Tummy time is one of those milestones that can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety for new parents. It’s essential for your baby’s development, but let’s face it, not every baby is a fan at first. That’s where tummy time infant toys come into play! These toys are designed to make tummy time fun and engaging, helping your little one build those important muscles while keeping them entertained. Let’s dive into the world of tummy time toys and find the perfect ones for your baby!
Benefits of Playing with Tummy Time Infant Toys
Playing with tummy time toys isn’t just about keeping your baby occupied. It offers a host of developmental benefits, such as:
- Cognitive Development: Interacting with toys encourages problem-solving and cognitive skills.
- Muscle Development: Tummy time strengthens your baby’s neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, which are crucial for milestones like sitting up, crawling, and walking.
- Motor Skills: Reaching for toys improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Sensory Stimulation: Many tummy time toys come with different textures, colors, and sounds, which help stimulate your baby’s senses.
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When Should You Start Introducing Tummy Time Infant Toys?
You can start tummy time as early as your baby’s first few days of life. Initially, keep it short—just a few minutes at a time, a few times a day. As your baby gets stronger, you can gradually increase the duration. Introducing toys when your baby is around 2-3 months old can make tummy time more enjoyable and engaging for them.
What if My Baby Hates Tummy Time?
It’s not uncommon for babies to fuss during tummy time. Here are some tips to make it more pleasant:
- Start Slow: Begin with short sessions and gradually increase the time.
- Comfortable Surface: Use a soft, comfortable surface, like a playmat or blanket.
- Engage with Toys: Introduce fun and colorful toys to keep your baby’s interest.
- Get Down on Their Level: Lie down on the floor with your baby to provide comfort and encouragement.
- Incorporate Tummy Time into Routine: Make it part of your daily routine, like after diaper changes or naps.
Now, let’s explore some of the best tummy time toys that will make this important activity a delightful experience for both you and your baby.
Best Tummy Time Mat
1
This Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym is a vibrant, multifunctional playmat that engages your baby during tummy time and beyond. It features a soft, colorful mat with playful animals and a piano that your baby can kick to activate fun sounds and music. The gym grows with your baby, providing entertainment in four ways: lay and play, tummy time, sit and play, and take-along. The piano can be removed for on-the-go fun, and the hanging toys, including a teether, clackers, and a mirror, encourage your baby to reach and grasp. Parents love the versatility and the way it keeps babies entertained and engaged. The music and lights are a big hit, and the mat is easy to clean.
Age Range: 0-36 months
2
This Play Gym is a thoughtfully designed play gym that focuses on sensory exploration, motor development, and cognitive growth. Made with non-toxic, baby-safe materials, it includes high-contrast card sets, a batting ring, an organic cotton teether, and a wooden batting ring, perfect for tummy time. The play gym also includes a play guide with activities tailored to your baby’s developmental stages. Parents highly praise this gym for its high-quality construction and the variety of activities it offers. Babies are captivated by the high-contrast cards and the different textures on the mat. The gym’s aesthetic and eco-friendly materials make it a parent favorite.
Age Range: 0+ months
Best Tummy Time Infant Pillows
3
The Boppy Tummy Time Pillow is a small, crescent-shaped pillow designed to support your baby during tummy time. It includes attached toys and a mirror to keep your baby entertained. This pillow helps elevate your baby, making it easier for them to lift their head and engage with their surroundings. Parents love how this pillow makes tummy time more comfortable and enjoyable for their little ones. The compact size is great for taking on the go, and the soft, washable fabric is a big plus for those inevitable messes.
Age Range: 0+ months
4
This Plush Llama Tummy Time Pillow is an adorable and multifunctional toy designed to support your baby during tummy time. It provides a soft, supportive surface for your baby to lean on, and it comes with a mirror, rattle, and teether for added engagement. The cute design and soft fabric make it a cozy companion for your little one. Parents love the versatility of this toy, as it can also be used as a seating support as your baby grows. The different textures and attached toys keep babies entertained, making tummy time more fun.
Age Range: 0+ months
5
This Caterpillar-Shaped Tummy Time Pillow is a versatile and colorful toy that grows with your baby. It can be used for tummy time support and as a seating aid as your baby develops. It features various textures, a mirror, and detachable toys to keep your baby engaged and entertained. Parents appreciate the multifunctional nature of this toy, as it provides value beyond just tummy time. The bright colors and different textures stimulate babies’ senses, making it a fantastic product for multiple stages of development.
Age Range: 0+ months
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Best Tummy Time Infant Toy That Light-Up
6
This Glow & Discover Light Bar is a captivating tummy time toy that encourages your baby to explore and reach during tummy time. This light-up bar features three modes: animal sounds, colors, and xylophone, providing a variety of engaging sounds and lights to keep your baby entertained. The large buttons are easy for little hands to press, promoting fine motor skills. Parents love how this toy captures their baby’s attention and makes tummy time more enjoyable. The different modes offer variety, making it a fun and interactive addition to tummy time.
Age Range: 3+ months
7
This Baby Crawl Toy is a fantastic light-up toy that grows with your baby. It features lights, music, and sounds that activate as your baby plays, encouraging them to crawl and explore. This toy has three stages: lay and play, tummy time, and crawl and chase, making it a versatile addition to your baby’s toy collection. Parents love the longevity of this toy, as it continues to engage babies as they grow. The lights and sounds are very appealing to little ones, making it a great investment for developmental play.
Age Range: 6+ months
8
The Crawling Crab Tummy Toy is an interactive and entertaining toy designed to encourage your baby to lift their head and reach during tummy time. This cute crab moves around on its own, playing fun music and lighting up to capture your baby’s attention. It’s perfect for promoting muscle development and motor skills. Parents love how this toy motivates their babies to engage in tummy time and crawl after the crab. The bright colors and movement keep babies entertained, making tummy time more exciting.
Age Range: 6+ months
9
The Dancing Talking Cactus Baby Mimicking Toys is a fun and unique toy that adds a playful twist to tummy time. This cactus toy dances and mimics sounds while lighting up, providing a multi-sensory experience for your baby. It’s perfect for capturing your baby’s attention and encouraging them to lift their head and interact. Parents love the entertainment value of this toy and how it keeps their babies engaged during tummy time, making it a great addition to your baby’s playtime routine.
Age Range: 6+ months
Best Tummy Time Infant Sensory Toy
10
This Inflatable Tummy Time Mat provides a unique and engaging sensory experience for your baby. It features colorful underwater graphics and floating sea creatures that move as your baby presses down on the mat. It’s perfect for visual and tactile stimulation during tummy time. Parents love how this mat keeps their babies entertained and encourages them to lift their heads and explore. The water element adds a fun twist to tummy time, making it a fantastic sensory toy.
Age Range: 3+ months
11
This Tummy Time Mat is designed to stimulate your baby’s senses and encourage exploration during tummy time. It features a variety of textures, flaps, and removable pieces to engage your baby’s curiosity. The high-contrast images and patterns are perfect for visual development. Parents love how this mat keeps their babies entertained and engaged. The different textures and interactive elements provide plenty of stimulation, making it a great addition to tummy time.
Age Range: 6+ months
12
This high contrast sensory book is perfect for stimulating your baby’s vision and touch during tummy time. It features various textures, crinkle pages, and bright, contrasting colors to capture your baby’s attention and encourage exploration. Parents love how this book keeps their babies engaged and promotes sensory development. The different textures and interactive elements are very appealing to little ones, making it a fantastic sensory toy that adds fun and educational value to tummy time.
Age Range: 0-12 months
13
This High Contrast Floor Activity Mirror is a fantastic tool for tummy time, encouraging your baby to lift their head and interact with their reflection. This baby-safe mirror features high-contrast images on one side and colorful illustrations on the other, stimulating your baby’s vision and keeping them engaged. Parents love how this mirror captures their baby’s attention and makes tummy time more enjoyable. The dual-sided design provides variety, making it a great addition to tummy time.
Age Range: 0+ months
14
This Fish Soft Baby Toy is a colorful and engaging toy that makes tummy time fun for your baby. This soft fish toy features crinkly scales, various textures, and a hidden mirror, providing plenty of sensory stimulation. Parents love how this toy keeps their babies entertained and engaged during tummy time. The different textures and sounds are very appealing to little ones, making it a delightful and functional toy that adds excitement to tummy time.
Age Range: 0+ months
15
This Plush Caterpillar Toy is a soft and musical toy that makes tummy time more enjoyable for your baby. It includes a baby mirror, crinkle sounds, and various textures to engage your baby’s senses and promote exploration. Parents love how this toy keeps their babies entertained and encourages them to lift their heads and reach. The different sensory elements provide plenty of stimulation, making it a fantastic addition to tummy time.
Age Range: 0+ months
Q&A About Tummy Time Infant Toys
How often should my baby do tummy time?
Aim for about 20-30 minutes of tummy time each day, broken into shorter sessions. Gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger.
What if my baby falls asleep during tummy time?
If your baby falls asleep during tummy time, gently roll them onto their back. Always supervise tummy time to ensure safety.
Can tummy time help with flat head syndrome?
Yes, tummy time helps prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) by giving your baby a break from lying on their back and encouraging them to develop different muscles.
How can I make tummy time more enjoyable for my baby?
Use engaging toys, get down on their level, and make tummy time a part of your daily routine. Singing songs and providing lots of encouragement can also help.
What should I do if my baby cries during tummy time?
Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the time. Use toys to distract and engage your baby. If they continue to cry, try tummy time in different settings or after a nap when they’re well-rested.
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Conclusion
Tummy time is a crucial part of your baby’s development, and with the right toys, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and your little one. From playmats and pillows to sensory toys and light-up gadgets, there are plenty of options to keep your baby engaged and happy during tummy time. Remember to start slow, be patient, and make it a fun bonding activity. With these top tummy time toys, you’ll help your baby build strength, develop motor skills, and explore their growing world. Happy tummy time, everyone!
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