About the Baby Kick Counter
This baby kick counter helps you track fetal movements in the third trimester. Press start, then tap the big button every time you feel a kick, roll, swish or jab. The timer shows how long it takes to feel 10 movements — the “count to 10” method many providers suggest — and keeps a log of your sessions on this device so you can see your baby’s usual pattern.
It is for pregnant people from around 28 weeks, or earlier if your midwife or doctor asks you to keep track. Count at a time your baby is usually active, such as after a meal, lying on your side. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that there are different ways to do kick counts and that your provider will tell you how often to count and when to call; a common approach is to expect 10 movements within 2 hours.
Most important of all: there is no “normal” number for every baby, and the NHS advises getting to know your own baby’s pattern rather than counting to a target. If you think your baby is moving less than usual, or the pattern changes, contact your maternity unit or provider immediately — do not wait until the next day and do not rely on this tool or a home doppler to reassure you.
How to use the baby kick counter
- 1Pick a time your baby is usually active and lie on your side or sit comfortably.
- 2Press Start, then tap the button for every distinct movement you feel.
- 3Stop when you reach 10 movements; the session is saved with its time.
- 4Compare with your previous sessions to learn your baby’s usual pattern.
- 5If movements seem fewer, weaker or different, call your maternity unit right away.
Formula and method
The count-to-10 method measures how long it takes to feel a set number of distinct movements (kicks, rolls, swishes or jabs all count, but hiccups do not). The live counter simply times from when you press start to each tap; the calculator below it takes a count and elapsed time you already have and works out the rate per hour, the average gap between movements and a projection of when you would hit the target at the same pace.
The default target of 10 movements within 120 minutes is a commonly used rule of thumb, not a universal standard; your provider may use a different target or time window, which you can enter. Many babies reach 10 movements in well under 30 minutes when active. What matters most is a change from your baby’s own usual pattern.
- Movements
- Distinct kicks, rolls, swishes or jabs felt
- Target
- Number of movements you are counting to (often 10)
- Window
- Time within which your provider expects the target (often 2 hours)
Worked examples
10 movements in 25 minutes
Ten movements in 25 minutes is 10 ÷ 25 × 60 = 24 movements an hour, or one every 2.5 minutes — comfortably within the 2-hour window.
4 movements after an hour
Four movements in 60 minutes is 4 an hour; at that pace 10 movements would take 60 ÷ 4 × 10 = 150 minutes, beyond the 120-minute limit. Keep counting, change position, and call your provider if movements stay slow.
Only 6 movements in 2 hours
Six movements over 120 minutes is 3 an hour, one every 20 minutes, and the target of 10 was not reached in 2 hours. That needs same-day assessment — call your maternity unit or provider now.
Frequently asked questions
How many kicks should I feel in 2 hours?+
A widely used guideline is at least 10 movements within 2 hours, and many babies manage this in far less time. ACOG says there are different ways to count, so follow your provider’s instructions. The NHS advises learning your baby’s own pattern rather than relying on a fixed number.
When should I start counting kicks?+
Kick counting is usually suggested from about 28 weeks, when movements become regular enough to track. Your provider may ask you to start earlier or more often if you have risk factors.
What counts as a movement?+
Any distinct kick, flutter, swish, roll or jab counts as one movement. A continuous roll is one movement. Hiccups are rhythmic and do not count.
What should I do if my baby is moving less?+
Contact your maternity unit, midwife or doctor immediately — even at night. The NHS advises not waiting until the next day and not using a home doppler to check the heartbeat yourself, because hearing a heartbeat does not mean your baby is well.
What is the best time to count kicks?+
Choose a time your baby is usually active, often in the evening or after a meal, and count lying on your side. Counting at about the same time each day makes sessions easier to compare.
Is my data saved?+
The kick counter saves sessions only in your own browser on this device so you can compare them over days. Nothing is uploaded, and you can clear the log at any time.
This tool gives general estimates and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or qualified professional about your health, diet or training.