Still Hating Tummy Time at 6+ Months?
“Do you have tips for a little one still hating tummy time at 7 months? He can roll but often gets frustrated on his belly still and I'm worried he won't progress to crawling. ”
ANSWER- I completely understand your frustration, and that is so tough!
Once a baby hits 6ish months, if they're still really hating tummy time, I usually try to build in some modified knee play as pictured (helping them gently keep knees under hips if needed, like this) rather than continuing to try flat on the floor tummy time & have it turn into tears.
Here's why: modifying traditional tummy time for a child that is super frustrated (& thus not really exploring or learning movement & interacting with their world) can REALLY help break up that pattern of frustration. They also get nice movements of upper body extremity strengthening when pressing up they have missed out on during tearful tummy time. They’re getting to work big muscle groups on both sides of the trunk and neck in prep for crawling, while also strengthening their hip & bottom muscles for crawling & beyond. And lastly, they get to see & experience their world in a new, positive way, which equals more motivation to do exactly that!
Hope this helps!
Want More?
For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.
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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.
