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Your first weeks with your newborn are often exciting, exhausting, and full of challenges. One of these challenges is often tummy time. Tummy time refers to exercises for a little baby where you place the little one on their stomach to build up their shoulder and neck muscles and help develop their motor skills.
Unfortunately, tummy time can also come with waterworks from many little ones. After all, who wouldn’t prefer to snuggle with their parent instead of doing a baby workout on the floor? Fortunately, many products are available to make this experience easier for you and your baby.
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Kidshealth.org says this position is a baby workout where your baby strengthens their neck and shoulders. Just as music or a TV show makes your workout more fun, an engaging toy will help your little one want to stay on their tummy longer.
When do I start tummy time?
While tummy time may seem like an activity for an older infant, most babies can begin tummy time almost right away. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is usually safe to begin tummy time as soon as two or three days after birth. “Just like any workout session, you want to start small and then build up your sessions as your baby grows and their muscles develop,” the organization notes.
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According to the experts, to start tummy time, aim for two or three tummy time sessions that last about 3 to 5 minutes. Your baby will usually let you know (loudly) when they are done with this activity. As your baby continues tummy time, you can extend the sessions. The NIH says pediatricians usually want to see a baby spend between 15 and 30 minutes of tummy time a day by the time they are two months old.
Tummy time should always be closely supervised by an adult.
The benefits of tummy time
There are many good reasons that tummy time is important as part of a healthy routine for your baby. According to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, tummy time is the best way to improve your newborn’s head control and build up their shoulder and neck muscles. While this may be the most well-known benefit of tummy time, it offers numerous benefits, including:
- Doing the ‘groundwork’ for rolling, crawling, and sitting skills.
- It helps the baby learn how to move and respond to the information their brains receive.
- Helps to prevent a flattening of the head
- Aids and prevents torticollis, a condition where the muscles tighten and prevent the baby from moving its head.
What to consider when purchasing a toy for tummy time
Tummy time can begin almost as soon as your baby is born and will continue throughout their first year, so there are many things to consider before making any purchases.
Longevity:
The needs of a newborn during tummy time are much different than the needs of an older infant. Look for an item that will grow with your little one.
Double duty:
Items that can perform more than one function are always a great buy. For example, some tummy time toys can also be taken along for a walk in the stroller.
Fun factor:
Tummy time is a workout. The more fun the toy, the more likely your baby will tolerate the exercise, thanks to their curiosity.
Here are the best tummy time toys:
Unih Baby Gym Play Mat
Editor’s Choice
$40 $48 Save $8
While there is a small water mat for tummy time, this baby toy also features a piano to encourage those baby kicks, as well as overhead toys for visual stimulation.
- Size
- 16.61 x 11.97 x 5.08 inches
- Material
- Fabric
- Color(s)
- Various
- Grows with baby and is perfect for many stages
- Simple and smart design
- Toys can be changed out to suit baby?s interests
- Water can become cold-need to monitor water temperature closely
The Unih Baby Gym Playmat is a perfect toy for little ones who are just starting their tummy time exercises. The water-filled support pillow is detachable and can be used for the baby’s upper body or head. And there are many toys that are securely above to help encourage your little on to look up.
The piano features soft music and lights and the overhanging toys also feature a mirror. This baby play mat can grow with your child as the piano can pivot for a sitting-up baby or toddler.
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Baby Playmat
Premium Pick
$68 $85 Save $17
A padded tummy time mat that will blend seamlessly into modern decor.
- Size
- 33.46×33.46 inch
- Material
- non-woven fabric
- Color(s)
- Neutral
- Brand
- Skip Hop
- Includes good quality and engaging toys for baby
- Super soft material
- Gender neutral design
- Toys are hanging far away so they are difficult to see and out of reach
This Skip Hop option is a great choice if you want your baby surrounded by beauty and comfort. Its soft design is well padded with soft neutrals and pops of calm color.
A support pillow helps the baby to see the hanging toys and its soft mat is perfect for the baby to lay down on and grab the five included toys. The included toys are top-notch and include a light-up star, baby mirror, bird rattle, and cloud squeaker with ribbons. There is also a line of co-ordinating stroller toys that are sold separately.
Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Activity Mat
Best Design
$25 $30 Save $5
This tummy time mat features a cute bear design and built-in stability to help baby transition to sitting.
- For Ages
- 0-3 years
- Batteries Required
- No
- Assembly Required
- no
- Interactive
- Yes
- Number of Pieces
- two
- Brand
- Bright Starts
- Dimensions
- 35″L x 29.5″W
- Material
- polyester
- Easy to fold and clean
- Versatile design so it can be used for sitting babies as well
- Inexpensive
- No overhead toys so it is not engaging when baby is on their back
- Simple design may not appeal to all consumers
The Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Activity Mat earns top marks not only for its cute bear design but also for its well-thought-out features. Not only does this mat offer upper body support for the baby, but it also has a prop option for the top of the mat. This allows toys to be easily within reach.
The toys include a small mirror which is perfect for entertaining little ones who are not yet able to grasp toys. There are also crinkle and rattle options perfect for baby’s little hands.
One of the best features of this mat is its versatility. While it is great for tummy time, its propped-up back also makes it a good option while the baby is learning to sit. The propped-up support adds a little stability for newer sitters.
Kidikools 6-in-1 Baby Play Gym
Best Portable Option
$63 $70 Save $7
This play mat is a great option for taking the baby outside with its SPF 50 protective cover.
- Size
- 31.6 x 31.6 x 20 inches
- Material
- Non-allergenic, BPA, lead, and phthalate-free materials
- Color(s)
- Grey or pink
- Brand
- Kidikools
- Baby gym activity center fits snugly into a handy travel bag with a shoulder strap
- Easy to assemble and fold up and put in its travel bag
- Durable
- Less padding than some other tummy time mats
- The toys hang from an overhead arch and are not within baby?s grasp
Many tummy time mats are a great option inside, but what about the great outdoors? This cute option from KidiKools is a great option for the baby on the go. This play mat is easy to set up and can be enjoyed whether your baby is a newborn or sitting up and playing.
Whether you are venturing to grandma’s house, camping, or having a simple day in the park, this option has many great features. This tummy time mat is designed for sun-safe and bug-free adventures. It features a mosquito net and sun canopy which boasts an SPF50+ rating. This is perfect for little ones to get some fresh air safely.
Zicoto Soft Tummy Time Book with Large Stimulating Baby Safe Mirror
Best Grow With Me Option
This baby-safe mirror features high-contrast newborn images and colorful illustrations to captivate an older infant.
- For Ages
- 0 months and up
- Batteries Required
- no
- Assembly Required
- no
- Interactive
- no
- Number of Pieces
- one
- Brand
- ZICOTO
- Dimensions
- 7.5×5.9”
- Perfect for even the smallest of babies
- Two-step design extends play time
- Features both a mirror and high-contrast images
- Mirror is not completely flat so can distort images if not close up
The Zicoto Soft Tummy Time Book is a great option for parents who enjoy toys that grow with their baby. This tummy time toy features both a baby-safe mirror and a set of high-contrast black and white images. While these features offer baby a great start, it doesn’t end there.
Once the baby is ready for stage 2, the book pages can be flipped to feature soft pastels and high-contrast images that produce crinkle sounds to continue to capture your baby’s attention. A soft silicone teething toy finishes off this stimulating toy.
Sassy Tummy Time See Me Floor Mirror
Best Simple Solution
This baby-safe padded mirror is perfect for tummy time. Its design allows babies to get close, which is perfect for their developing vision.
- For Ages
- 0 months and up
- Batteries Required
- No
- Assembly Required
- No
- Interactive
- No
- Number of Pieces
- One
- Brand
- Sassy
- Dimensions
- 10″L x 9.5″W
- Material
- Plastic
- Great option for even the youngest of babies
- Portable, simple and easy to use
- Gender neutral design
- Only usable for younger babies
This Sassy Tummy Time See Me Floor Mirror soft option is perfect for even the youngest baby. It’s padded design is baby-safe and allows your little one to look at their own sweet face. As the propped-up mirror allows the baby to get as close as needed, it is perfect for the early days when the baby’s vision is still developing.
The design features stimulating black-and-white elements with sweet and symmetrical bug toys. It encourages self-recognition, and the mirror can be adjusted to various angles.
Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat
$16 $23 Save $7
Comfortable, bright, and aesthetically appealing, the Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat is the perfect surface for all of your little one’s tummy time adventures. Floating toys and graphics inspired by the ocean make this mat perfect for strengthening the neck and developing visual tracking skills. Conveniently designed for quick setup and storage, this inflatable play area is perfect for encouraging important growth stages.
- For Ages
- 3 to 24 Months
- Batteries Required
- no
- Assembly Required
- no
- Interactive
- yes
- Number of Pieces
- 1
- Dimensions
- 26 x 20 x 3.5 inches
- Material
- Plastic
- Simple design. The classic water tummy mat.
- 100% leak-proof
- Bright colors and moveable sea creatures
- 100% BPA-free and non-toxic, heavy PVC materials
- Water can get cold and the temperature needs to be monitored.
This Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat features a captivating underwater design perfect for capturing your baby’s imagination. Once the mat is filled with water, your baby’s movement will make the underwater creatures jump and move to keep the baby entertained and happy.
This mat is a great option to keep the baby cool outside on a warm summer day and to start introducing some simple sensory plan without the worry of babies putting anything into their mouth.
Thremhoo High Contrast Soft Book
Best for Newborns
This high-contrast black and white soft book can be placed upright to entertain even the youngest of babies during tummy time. It features high-contrast images with a pop of red, perfect to captivate infants from 0-6 months.
- For Ages
- 0-2 years
- Batteries Required
- no
- Assembly Required
- no
- Interactive
- no
- Number of Pieces
- one
- Brand
- Thremhoo
- Dimensions
- 6.34 x 5.98 x 2.32 inches
- Material
- cotton
- Designed for baby’s developing vision
- Features a high-quality mirror
- 3D elements to add interest
- Does not include a playmat or support pillow
- Does not grow with baby
The Thremhoo High Contrast Soft Book features both a mirror and 3D elements. A splash of red adds color to the design and the book can stand up, lie on the ground or easily be taken on the go.
Tummy time is a brand-new skill for newborns and this soft toy has many features to hold the interest of even the youngest baby. Its 3D butterfly is both aesthetically pleasing and a great encouragement for your baby to practice reaching for objects. The included mirror captivates your little one by allowing them to gaze at their own sweet face in the mirror.
Diyfrety 3 in 1 Tummy Time Baby Mirror
Best Value
This tummy time mirror grows with babies as their vision develops. It features high-contrast black-and-white images for newborns and flips to include colorful illustrations to captivate older infants.
- For Ages
- 0-12 months
- Batteries Required
- no
- Assembly Required
- no
- Interactive
- yes
- Number of Pieces
- three
- Brand
- Diyfrety
- Dimensions
- 11.02 x 6.69 x 1.77 inches
- Material
- unknown
- Features a double-sided play mat with crinkle sounds
- Its 3 in 1 design is good value for money
- Can grow with baby over time
- Not super aesthetically pleasing
- Does not offer upper-body support
The Diyfrety 3 in 1 Tummy Time Baby Mirror toy may feature a mirror, but it is so much more than that. This toy features a crinkle sensory mat. The mat is double-sided, so one side features high-contrast black-and-white images, and you can flip to the more colorful side as the baby’s vision develops.
The mirror is part of a design that folds and features a soft flip book with colorful animals and sensory sounds. Its smart design is compact and interactive, perfect for any parent who wants to encourage their little one to enjoy time on their tummy.
Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical Plush Toy
Best Plush Option
The Baby Einstein Octoplush engages and educates with its sweet and friendly design.
- For Ages
- 3 months+
- Batteries Required
- Yes, 1 AAA
- Assembly Required
- No
- Interactive
- Yes
- Number of Pieces
- 1
- Brand
- Baby Einstein
- Dimensions
- 7 x 11 x 11 inches
- Material
- Polypropylene
- Soft and sweet
- High-contrast design
- Features three languages
- Does not include a playmat or support pillow
The Baby Einstein Octoplush Musical Huggable Stuffed Octopus has an engaging smile and soft blue body, and its underside features a high-contrast black and white design which is perfect for developing vision. Babies can reach and grab the octopus’ tentacles to learn the names of the colors.
A switch inside the octopus’ head lets you switch the language between English, Spanish, and French. Pushing the octopus’ head will also play sweet classical music which both parents and baby are sure to enjoy.
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What should you do if baby cries when placed on their tummy?
While tummy time offers many benefits, your little one may see the act as nothing more than physical excretion instead of sweet snuggles. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to make tummy time a fun and bonding experience for you and your baby. The NIH offers several ideas on how to make the experience more enjoyable for both baby and parent:
Place the baby on a soft blanket or play mat on the floor.
Many tummy time toys include a soft mat to make the activity more comfortable for your little one.
Support the baby’s upper body.
You can simply roll up a towel and place it under your baby’s arms to give them a little support. Some play mats will include a small supper body support to prop the baby up.
Time the sessions right.
You know your baby best. Are they happiest right after a nap? In the morning? After a feed? Time your baby’s sessions, so they are more likely to happily engage.
Make it fun.
You can place a toy within the baby’s reach or something interesting to engage with such as an image or a mirror. This will help your baby learn to play.
Encourage your baby.
Sit in front of your baby, so you can interact, bond, and encourage your little one.
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