Is it normal for a 5-month-old to push up on the back of their hand during tummy time?

Skills and Milestones

Hi everyone,
My 5-month-old is doing tummy time well and has started pushing himself up. Occasionally, instead of placing his palm flat on the floor, he’ll support himself on the back/outer side of one hand, with his wrist bent and his fingers slightly curled.

It doesn’t seem to bother him or cause him any pain. He can fully open and close that hand, grabs and holds toys without any issues, and uses both hands normally during play. This hand position only happens sometimes while he’s pushing himself up during tummy time.

Has anyone else’s baby done this? Was it just a normal stage while learning to bear weight, or is it something I should mention to our pediatrician?
Thanks in advance!

Posted Jul 11, 2026, 2:24 PM UTC

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