’s also a go-to tip in many occupational therapy tummy time tips programs.

4. On a Firm Floor Mat With Visual Stimuli

Once your baby gains more strength and comfort, tummy time on a firm floor mat is ideal. Place high-contrast toys, a baby-safe mirror, or soft rattles in front of them. These floor play activities ( keep your baby engaged and encourage longer tummy time sessions. The firm surface supports proper alignment and better muscle activation compared to soft beds or couches.

Pro Tip: Pair these positions with your baby’s happiest time of day — like after a nap or feeding. Smiles, songs, and eye contact go a long way in turning tummy time into a positive routine.

How Much Tummy Time Is Right for a 5-Month-Old?

One of the most common questions parents ask is: “How long should tummy time last at 5 months?”
The truth is, the right tummy time duration by age grows gradually as your baby’s strength and confidence improve. At this stage, tummy time isn’t just a quick exercise — it’s a daily opportunity for motor skill development, bonding, and sensory exploration.

Recommended Tummy Time Duration for a 5-Month-Old

For most babies, aim for a total of 20–30 minutes or more of tummy time each day, broken into short, manageable sessions. Many occupational therapists recommend spacing it out throughout the day — for example:

• Morning: A few minutes after a diaper change.
• Afternoon: During playtime with toys or a mirror.
• Evening: Quiet tummy time on a mat or chest-to-chest bonding.

At 5 months, many babies can hold their heads up steadily and push up on their arms, which means they can tolerate longer sessions. But every baby develops at their own pace — the goal is consistency, not perfection.

Tummy Time Progression Chart: From Newborn to 6 Months

Age	Daily Tummy Time	What to Expect
Newborn (0–1 month)	1–2 minutes, a few times daily	Lifts head briefly
2–3 months	10–15 minutes total	Holds head up more easily
4–5 months	20–30 minutes total	Pushes up on forearms, begins rolling
6 months	45+ minutes total	Pushes up on hands, pivots, explores toys

This progression is a guide, not a strict rule. Some babies enjoy tummy time early on, while others need a slower build-up. Gentle encouragement works best.

Red Flags & When to See an Occupational Therapist

Every baby develops at their own pace, and a little variation is completely normal. But sometimes, certain signs may indicate your little one needs extra support to build strength and meet milestones. Knowing what to look out for early can make a big difference in your baby’s development.

Early intervention is one of the most effective ways to address delays — and that’s where occupational therapy for infants plays a key role. Pediatric OTs can help your baby build motor skills, improve comfort with tummy time, and prevent long-term movement issues.

1. No Head Lifting or Pushing Up on Arms by 5 Months

By this age, most babies can hold their head up steadily during tummy time and push up on their forearms or hands. If your baby is still struggling to lift their head or can’t bear weight on their arms, it may be a sign that they need additional support. Early intervention OT can help strengthen these foundational skills through structured play and positioning exercises.

2. Persistent Flat Head or Torticollis Signs

If your baby’s head seems flat on one side or they always turn their head in one direction, it could be a sign of torticollis or positional plagiocephaly. Tummy time is an important part of flat head prevention, but when these signs don’t improve with regular strategies, working with a torticollis OT can help. Pediatric occupational therapists guide gentle stretches, positioning adjustments, and daily routines to promote healthy head shape and neck mobility.

3. Fussiness That Doesn’t Improve With Strategies

Some babies fuss during tummy time at first, but most adjust with gentle routines and parental support. If your baby continues to cry or resist despite trying different tummy time positions and comfort strategies, it may indicate discomfort, muscle tightness, or developmental delays. A pediatric OT can identify the root cause and create a plan tailored to your baby’s needs.

Why Early Support Matters

Early therapy doesn’t just address current challenges — it sets your baby up for smoother milestones ahead, like rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. Many families see noticeable progress after just a few guided sessions.

Pro Tip for Parents:
If you notice any of these red flags, consider searching “pediatric occupational therapy near me” to find trusted therapists. The sooner your baby gets support, the better their motor development foundation will be.

What Occupational Therapy Sessions Look Like

For many parents, the idea of starting therapy for a baby can feel overwhelming at first. But in reality, occupational therapy sessions for infants are gentle, playful, and centered around helping your baby feel more comfortable and confident during movement.

Pediatric OTs use evidence-based strategies that combine gentle exercises, developmental play, and parent coaching — all designed to build your baby’s strength and support early milestones.

1. Gentle Stretching and Positioning

The first step in most sessions involves helping your baby’s muscles relax and move more freely. Occupational therapists use soft stretches and gentle positioning to support head and neck mobility, especially in cases of torticollis or flat head prevention needs. These stretches are never forced and are always tailored to your baby’s comfort level.

2. Motor Skill Strengthening Through Play

Therapy for babies doesn’t look like a traditional exercise session — it looks like playtime. Therapists use toys, mirrors, tummy time props, and fun activities to encourage:

• Head and trunk control
• Reaching and rolling movements
• Early coordination and balance

These playful routines are at the heart of baby development therapy, helping your baby meet milestones while having fun.

3. Parent Coaching and Home Exercise Programs

One of the most important parts of pediatric occupational therapy is empowering parents. OTs provide practical coaching so you can continue the progress at home. This includes:

• Demonstrating OT home program activities
• Teaching positioning techniques
• Suggesting tummy time modifications that fit your baby’s needs
• Answering parent questions with expert clarity

This collaborative approach ensures that therapy doesn’t stop after a clinic visit — it becomes part of your daily routine.

Easy Tummy Time Routine for Busy Parents (Sample Schedule)

Between feedings, naps, and diaper changes, finding time for tummy time can feel like one more thing on your already full plate. But the good news is — tummy time doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. With a little planning, you can weave it naturally into your daily routine, even if you’re a busy parent.

Whether you’re home full-time or balancing work, a simple tummy time routine can give your baby the movement and strength they need to hit important milestones.

Morning: 5 Minutes After Diaper Change

Start the day with a short tummy time session. After a fresh diaper and a calm mood, place your baby tummy-down on your chest or on a soft mat. These early sessions help ease them into the day and build tolerance without fussiness.

Noon: 5–10 Minutes Before Nap

Midday is often a sweet spot for babies — they’re alert but not overtired. A quick tummy time play with toys or a mirror can help your baby build endurance. You can also try gentle occupational therapy tummy time exercises, like reaching for a rattle or propping on forearms, to strengthen their neck and core muscles.

Evening: Playtime with Toys or Mirror

End the day with tummy time play on a firm mat. Use engaging toys or position yourself at their eye level to make it interactive. This is a great time to let them practice pushing up, rolling, or reaching for favorite objects.

Conclusion

Early tummy time lays the foundation for strong movement and motor skills. When babies struggle, early intervention OT can make a big difference. Occupational therapists gently guide babies to build strength, confidence, and better movement skills. Acting early helps prevent delays and supports smoother developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling.

If you’re unsure or notice red flags, don’t wait—talk to a pediatric occupational therapist. Early help is a powerful step toward your baby’s growth. A few minutes of tummy time therapy every day can build strength, confidence, and joy in movement.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How does occupational therapy help with tummy time?

Occupational therapy tummy time support focuses on gentle positioning, play, and movement. OTs help babies build strength in their neck, shoulders, and core. This makes tummy time more comfortable and fun, even for babies who resist it.

2. What if my baby cries during tummy time?

Many babies fuss at first. Start with short sessions and use tummy time tips like chest-to-chest holding, using a rolled towel, or singing to calm them. Over time, your baby will build strength and enjoy tummy time more.

3. How much tummy time should my 5-month-old get?

At 5 months, aim for 20–30 minutes of tummy time each day, split into small sessions. If your baby tolerates more, that’s great. Consistency matters more than duration.

4. When should I worry about motor delays?

If your baby doesn’t lift their head, push up on arms, or try rolling by 5 months, talk to your pediatrician or an occupational therapist. Early intervention can help support tummy time milestones and motor development.

5. Which tummy time toys are best?

Tummy time toys should be simple, safe, and eye-catching. High-contrast toys, soft rattles, baby-safe mirrors, and crinkly cloth books help keep babies engaged and build strength.

6. Is tummy time after feeding safe?

It’s best to wait at least 15–20 minutes after feeding to avoid spit-up or discomfort. A clean, firm surface and gentle play work best.

7. What if my baby hates tummy time?

If your baby hates tummy time, try new positions like tummy on your chest or across your lap. Adding music, toys, or mirrors can make it more fun. Start slow and build up gradually.

8. Can tummy time help prevent a flat head?

Yes, tummy time is one of the best ways for flat head prevention. It reduces pressure on the back of the head and strengthens neck muscles.

9. When should I see an occupational therapist for tummy time?

If your baby struggles to lift their head, has a flat head, or dislikes tummy time even after trying tips, consult an OT. Occupational therapy tummy time strategies can help.

10. How can I make tummy time part of our daily routine?

Add short tummy time sessions after diaper changes, before naps, or during playtime. A simple tummy time routine helps babies grow stronger without stress.

About Author:

Sonali Sharma, Occupational Therapist

Sonali Sharma is a skilled Occupational Therapist at Wellness Hub, with over three years of experience in supporting children with developmental, behavioral, and learning challenges. She holds a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy (BOT) from Amity University and has worked with leading institutions such as NIMHANS Bengaluru and ESIC Hospital Faridabad.

At Wellness Hub, Sonali provides online occupational therapy sessions tailored to each child’s needs. She specializes in pediatric therapy, autism support, sensory integration, and developmental skill-building, helping children strengthen motor skills, improve focus, and become more independent in daily life.

Her therapy style is child-centered, play-based, and evidence-driven—making sessions both effective and enjoyable for kids. Sonali also equips parents with practical home therapy strategies to extend progress beyond sessions.

Passionate about empowering families, Sonali believes in creating a nurturing space where children can thrive while parents feel supported every step of the way.