You put down the play mat, lay your baby on their tummy, and within seconds the crying starts. Some days they won’t lift their head at all. Other days they roll straight onto one side as if the floor itself is the problem. Sound familiar?
Every baby has preferences. But a baby who fights tummy time daily, or always turns their head the same way, may be telling you something about how their body feels. At Wellness Montana, we’ve welcomed Bozeman families, newborns included, for over two decades. Helping parents tell the difference between “just needs practice” and “worth checking” is one of our favorite parts of the job.
Tummy Time Is More Than Playtime
Those minutes on the floor are doing real work. Tummy time builds strength in the neck, shoulders, arms, and core, preparing babies for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. It also gives them practice turning their head and body in different directions.
Most newborns protest at first. That’s normal, and it often improves with practice. But if your baby still can’t tolerate a minute or two after weeks of trying, or becomes extremely upset every time, something may be making the position uncomfortable.
Signs Your Baby May Have a Positioning Preference
Some babies favor one side, and a mild preference isn’t necessarily cause for alarm. A pattern that sticks around is different. You might notice your baby always rests with their head turned the same way, struggles to look over one shoulder, or develops a flat spot on one side of the head. Frequent back arching is worth noting too.
Feeding can offer clues. Maybe your baby nurses easily on one side but fusses on the other, or only settles when held a certain way. These patterns can sometimes be associated with muscle tightness or torticollis, a condition that limits comfortable neck movement.
Torticollis and infant head tilts are among the concerns our doctors evaluate.
Body Tension Can Make Movement Difficult
A lot happens to a tiny body in the first few months. Birth can be physically demanding, and every new skill asks muscles and joints to work together in unfamiliar ways.
When certain movements feel difficult, babies may find ways around them. Instead of lifting their head evenly, they might roll onto one side, tuck an arm underneath, or push harder with one arm. Others give up after seconds. It’s easy to decide your baby hates tummy time when the position itself may feel hard.
Tips to Make Tummy Time Easier
Tummy time doesn’t have to happen on the floor. Lying chest to chest with you counts, and many babies prefer seeing your face. A small rolled towel under the chest may help during awake, closely supervised play. Try getting down at eye level, or use a mirror or colorful toys to encourage turning both ways.
Timing matters too. After a nap or diaper change often works better than right after feeding (nobody enjoys lying on a full stomach). Start with short sessions throughout the day. Always supervise tummy time and place your baby on their back for sleep.
When Should Parents Consider an Evaluation?
Every baby develops at their own pace, but certain signs deserve attention:
- Consistently turning the head to one side or struggling to turn both ways
- A flat spot developing on one side of the head
- Ongoing resistance to tummy time despite regular practice
- Uneven arm or leg movement
- Noticeable stiffness or unusual floppiness
- Delays in early movement milestones
Discuss these concerns with your baby’s pediatrician, who can determine whether further evaluation or physical therapy is needed. Chiropractic evaluation may also be considered for musculoskeletal concerns.
Gentle Pediatric Chiropractic in Bozeman
Adjusting an infant looks nothing like adjusting an adult. Our chiropractors use light techniques suited to your baby’s size and stage of growth. Each child receives an age-appropriate evaluation of posture, movement, spinal alignment, and relevant physical findings before any recommendations are made.
We’ll explain what we find and discuss whether chiropractic care or referral to another healthcare professional may be suitable.
Trust What You’re Seeing
You know your baby better than anyone. If tummy time is a daily struggle or your little one consistently favors one side, trust that instinct. Many preferences resolve naturally, while others deserve a closer look. Understanding movement concerns early helps parents make informed decisions as their baby grows. We’d love to be part of your family’s journey. Welcome to the family.