Best Toys for Tummy Time and Why

Tummy time is when your baby lies on their tummy to play. While some babies don’t like being on their tummy, try hard not to skip it. Your baby develops many important gross motor skills while lying facedown. Read more on why it should not be skipped.

Your child should always sleep on their back for safety. But, they need playtime on their tummies when awake and in a good mood. A little bit of tummy time done throughout the day is ideal for many children.

For newborns, tummy time only lasts a couple of minutes. Since your baby cannot lift its head to look around and play with anything, these moments are often done on your chest or on a play mat with you. Lie down face-to-face with your baby and talk and sing. Babies love looking at faces at this young age; your face will be the best “toy.”

When your baby gets a month or so older, you should offer some toys to engage all of their senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. Share on XMost toys marketed for infants fit the bill. However, be aware that plastics, flashing lights, and loud sounds can overstimulate your baby and lead to crying and fussing. Look for products made with natural materials that follow high safety standards. Unfortunately, many made outside the United States do not.

Best toys

Here are a few toys I recommend:

1. Baby-safe mirrors – While your baby does not recognize its image, they will love faces–even their own! Even though it’s early, you can introduce them to body parts, like eyes, nose, and mouth. Just don’t expect them to learn these until they’re older.

 

2. Black and white cards or toys – Babies do not see colors until around five months of age. Simple black-and-white cards or toys are easier for your baby to focus on. While these toys seem blah to adults, babies love them.

 

3. Soft, easy-to-grasp, rattles, and rings – Your baby does not need loads of these, just a few. Rings are easy for your baby to pick up. Look for ones that are safe for them to chew on and explore with their mouth. Lightweight rattles that make gentle noises are great. Your child’s hearing is sensitive. Loud noises can startle and scare a baby.

 

There are many baby toys to choose from. Knowing your baby only needs a few things should make it easier.  They need a baby-safe mirror, some black-and-white cards or toys, a couple of rattles, and YOU during those first months.

If you’re worried or struggling with tummy time, get my 10 Tips for Happy Tummy Time e-course! Invest in yourself.

What toys does your baby love that you’d recommend?

(Photo: Adobe Stock)

Disclaimer: All information presented is general education and is not intended as specific prescriptions for your child. If you have concerns about any aspect of your baby’s development, talk with your doctor. If your child is receiving any intervention or therapy, this information is not intended to be used without their knowledge.