My Baby Won't Push Up on Arms During Tummy Time
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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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.
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.