Tummy time is an essential part of your baby’s development, helping to build strength, coordination, and overall comfort. But what if your little one cries every time you place them on their tummy? What if they’re not lifting their head or making any effort to push up? These could be signs that your baby is experiencing tension, discomfort, or mobility restrictions—things that osteopathy can help with.
Signs Your Baby Doesn’t Like Tummy Time…
It’s common for babies to resist tummy time at first, but persistent struggles could indicate an underlying issue. Look out for these signs:
✅ Crying after a short duration – If your baby gets frustrated within seconds, it may be more than just fussiness.
✅ Not lifting their head – Babies should gradually build strength to hold their head up. If they’re not, they may need support.
✅ Not trying to push up – Limited mobility can make tummy time difficult, affecting future milestones like rolling and crawling.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth looking deeper into why your baby is finding tummy time so hard.
How Does This Affect Your Baby’s Development?
Tummy time isn’t just a cute activity—it’s a crucial step in your baby’s physical and neurological development. Struggling with tummy time can lead to:
🚫 Delayed strengthening – Weak muscles in the neck, shoulders, and core can make sitting and crawling harder.
🚫 Feeding difficulties – Tension in the body can make latching and bottle-feeding more challenging.
🚫 Reflux and discomfort – A tight diaphragm and stiff body can contribute to digestive discomfort. How Can Osteopathy Help Babies Who Are Stiff or Unsettled? Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach that supports babies in overcoming these challenges.
By working on the body’s natural movement and balance, osteopathy can help:
✔️ Improve comfort during tummy time
✔️ Increase mobility and flexibility
✔️ Settle unhappy, tense, or colicky babies What Happens During an Osteopathy Session?
Many parents are unsure what to expect when bringing their baby to an osteopath. Here’s how a typical session works:
🔍 Consultation – We discuss your baby’s history, birth experience, and current concerns.
🩺 Full examination – A gentle assessment of your baby’s movement, muscle tone, and any areas of tension.
🤲 Tailored treatment – Using hands-on techniques to relieve tightness, improve mobility, and enhance comfort. What Techniques Do Osteopaths Use for Infants?
Unlike osteopathy for adults, baby treatments are incredibly gentle and focus on:
✨ Cranial osteopathy – Soft, calming techniques to relieve tension in the head and body.
✨ Soft tissue work – Gentle movements to release tight muscles.
✨ Gentle articulation – Light mobilisations to encourage natural movement.
Is Osteopathy Safe for Babies? Absolutely. Osteopathic treatment for newborns and infants is gentle, non-invasive, and risk-free. Our approach is designed to calm your baby’s nervous system while easing physical discomfort, ensuring a stress-free experience for both you and your baby.
How Quickly Will You See Results? Many parents notice an improvement after just one session. However, depending on the severity of the issue, some babies may need a few follow-ups to achieve full recovery and comfort.
When Should You Book an Appointment? If you’ve noticed your baby struggling with tummy time, stiffness, or general discomfort, now is the best time to book. Osteopathy is not just for treating problems—it’s also a great way to ensure your baby is developing comfortably and happily. Whether you have a specific concern or just want a general body check-up, we’re here to help.
How to Prepare for Your Baby’s First Session? No special prep needed—just turn up! If your baby needs to feed or be changed during the appointment, that’s completely fine. Our goal is to make the session as relaxed and stress-free as possible for both you and your baby.
Why book with us? I have completed a postgraduate in paediatrics and have a deep understanding of how to make life easier and more comfortable for both parent and baby. My approach is tailored, evidence-based, and focused on helping your baby thrive.
Book Your Baby’s Appointment Today!
If your little one is struggling with tummy time, unsettled, or seems uncomfortable, don’t wait! Early intervention makes a huge difference. Book an appointment today and give your baby the best start.