My Baby Can’t Lift Their Head During Tummy Time — Is Something Wrong?

It’s hard to stay calm when you’re unsure what your baby needs.

Especially when you’re watching them during tummy time and wondering whether what you see is normal — or something you should be worried about.

When parents have more information about what they’re seeing, worry often shifts into understanding. And understanding makes it easier to respond with confidence rather than concern.

Let’s look at what’s actually happening in these early weeks.

What Early Development Really Looks Like

Babies are born with very limited control over their bodies in the early weeks, the only muscles they can move with intention are their eye muscles. Head control, posture, and strength develop gradually as the nervous system matures.

So when a baby can’t yet lift their head during tummy time

, it usually isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s a sign that their system is still learning how to organise movement.

Tummy time asks a lot of a young baby:

• Coordinating several muscle groups at once

• Stabilising through the neck and trunk

• Working against gravity

• Processing new sensations

For many babies, that combination takes time.

 It’s Not About Effort — It’s About Readiness

It’s common to think of tummy time as a strength exercise. In reality, early movement depends more on neurological readiness and coordination than on muscle power.

Some babies haven’t yet developed the internal organisation needed to push up or hold their head. Their body is still figuring out how to move efficiently.

When this is understood, the experience often feels less alarming — and more like a stage that hasn’t arrived yet.

When Tummy Time Feels Difficult

For some babies, tummy time can feel demanding or overwhelming, especially if it’s introduced early or expected for longer periods than their system can manage.

This doesn’t mean tummy time is harmful. It means your baby may benefit from shorter periods, different positions, or more support.

Development doesn’t speed up through pressure. It tends to unfold best when babies feel supported and regulated.

When Tummy Time Feels Difficult

A Supportive Option: The Tiger Hold

One gentle way to support early movement is the Tiger Hold.

This position allows babies to experience postural activation without being placed on the floor, which can feel more manageable for some infants.

In the Tiger Hold, babies can:

• Engage their back and postural muscles naturally

• Activate early reflexes that support posture

• Experience movement with support rather than demand

• Feel safe through closeness and connection

This kind of support helps babies build confidence in their bodies before they are ready for more independent movement.

Tiger Hold

How Information Can Reduce Worry

When parents understand what they’re seeing, it becomes easier to make calm decisions.

Instead of asking “Is something wrong?”, you might begin to ask:

• Is my baby ready for this yet?

• Would a different position feel easier right now?

• Can we try again later?

As babies grow and their nervous system matures, many naturally begin to lift their head and explore movement on their own — guided by curiosity rather than effort.

When Extra Support Might Be Helpful

You may want to seek guidance if:

• Your baby seems uncomfortable in most positions

• Movement appears consistently uneven

• You feel unsure about how to support development

Seeking support isn’t a sign that something is wrong. It’s a way to gain clarity — and clarity often brings reassurance.

A Grounding Thought to Take With You

When you understand what you’re looking at, worry has less room to grow.

Your baby is communicating through their movement. And with the right information, you can respond with steadiness, confidence, and trust in the process.

Your Family-Your Team