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.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-2 months
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.
2-4 months
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.
4-6 months
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.
6-9 months
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
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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 Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.
One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.
My Baby Crawls Unevenly
While some variation in crawling patterns is normal, consistently favoring one side or dragging one limb while crawling warrants attention. Babies should use both arms and both legs relatively equally when crawling. Persistent asymmetry could indicate muscle tone differences, hip issues, or neurological concerns that benefit from early evaluation.
My Baby Still Has the Fencing Reflex (Persistent ATNR)
The asymmetric tonic neck reflex (ATNR, also called the fencing reflex) causes your baby to extend the arm on the side they are looking toward. It should integrate between 4-6 months. If the ATNR persists strongly beyond 6 months, it can interfere with bringing hands to midline, bilateral hand use, and rolling. Evaluation is recommended.
Signs of Ataxia in Babies and Toddlers
Ataxia refers to wobbly, uncoordinated movements that result from problems with the cerebellum (the brain's coordination center). Signs include an unsteady, wide-based gait, difficulty with precise hand movements, and intention tremor (shaking that worsens when reaching for something). If you notice these signs, evaluation by a pediatric neurologist is important.