11/24/2025
👶💤 Does Your Baby Hate Tummy Time? You’re Not Alone and Massage Can Help!
Throwing your little one on their tummy for “tummy time” doesn’t always go as planned. Many infants fuss, resist, or cry. But here’s the thing: that doesn’t mean tummy time is bad or that your baby isn’t strong enough.
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🌱 Why Some Babies Struggle with Tummy Time
• Tummy time challenges their developing neck, shoulder, and core muscles, which can feel strange or uncomfortable at first.
• They may be overstimulated or overwhelmed by the new position.
• If your baby prefers to be carried upright, they might resist face-down play.
• Some babies have physical tension or tightness that makes holding themselves in that position harder.
These are totally normal and common. According to trusted sources, tummy time is important for development, but it doesn’t always have to be forced or prolonged.
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🤲 How Infant Massage Helps
Gentle, intentional massage can make tummy time easier and more comfortable for your baby by:
• Relaxing tight muscles: Massage can ease tension in the neck, back, and shoulders so your baby can lift their head more comfortably.
• Improving circulation: Better blood flow helps muscles wake up more peacefully, helping your baby feel stronger.
• Building body awareness: Through touch, your baby learns where their limbs and core are, making tummy time feel more familiar and less stressful.
• Supporting calmness: Massage reduces stress hormones and activates the rest-and-digest part of the nervous system. So ,when it’s time for tummy time, they’re more relaxed and soothed.
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💡 Tips for Introducing Massage + Tummy Time
1. Massage just before tummy time so muscles are loosened and calm.
2. Start with short tummy sessions — even 30 seconds at first — and gradually increase as your baby tolerates it.
3. Use supportive props like a rolled towel under their chest to help with lifting their torso.
4. Praise and comfort your baby gently. Smile, speak softly, and always stop if they seem too uncomfortable.
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If your baby struggles with tummy time, massage might offer a gentle, powerful boost. As an RMT trained in infant massage, I’d love to help you support your baby’s strength, ease, and confidence, all from the comfort of your home in Edmonton.
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