Tummy time helps your baby build strength in their neck, shoulders, arms, back, and core as they lift their head, push up, and roll. It can be challenging at first, but toys can make it more fun by encouraging your baby to reach, grab, and explore sounds and textures.
Some age-appropriate tummy-time toys for babies can support your little one’s developing skills and let them explore at their own pace. Here are some helpful picks from Baby Company!
When Should Babies Start Tummy Time?
Tummy time is supervised play while your baby is awake and lying on their belly. It helps strengthen the muscles they’ll use to lift their head, roll, and crawl.
Most babies can start a day or two after birth, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). However, most babies learn to roll from their back to their tummies by 3 to 6 months old, when their head and neck control is stronger.
Learn ways to encourage your baby to roll over with our guide to mastering tummy time for babies.
Best Types of Toys for Baby’s Tummy Time
From reaching for a rattle to lifting their head to look in a mirror, some baby toys can make tummy time more fun. Here are a few motor-development toy options to help your baby explore and practice new skills at their own pace.
1. High-contrast cards and soft books
High-contrast cards and soft books give your baby something easy to focus on during tummy time. Place one in front of them, then slowly move it side to side to encourage eye tracking and head turns. Crinkly pages add textures and sounds to explore.
2. Baby-safe mirrors
A baby-safe mirror gives your little one a face to look at and a reason to lift their head. Set a sturdy, shatterproof mirror in front of them and join in with smiles and funny faces.
3. Soft rattles and grasping toys
Lightweight rattles and grasping toys help your baby practice reaching, holding, and hand-eye coordination. Gently shake a rattle to catch their attention, then let them try making sounds with it themselves.
4. Textured Sensory Toys
Soft fabrics, raised ridges, and crinkly materials let your baby explore different textures. Keep sensory toys for newborns and babies aged 2 months and up within reach so your baby can practice reaching and using their hands and fingers.
Baby Gund 11.5” Peek A Boo Bear Plush Toy
5. Activity gyms with reachable toys
Many activity gyms come with removable toys you can use during tummy time. Place a baby-safe mirror, soft toy, or rattle on the mat in front of your baby to encourage reaching and lifting their head and chest.
6. Soft, age-appropriate balls
Soft, lightweight balls give your baby something to watch, reach for, and eventually move toward. Roll one slowly across their view to encourage eye tracking. Choose an age-appropriate ball with textures or openings that make it easy to grip.
VTech Peek-A-Boo Surprise
7. Interactive musical toys
Musical toys with gentle sounds can encourage your baby to lift their head and turn it. As they grow, simple buttons help them discover that a press can start a sound or light.
Ms. Rachel Speak N Sing Doll Toy
How to Choose Tummy Time Toys Based on Your Baby's Age
Every baby develops at their own pace. Use these age ranges as a guide, and choose toys that match what your baby can comfortably see, touch, and hold:
|
Age |
Tummy Time Toy Recommendation |
|
Birth to 2 months |
Try high-contrast cards, soft cloth books, and baby-safe floor mirrors to give your baby clear shapes and faces to focus on. |
|
2 to 4 months |
Choose baby-safe mirrors, soft rattles, and textured toys to encourage head turns and reaching. |
|
4 to 6 months |
Offer easy-to-grasp rings, sensory balls, and simple interactive toys to help your baby practice holding toys and, when ready, passing them from hand to hand. |
|
6 to 12 months |
Try rolling toys and soft balls to encourage movement as your baby learns to sit, crawl, and explore. |
You don’t need every toy on the list. Start with a few of the options above that suit your baby’s current skills, and follow their lead. Simple toys and time playing together can keep tummy time fun as your baby grows.
What to Look for in Baby’s Tummy Time Toys
The best tummy time toys are simple, safe, and suited to your baby’s stage. Here’s what to keep in mind when choosing them:
- Start with what your baby can do now. Choose toys that match their abilities and interests without overwhelming or tiring them.
- Look for age-friendly features. High-contrast patterns work well for young infants, while lightweight, easy-to-grab toys suit older babies.
- Keep safety and cleanup in mind. Choose lightweight toys that are safe for mouthing and easy to wipe clean.
- Give them something to explore. Bright colors, bold patterns, soft fabrics, and gentle sounds can catch your baby’s attention.
- Join in the fun. Talk, sing, and play together to bond with your baby.
- Follow your baby’s lead. Let them explore comfortably at their own pace rather than pushing them to reach milestones early.
Tummy Time Toy Safety Tips
A few simple precautions can help keep tummy time safe and fun. Keep these tips in mind when choosing toys and playing together.
- Stay close. Keep your baby awake during tummy time and stay right beside them to watch their movements.
- Choose safe toys. Look for age-appropriate toys with no small loose parts, hard edges, or long strings.
- Check toys often. Make sure they’re sturdy, clean, and undamaged.
- Keep toys clean. Wipe toys clean and wash cloth toys regularly with gentle soap, following the care instructions.
- Keep the crib clear. Leave toys, pillows, and soft blankets out of your baby’s crib to keep their sleep space safe.
Make Baby’s Tummy Time Fun with Toys
Tummy time helps your baby build strength and explore the world—and a few simple toys can make it more fun. From high-contrast cards and baby-safe mirrors to soft rattles and textured balls, choose toys that suit your baby’s age, interests, and current skills.
Start with a few favorite toys, follow your baby’s lead, and stay close while they play. Your time together matters just as much as the toys.
Ready to make tummy time more fun? Explore Baby Company’s collection of developmental toys for babies to find a few favorites for your little one’s next play session. Find a Baby Company store near you for more baby products and essentials.
FAQ
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When can my baby start tummy time?
According to the NIH, most babies can start tummy time a day or two after birth. Always keep your baby awake and supervised during tummy time.
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What tummy time toys are good for newborns?
High-contrast cards, soft cloth books, and baby-safe floor mirrors give newborns simple shapes and faces to focus on.
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How do I choose tummy time toys as my baby grows?
Follow your baby’s abilities and the toy’s age guidance. Start with toys to look at, then introduce lightweight rattles, easy-to-grasp rings, and soft balls as they become ready to reach and hold.
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Do I need lots of tummy time toys?
Some No. A few age-appropriate toys are enough to offer different things to explore. Playing, talking, and singing together matter just as much.
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How can I keep tummy time toys safe and clean?
Choose toys without small loose parts, hard edges, or long strings. Check for damage often, clean toys according to their care instructions, and keep them out of your baby’s crib.
Resources:
Benefits of Tummy Time | Safe to Sleep®. (n.d.). https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/. https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/tummy-time