Newborn babies are typically seen as cute and cuddly creatures that need to be constantly monitored and cared for. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. Newborns can actually benefit from being placed on their tummies for short periods of time each day. This tummy time gives them a chance to grow and develop their intellect and body. Plus, the AAP recommends that parents should start incorporating tummy time into their baby’s routine as soon as possible after birth, even if it’s for brief periods of three to five minutes (1).
Engaging your baby in tummy time is a crucial aspect of their development as it aids in building strength in their back and neck muscles. However, some babies may find it challenging and uncomfortable. Fortunately, certain toys can help make it more enjoyable for them. The top tummy time toys are designed to entertain and engage your child while they exercise, making it a fun and fruitful experience.
Our Top Picks
- Best Tummy Time Activity Gym: Baby Einstein 4-in-1
- Best Tummy Time Mirror: Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror
- Best Tummy Time Teether Toy: Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
- Best Tummy Time Mat: Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Activity Mat
- Best Budget-Friendly Tummy Time Toy: Fisher-Price Pretend Food Baby Teething Toy
- Most Interactive Tummy Time Toy: Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar
- Best Tummy Time Pillow: Infantino Prop-A-Pillar Tummy Time & Seated Support
- Best Portable Tummy Time: MAGIFIRE Playtime Baby Tummy Time Mat
- Best Tummy Time Ball: VTech Lil’ Critters Roll & Discover Ball
- Best Tummy Time Book: Manhattan Toy Llama Themed Soft Baby Activity Book
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Tummy Time Toys Picks
Baby Einstein 4-in-1 – Best Tummy Time Activity Gym
- Easy to put together
- The piano has great animal sounds
- Would be easy to take apart and set back up
- Has additional loops that could accommodate your own hanging toys
- Easy but annoying to assemble
This baby gym and toy piano combo is a surefire way to promote your baby’s musical development from head to toe. Thanks to Magic Touch technology, your baby can play the piano with a simple push of a finger or a kick of the foot! Tummy time is made even more comfortable and enjoyable with the included support pillow.
With over 70 tunes and sounds in 4 different languages (English, Spanish, French, and German), your baby can explore 7 fascinating toys with all their senses. The fun never ends with a crinkle medallion, triangular rattle, textured music notes, flashcards, and a self-discovery mirror to keep your baby entertained in every direction. This multisensory gym is designed to grow with your baby, from tummy time to sitting and playing.
Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror – Best Tummy Time Mirror
- The “frame” (front) and back are padded but sturdy so they can be laid on the ground
- The 2 creatures on the front are great for the sensory exploration
- The reflection in the mirror is clear
- Easy to clean
- The mirror is a bit warped
The Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror is a fantastic tool for aiding your baby’s development during tummy time. It has received high ratings from parents who praise its clarity and sturdiness. The mirror’s large, true reflection allows your baby to focus on a person’s face, aiding in their cognitive development.
The symmetrical butterfly attached to the mirror encourages exploration through touch and sight, while the high-contrast ladybug and tracking ball help develop your baby’s visual tracking skills. Plus, the textured leaves add an extra element of playfulness with peek-a-boo games.
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy – Best Tummy Time Teether Toy
- Colorful
- Very easy to clean
- Full of slender surfaces for easy grasping one or two-handed at any angle
- Flexible and soft, so baby doesn’t get hurt or cry when bonking her own head
- A bit bulky
The Winkel Rattle and Teether by Manhattan Toy is a classic and a must-have for both parents and newborns. The toy’s soft and colorful labyrinth of continuous tubes immediately captures a baby’s attention and keeps them engaged. And the lightweight and loop shape makes it easy for even the smallest hands to grasp and rattle, which is perfect for developing gross motor skills.
In addition to being a gripping toy, the Winkel also allows babies to explore cause and effect by shaking the center cube, which has a gentle rattle. Plus, the bendable and supple loops are free from harmful chemicals, making them safe for teething or gumming babies.
Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Activity Mat – Best Tummy Time Mat
- Super cute
- It has a prop on the back to make the bear head at an angle
- Comes with a cushion
- Comes with a few toys that connect to it as well, and a mirror
- The mat is a little thin
This plush and cushioned polar bear mat provide a cozy spot for your baby to practice being on their tummy, while also accommodating all of their kicks and wiggles.
As your baby learns to push up during those early months, the matching support cushion adds to their comfort and provides the extra lift they need. And that’s not all! The play mat also features tiny satin Taggie loops that are sure to give your little one a delightful sensory experience.
With the ability to experiment with rattles, crinkle noises, and other toy attachments, your baby’s playtime is bound to be filled with endless entertainment. Plus, the mat is conveniently designed to fit in small spaces, making it the perfect travel companion for creature comforts on the go.
Fisher-Price Pretend Food Baby Teething Toy – Best Budget-Friendly Tummy Time Toy
- Good quality
- Easy to hold and chew on
- The size is perfect
- The colors are vibrant
- Rattle isn’t very loud
This teether is sure to be a hit with your baby, as they can indulge in the chewy, textured silicone crust and enjoy the soft, crinkly pizza that’s oh-so-easy to hold and makes amusing noises.
As your young snacker holds and puts the teether in their mouth, they will also be exercising their fine and gross motor abilities, all while engaging their auditory and tactile systems with distinct textures and crinkle noises.
Designed to be lightweight and manageable in little hands, this teether features a silicone “crust” without BPA, making it the perfect aid for your baby’s teething needs. Plus, it’s a great way to promote the development of your baby’s hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar – Most Interactive Tummy Time Toy
- Colorful with lights
- Has 3 languages: English, Spanish, and French
- Spinning rattle plays classical music
- Baby can play with it in different positions: during lying, tummy time & sitting on the floor or in a high chair
- The foldable stand is a bit flimsy
This educational toy is designed to keep your baby entertained and fascinated with its wide array of colors, animals, lights, and music.
As your baby lies on their stomach or plays while sitting, they can easily access the toy bar’s many features. By touching the brightly colored portions or rotating the rattle drum, the toy bar lights up and comes to life. And with three different modes to choose from, including animal noises, color sounds, and xylophone sounds, your baby’s sense of hearing is sure to be stimulated.
But that’s not all! The toy bar is also available in English, Spanish, or French, so your little one can learn and play in the language of your choice. Plus, it props up for sitting play and lies flat for tummy time, making it a great companion for your baby’s every move.
Infantino Prop-A-Pillar Tummy Time & Seated Support – Best Tummy Time Pillow
- It’s nice that it’s versatile
- The ability to “unstack” the loops to use as a pad for tummy time is good
- The little bumper under the legs helps keep the baby from tipping forward
- Vibrant color
- It’s smaller than it looks in the photos
This adorable caterpillar is designed to provide comfort and support for your child in a variety of ways, from propping and playing to snuggling up for a cozy nap.
The Prop-A-Pillar is made to support early sitters with its comforting “C” shaped positioner, which can be secured with Velcro for added stability. And with a security belt included, you can be sure that your child will sit comfortably and safely every time.
But that’s not all! Your little one can use the Prop-A-Pillar as a cushion, seat, and toy starting at just 0 months. And when they’re ready for more active play, the sitting position offers tons of comfort and secure support for seated play. Meanwhile, the extended position helps your baby develop and strengthen head and neck muscles during tummy time, making it a valuable tool for your child’s early development.
MAGIFIRE Playtime Baby Tummy Time Mat – Best Portable Tummy Time
- Easy to inflate
- Easy to fill
- Lovely and cool in hot weather
- Super cute
- You can feel the friction on the plastic
Prepare to dive into the underwater world with Magifire’s mesmerizing belly time mat! Your little one will delight in the sensation of moving water and the playful critters that swim below. Watch as your baby’s legs kick and splash, preparing for their first crawl on this ideal surface for newborns.
Crafted from heavy-duty, 100% BPA-free, and non-toxic materials, Magifire’s belly time mats provide a secure and safe environment for your child to play. The mat is adorned with a colorful cast of comical critters including crabs, turtles, sharks, dolphins, and jellyfish.
Filling and inflating the mat is a breeze! Simply add water to the inner core and inflate the outer ring with air for added comfort. Change the water every few days to keep things fresh and hygienic. When it’s time to pack up and go, just empty, deflate, and fold the mat for effortless transport.
VTech Lil’ Critters Roll & Discover Ball – Best Tummy Time Ball
- Rolling is both fun while at the same time keeping your baby active
- It’s very colorful
- It can bounce a little
- Music is nice
- You have to push on the ball a bit hard to press the buttons
This lively and colorful ball is not just any ordinary ball. It’s a circus of excitement and entertainment, designed to provide your little one with hours of amusement and learning.
The soft and textured surface, combined with adorable animal characters, is sure to captivate your child’s attention and encourage exploration. As your child plays with the ball, they will exercise their motor skills, while listening to uplifting music and sounds.
The ball also introduces animals and numbers when your child presses the large Star button. Plus, it has a motion sensor that activates words and sounds when tossed and moved about.
Manhattan Toy Llama Themed Soft Baby Activity Book – Best Tummy Time Book
- This is a super cute toy
- The toy encourages fine motor skill development
- Has a lot to look at plus all the textures
- The Llama even has a squeaker which is a lot of fun
- You have to wash it in the laundry
This book comes with a delightful llama on a leash that has a secret squeaker and a crinkly rainbow that is sure to captivate your child’s attention. The baby-safe mirror also adds an element of fun and exploration. Additionally, your baby can ease their sore gums by nibbling on the corner teether while stroking the silky tabs and fabrics.
It’s easy to bring this llama book with you wherever you go because it has a handy travel loop on top, making it perfect for stroller outings and car rides. Your curious little one will have a blast discovering the variety of shapes and materials to touch, and they can even make noise with the squeaker or the rainbow of crinkle paper.
How to Choose a Tummy Time Toy?
- Safety: Babies who are doing tummy time should be constantly watched. Never let a baby sleep on their stomach and never leave them unattended. The AAP recommends that infants always sleep on their backs during naps and at night (2).
- Age-Appropriate: Picking an age-appropriate toy for your kid is crucial whenever you shop. Almost all toys will have a label or placard indicating the required minimum age.
- Size: You want to make sure that the toy is the right size for your baby. It should be small enough that your baby can grip it easily, but large enough that it will not pose a choking hazard.
- Easy To Clean: Make sure that the toy is easy to clean. This means that it should be machine washable or at least able to be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
- Value: A baby that is entertained and engaged by toys is more likely to spend more time on his or her tummy, which strengthens and develops their muscles.
When Should I Start Tummy Time With Toys?
Most babies will benefit from tummy time beginning at around 3-4 months of age. You can start by placing your baby on their tummy for a few minutes at a time, gradually increasing the amount of time as they get older and stronger. Place a few toys within your baby’s reach to encourage them to lift their head and look around.
Why Tummy Time Toys Are Helpful?
There are many benefits to tummy time for babies. It aids in building the muscles necessary for them to achieve other milestones including crawling, rolling over, and sitting. Tummy time helps to build strength in the neck and shoulders, and can also help to prevent flat head syndrome (3). Tummy time toys can help to make tummy time more enjoyable for the baby, and can also help to encourage the baby to stay in the tummy time position for longer periods of time.
How Long Should Tummy Time Be At 2 Months?
At two months old, your baby should have around 3 to 5 minutes of tummy time at a time and around 3 sessions per day (4). Remember to always supervise your baby during tummy time and never leave them unattended.
How Long Should Tummy Time Be At 3 Months?
By the age of three months, try to get your baby to do at least an hour of tummy time each day (5). Tummy Time can be divided into smaller segments during the day.
What Should Tummy Time Look Like At 4 Months?
At four months old, your baby should be able to spend a few minutes at a time doing tummy time. This means that they should be able to lie on their stomach while supported by their forearms. You can help your baby by putting them on a soft, clean surface, such as a blanket or playmat. Stay with them and encourage them to explore their surroundings.
What Happens If You Don’t Do Tummy Time?
If you don’t do tummy time, your baby may miss out on important developmental milestones. They might not be able to raise their heads up as high as newborns their age. Additionally, they may experience torticollis, which is a lateral neck muscular tightness. Tummy time helps babies build strength in their necks and shoulders, and it also gives them a chance to practice using their arms and hands.
Is It OK To Let Baby Cry During Tummy Time?
Some parents worry that tummy time is too hard on their baby and that their baby will cry. It is normal for babies to cry during tummy time, but if they are crying uncontrollably, you may want to stop and try again later. If your baby is having difficulty with tummy time, try placing them on a towel or blanket on the floor so they can move around and explore. You can also try holding them in your lap or placing them in a baby carrier so they can feel supported.
Does Lying On Chest Count As Tummy Time?
It depends on how the baby is positioned. If the baby is able to move his or her head and look around, it may count as tummy time. However, if the baby’s head is resting on the surface, it may not provide the same benefits as traditional tummy time.
