Babies need tummy time. Many parents feel stuck when their little ones cry during this essential activity. These moments can be tough for both parent and child, creating stress during what should be a helpful practice.
However, the right toys can turn tears into smiles. Tummy time helps babies build neck and shoulder muscles while boosting motor skills.
With thoughtful toy choices, parents can make this key development time both useful and fun.
This blog post shares the best tummy time toys that support growth while keeping babies happy. These tested options will help make daily practice something that everyone looks forward to, rather than dreads.
What Are Tummy Time Toys?
Tummy time toys are items made for babies to use while lying on their stomachs. These toys help make this position more fun and less fussy for little ones.
When babies play on their tummies, they build neck, back, and shoulder muscles. These muscles are key for skills like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling. The toys give babies something to look at, reach for, and touch, which keeps them busy during tummy time.
Most tummy time toys use bright colors, different textures, and sounds to catch a baby’s eye. You’ll find options like mats with hanging toys, small mirrors, soft blocks, or squeaky animals.
Parents can place these toys just out of reach to help babies stretch and move. As babies grow, the same toys can help them practice grabbing, holding, and moving objects, all building blocks for growth.
Why is Tummy Time Important for Development?
Tummy time plays a vital role in how babies grow and learn. When babies spend time on their stomachs while awake, they develop skills necessary for their future growth and development. This position helps babies in many ways:
- Builds neck, shoulder, and back muscles needed for sitting up and crawling.
- Helps make the head round by taking pressure off the back of the skull.
- Improves hand-eye skills as babies reach for objects.
- Boosts visual skills as they learn to lift their heads and look around.
- Provides a solid foundation for learning to roll, crawl, and walk.
- Helps babies feel different textures with their hands and tummies.
- Gives them a new view of the world, which grows brain connections.
Starting with short sessions and gradually increasing their length helps babies become accustomed to tummy time. This simple daily practice sets the stage for healthy growth.
Best Tummy Time Toys for Babies
The market offers many options for tummy time play. Let’s look at the best tummy time toys that combine quality, safety, and fun. These toys help babies build muscles while keeping them happy during daily practice.
1. Play Gym
This thoughtfully designed play mat features sensory zones, hanging toys, and high-contrast images, promoting cognitive and motor development.
The various textures and zones encourage babies to lift their heads, reach, and find during tummy time, promoting physical development. It’s crafted with safe, sustainable materials and adapts as your baby grows, making it a lasting investment for early learning.
- Age Range: 0–12 months
- Top Online Pick: The Play Gym
2. Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym
This multi-functional gym has a piano that babies can kick and colorful hanging toys for reaching and grasping. The music, lights, and textures create a stimulating tummy time environment.
As babies interact with the piano and toys, they strengthen neck, shoulder, and arm muscles while enhancing auditory and visual senses.
- Age Range: 0–12 months
- Top Online Pick: Fisher-Price Baby Playmat Kick & Play Piano Gym
3. Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Mat
With a soft, padded mat and a supportive prop pillow, this set keeps babies cozy during tummy time.
It features crinkle sounds, textured fabrics, and cute animal designs to encourage them. The additional sensory activities help develop motor skills and promote longer periods of tummy time engagement.
- Age Range: 0–6 months
- Top Online Pick: Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Baby Activity Mat
4. Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror
This lightweight, durable mirror captures babies’ attention, encouraging visual tracking and focus. Its soft frame and high-contrast patterns make it a safe tummy time companion.
Watching their reflection motivates babies to lift their heads, strengthening neck and core muscles while promoting social and cognitive development.
- Age Range: 0–6 months
- Top Online Pick: Bright Starts Sit and See Safari Floor Mirror
5. Baby Einstein Glow & Light Bar
This interactive toy lights up and plays melodies when touched, encouraging babies to engage during tummy time. The colorful buttons introduce colors, animals, and music, promoting auditory and sensory development.
Reaching for and pressing the light bar strengthens fine motor skills and upper body muscles.
- Age Range: 3–9 months
- Top Online Pick: Baby Einstein Glow & Light Bar
6. VTech Tummy Time Pillow
This soft, friendly pillow features built-in rattle toys, crinkly fabrics, and interactive buttons that teach animals and colors. It supports babies during tummy time while stimulating sensory and cognitive skills.
The engaging textures and sounds help develop head control, coordination, and tactile awareness.
- Age Range: 0–9 months
- Top Online Pick: VTech Baby Prop and Play Tummy Time Pillow
7. Fat Brain Toys Dimpl Sensory Toy
Simple yet highly engaging, the Dimpl toy features soft, silicone “bubbles” that babies can press and pop. It promotes tactile expedition and fine motor skills during tummy time.
The vibrant colors and popping sensation encourage babies to reach, push, and stretch, aiding sensory and muscle development.
- Age Range: 6 months and up
- Top Online Pick: Fat Brain Dimpl Toy
Choosing the Best Tummy Time Toys for Your Baby
Finding the best tummy time toys helps make this practice more fun for your baby. The right toys can keep your little one happy while building needed skills.
- Age-appropriate design matters most when picking toys. Newborns need simple, high-contrast toys while older babies enjoy more complex features. Always check the age range on toy packaging.
- Safety should be your top concern. Look for toys without small parts that could come loose. Make sure all materials are non-toxic and washable since babies often put things in their mouths.
- Sensory features help keep babies engaged. Toys with different textures, soft sounds, and bright colors will hold your baby’s attention longer during tummy time.
- Size and weight play a key role, too. Toys should be light enough for babies to move, but not so small that they can swallow them.
- Your baby’s interests might guide your choice. Some babies love mirrors while others prefer crinkly sounds or music. Watch what catches your baby’s eye and choose similar toys.
Safety Tips for Tummy Time and Toys
Keeping your baby safe during tummy time is just as important as the activity itself. While tummy time toys make the experience more fun, parents need to take some care when setting up these play sessions.
- Always watch your baby during tummy time. Never leave them alone on their tummy, even for a moment, to prevent any breathing troubles or discomfort.
- Check toys for loose parts before each use. Small pieces can break off and become choking risks for curious babies who put everything in their mouths.
- Choose washable toys since they will get drooled on. Regular cleaning helps stop the spread of germs, especially if other children use the same toys.
- Create a safe space on a firm, flat surface. Avoid placing tummy time mats on beds, couches, or other soft surfaces where babies could sink in.
- Stop at signs of tiredness or fussiness. Short, happy sessions work better than forced, longer ones that might make your baby dislike tummy time.
- Keep pets away during tummy time to avoid any unexpected movements that might scare or harm your baby.
Final Thoughts
Tummy time toys can make a significant difference in your baby’s developmental path. The right toys help build strong muscles, boost brain growth, and make tummy time something babies look forward to.
Remember to start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your baby becomes accustomed to this position. Select toys that match your baby’s age and prioritize safety as your top priority.
Each time you place your baby on their tummy with these helpful toys, you’re helping them build skills they’ll use for years to come. Your baby’s path to sitting up, crawling, and walking begins with these simple daily moments.
Make tummy time a happy part of your daily routine!
What tummy time toys worked best for your baby? Share your experiences in the comments below to help other parents!
