How to Get Baby to Move for Kick Counts (and When Not To)
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Last updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: For a routine count, here's how to get baby to move for kick counts: choose the time of day your baby is usually active, lie on your side or sit with your feet up, and focus quietly on movements. But if you're worried movements have slowed or changed, don't try to make your baby move. Call your maternity unit now.
That second part is the most important line on this page. NHS hospitals and the charity Tommy's both say you should not try to make your baby move when you're worried. Use the kick counter for routine counts, and read kick counts: how and when for the full method.
First, is this a routine count or are you worried?
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| A routine daily count, and movements have felt normal today | Use the tips below to choose a good time and position |
| Your baby feels quieter than usual, weaker, or the pattern has changed | Don't try to make your baby move. Call your midwife or maternity unit immediately |
| You haven't felt any movement and you're past 24 weeks | Call your maternity unit immediately |
| You've not felt your baby move at all by 24 weeks | Tell your midwife |
The NHS says to call immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, you can't feel your baby moving anymore, or the usual pattern changes, and not to wait until the next day, even if it's the middle of the night. Tommy's explains why: even if something makes your baby move for a short while, that doesn't mean any problem has gone away.
Tips for a routine kick count
These tips help you notice movements during a normal daily count. They're about making movements easier to feel, not about checking on a baby you're worried about.
Pick your baby's active time
Count the Kicks suggests starting when your baby is usually active, preferably at the same time every day. Many babies are busier in the evening, or when you're resting after a meal. Babies have sleep cycles, so a quiet spell is often normal, but you'll soon learn what's typical for your baby.
Get into a good position
- Lie on your left or right side, with a pillow under your bump or between your knees.
- Or sit comfortably, leaning back slightly, with your feet up.
- Avoid lying flat on your back for long in the third trimester. The NHS advises going to sleep on your side from 28 weeks.
Remove distractions
Put the TV and phone notifications away, and rest a hand on your bump. Many people miss movements when they're busy, walking or at work, simply because they're not paying attention.
Count every movement
Kicks, rolls, swishes, jabs and flutters all count. Hiccups usually don't, because they're a rhythmic twitch rather than a movement. Use the count-to-10 method if your provider has recommended it: note how long it takes to feel 10 movements.
What about cold water, sugar or poking?
These are common tips online: drink something cold, eat something sweet, press on your bump, play music or shine a light on your belly. Some people find their baby seems to respond, and there's no harm in having a drink or snack before a routine count.
But they're not a reliable test of how your baby is doing. Tommy's and Wirral NHS hospital guidance both say not to try to make your baby move if you're worried. A cold drink and a few kicks can give false reassurance and delay a check that could matter.
Don't use a home doppler either. The NHS and Wirral NHS advise against hand-held monitors, dopplers or apps to check your baby's heartbeat, because hearing a heartbeat doesn't mean your baby is well.
How long should a count take?
There's no single rule that fits everyone.
- Count the Kicks (a US campaign) suggests timing how long it takes to feel 10 movements each day and comparing it with your usual time.
- Many US providers use a rule such as 10 movements within 2 hours. ACOG says kick counts are done as instructed by your provider.
- The NHS says there's no set number of movements and you don't need to count kicks. What matters is knowing your baby's normal pattern.
Whatever method you use, call your maternity unit if you notice a change, or if you don't reach the number your provider gave you. Momi's kick counter sessions show your usual time to 10, which helps you spot a change. Read do kick counts really matter? for what the research says.
Special situations
- Anterior placenta: a placenta at the front can cushion kicks, so movements can feel softer. Tommy's says never assume this is why you can't feel your baby. See kick counts with an anterior placenta.
- Late pregnancy: your baby shouldn't move less as you near your due date. Tommy's says movements should increase until about 32 weeks and then stay roughly the same up to and during labor.
- Anxiety: if counting makes you anxious, tell your midwife. Support is available.
How Momi helps
Momi's kick counter lets you tap once for each movement, aims for 10 and saves every session, so you can see your baby's usual pattern over days and weeks. It's there to help you notice changes, not to replace a check. If you're worried, call your maternity unit first.
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Related: how to track fetal movement · third trimester · 28 weeks pregnant
Sources
- NHS, Your baby's movements
- Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS, Your baby's movements
- Tommy's, Reduced fetal movement: conversation guide and FAQs
- Tommy's, Baby's movements in pregnancy
- Count the Kicks, How to count kicks
- ACOG, Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Well-Being
- NHS, Tiredness and sleep problems
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
What is the best time of day to do kick counts?
Choose a time when your baby is usually active, and try to use the same time each day. Count the Kicks suggests picking a time when your baby is active, preferably the same time every day. For many people that's in the evening or after a meal, but every baby has their own pattern.
Does cold water or juice make a baby move?
Many people try a cold drink or a snack, but this isn't a reliable way to check that your baby is well. Tommy's explains that even if something makes your baby move briefly, it doesn't mean any problem has gone away. If you're worried about movements, contact your maternity unit.
What position is best for counting kicks?
Lying on your side, with your bump supported, or sitting comfortably with your feet up works well for most people. Many find they notice movements more when they're still and relaxed. From 28 weeks, avoid lying flat on your back for long.
My baby is quiet. How long should I wait before calling?
Don't wait if you think movements have slowed down, stopped or changed. The NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit immediately, even in the middle of the night. If your provider gave you a kick count rule, such as 10 movements within 2 hours, call if you don't reach it.
Can I use a home doppler instead?
No. The NHS and Wirral NHS hospitals advise against using hand-held monitors, dopplers or phone apps to check your baby's heartbeat. Hearing a heartbeat doesn't mean your baby is well. If you're worried, call your maternity unit so they can check you properly.
Related guides
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Momi is a free pregnancy tracker app for iPhone and Android that follows pregnancy week by week, estimates the due date, and keeps a pregnancy journal, weight log, kick counter and contraction timer in one place.
