My Baby Won't Push Up on Arms During Tummy Time
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about won't push up on arms during tummy time, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Pushing up on arms during tummy time is an important milestone that typically develops between 2-4 months. This skill builds upper body strength needed for rolling, sitting, and crawling. If your baby is not pushing up by 4 months, mention it to your pediatrician. Many babies just need more tummy time practice.
Key takeaways
- Pushing up on arms during tummy time is an important milestone that typically develops between 2-4 months. This skill builds upper body strength needed for rolling, sitting, and crawling. If your baby is not pushing up by 4 months, mention it to your pediatrician. Many babies just need more tummy time practice.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 3 months and is starting to lift their head during tummy time.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby was pushing up and has lost this ability.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines, pushing up on arms during tummy time is an important milestone that typically develops between 2-4 months. This skill builds upper body strength needed for rolling, sitting, and crawling. If your baby is not pushing up by 4 months, mention it to your pediatrician. Many babies just need more tummy time practice. At 0-2 months, at this age, your baby may only briefly lift their head during tummy time, and that is normal. Pushing up on arms comes later. Short periods of tummy time several times a day help build the strength needed for this milestone. Even a few minutes at a time counts. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 3 months and is starting to lift their head during tummy time. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby was pushing up and has lost this ability.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
0-2 months
At this age, your baby may only briefly lift their head during tummy time, and that is normal. Pushing up on arms comes later. Short periods of tummy time several times a day help build the strength needed for this milestone. Even a few minutes at a time counts.
2-4 months
Most babies begin pushing up on their forearms (mini push-up position) around 2-3 months and progress to pushing up on straight arms by 4 months. If your baby is not pushing up on forearms by 3 months, increase tummy time and try placing a rolled towel under their chest for support. If there is no progress by 4 months, mention it to your doctor.
4-6 months
By 4-6 months, your baby should be able to push up on extended arms and look around during tummy time. If your baby still cannot push up on their forearms, this warrants evaluation. Low muscle tone, upper body weakness, or other factors may be contributing and can often be addressed with physical therapy.
6-9 months
If your baby is not bearing weight through their arms by this age, a physical therapy evaluation is important. Weight bearing through arms is essential for crawling and protective reflexes when falling. Early intervention can significantly help build this strength.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed won't push up on arms during tummy time and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 4 months and cannot push up on forearms during tummy time.
- Mention if your baby's arms seem floppy or weak.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 3 months and is starting to lift their head during tummy time.
- Your baby pushes up briefly but tires quickly.
- Your baby was premature and is on track for their adjusted age.
- Your baby dislikes tummy time but can push up when motivated by a toy.
- Your baby is over 4 months and cannot push up on forearms during tummy time.
- Your baby's arms seem floppy or weak.
- Your baby shows no interest in weight bearing through their arms.
- Your baby was pushing up and has lost this ability.
- Your baby seems to have increasing weakness or floppiness.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice won't push up on arms during tummy time — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 3 months and is starting to lift their head during tummy time — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-2 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby was pushing up and has lost this ability.
Related Conditions
Baby Not Pushing Up on Tummy
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.
Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)
Low muscle tone means your baby's muscles feel less firm or their body feels "floppy" when you hold them. While it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition, many babies with mildly low tone do very well with support and strengthening activities.
My Baby Has Delayed Head Control
Head control develops gradually over the first 4 months. Most babies can hold their head steady when held upright by 4 months. If your baby has significant head lag or cannot hold their head steady by 4 months, mention it to your pediatrician. It may indicate low muscle tone that can be addressed with exercises or therapy.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Growth Percentile Calculator
Plot your baby's weight, length, and head circumference on WHO/CDC growth charts.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is won't push up on arms during tummy time normal?
When should I call the doctor about won't push up on arms during tummy time?
When is won't push up on arms during tummy time normal?
What causes won't push up on arms during tummy time?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about won't push up on arms during tummy time?
Is won't push up on arms during tummy time normal at 0-2 months?
Is won't push up on arms during tummy time normal at 2-4 months?
Should I go to the ER for won't push up on arms during tummy time?
Does won't push up on arms during tummy time go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Won't Push Up on Arms During Tummy Time.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed won't push up on arms during tummy time and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is over 4 months and cannot push up on forearms during tummy time.
- Mention if your baby's arms seem floppy or weak.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby is over 4 months and cannot push up on forearms during tummy time.
- Your baby's arms seem floppy or weak.
- Your baby shows no interest in weight bearing through their arms.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby was pushing up and has lost this ability.
- Your baby seems to have increasing weakness or floppiness.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of won't push up on arms during tummy time are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby was pushing up and has lost this ability.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
Baby Not Pushing Up on Tummy
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.
Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)
Low muscle tone means your baby's muscles feel less firm or their body feels "floppy" when you hold them. While it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition, many babies with mildly low tone do very well with support and strengthening activities.
My Baby Has Delayed Head Control
Head control develops gradually over the first 4 months. Most babies can hold their head steady when held upright by 4 months. If your baby has significant head lag or cannot hold their head steady by 4 months, mention it to your pediatrician. It may indicate low muscle tone that can be addressed with exercises or therapy.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
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.