Baby Not Pushing Up on Tummy
The short answer
Pushing up during tummy time develops gradually over the first 6 months. Babies begin by lifting their head briefly around 1 to 2 months, progress to propping on forearms by 3 to 4 months, and push up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Short, frequent tummy time sessions are the best way to build this strength, even if your baby is not a fan of being on their tummy.
By Age
What to expect by age
Newborns have very limited upper body strength. During tummy time, your baby may briefly lift and turn their head to the side, but they are not expected to push up yet. Tummy time at this age can be done on your chest, which is gentler and gives your baby the motivation of seeing your face. Even one to two minutes several times a day is beneficial at this stage.
Most babies begin propping up on their forearms during tummy time, lifting their head and upper chest off the surface. They may hold this position briefly before lowering back down. By 4 months, many babies can hold a steady forearm prop for several seconds and look around. If your baby is making no effort to lift their head during tummy time by 3 months, try different positions and surfaces, and mention it at your next well-child visit.
This is when babies progress from forearm propping to pushing up on extended arms, sometimes called "baby cobra" or a mini push-up. They lift their chest well off the surface and may look around with interest. By 6 months, most babies push up comfortably and may begin pivoting on their tummy to reach toys. If your baby cannot prop on forearms at all by 5 months, discuss this with your pediatrician.
Babies should be pushing up well on extended arms and may be getting into hands-and-knees position in preparation for crawling. If your baby is still unable to push up on their tummy at this stage, it may indicate low muscle tone or upper body weakness that could benefit from physical therapy. Your pediatrician can help assess whether a referral is appropriate.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 3 months and only lifts their head briefly during tummy time, as upper body strength is still developing.
- Your baby props on forearms but cannot yet push up on extended arms, which is expected before 5 to 6 months.
- Your baby strongly dislikes tummy time and cries, which limits their practice time but does not necessarily mean they lack the strength.
- Your baby pushes up well sometimes but seems to get tired quickly and puts their head down, as endurance builds gradually.
- Your premature baby is reaching tummy time milestones on their adjusted age schedule rather than their birth age.
- Your baby cannot lift their head at all during tummy time by 3 months of age.
- Your baby is 5 months or older and cannot prop on their forearms during tummy time.
- Your baby seems to have much weaker upper body strength compared to their leg strength, or consistently favors one arm.
- Your baby was previously pushing up and has lost this ability, which could indicate a neurological concern that needs urgent evaluation.
- Your baby has no head control at all by 4 months and cannot lift their head in any position.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.