Tummy time is a crucial activity for infants as it helps them develop their motor skills and strengthen their muscles. This activity involves placing the baby on their stomach while they are awake and supervised. However, keeping an infant entertained during tummy time can be a challenge. This is where tummy time toys come in handy.
Tummy time toys are designed to engage the baby and make the activity more enjoyable. These toys come in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Some are soft and plush, while others are made of plastic with bright colors and patterns. When choosing the best tummy time toy for your baby, it is essential to consider factors such as safety, age appropriateness, and developmental benefits.
Safety is a critical factor to consider when selecting tummy time toys. The toy should not have any small parts that the baby can swallow or choke on. Additionally, it should be made of non-toxic materials that are safe for the baby to put in their mouth. The age appropriateness of the toy is also essential. Some toys are designed for newborns, while others are suitable for older babies who can grasp and hold objects.
After researching and testing multiple tummy time toys, we have identified the best ones that will keep your baby entertained and aid in their development.
Top 3 Best Tummy Time Toys
Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station
Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat
VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow
As parents, we all want to provide our little ones with the best possible start in life. One of the most important things we can do for our babies is to help them develop their motor skills, and tummy time is a great way to do just that. Not only does tummy time help babies build strength in their neck, shoulders, and arms, but it also helps to prevent flat spots on the back of their heads. To make tummy time more enjoyable for your baby, we’ve put together a list of the best tummy time toys on the market. These toys are designed to keep your baby engaged and entertained while they work on their motor skills.
Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station
If you’re looking for a toy to keep your baby engaged during tummy time or seated play, the Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station could be a great choice.
Pros
- The toy is easy to activate and interactive for little ones, with dancing lights and music that captivate infants during tummy time.
- With three modes of learning and engagement (animals, colors, and xylophone), this toy can provide hours of entertainment for your little one.
- The language switch allows you to hear the content in English, Spanish, or French, making it a great educational gift for children ages 3 months to 3 years.
Cons
- The toy requires 3 AA batteries, which are not included, so you’ll need to purchase those separately.
- Some users have reported that the buttons take more force than their baby can exert to activate, but they believe their child will grow into it.
- One user reported that the Spanish word for orange is incorrect, which could confuse parents and children who are trying to learn the language.
Overall, we think the Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station is a great option for parents who want to keep their little ones engaged and entertained during tummy time or seated play. The toy is easy to wipe down and clean, and it collapses for easy storage or tummy time play.
Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat
If you’re looking for a fun and stimulating tummy time toy for your baby, the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat is a great option.
Pros
- The high-quality PVC material ensures that the mat is durable and won’t leak air or water.
- The colorful graphics and floating toys are visually stimulating and engaging for babies.
- The mat is easy to set up and fold for storage or travel.
Cons
- Some customers have reported issues with mold and bacteria growth inside the mat, requiring frequent water changes or the addition of a cleaning solution.
- The floating toys can stick together, making them less functional.
- The cold water may not be comfortable for some babies.
We recently tried out the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat with our 4-month-old daughter, and she absolutely loved it! The bright colors and cute floating toys immediately caught her attention and kept her engaged for longer periods of time during tummy time.
The mat was easy to set up – we simply filled the outer ring with air and the inner mat with water. The PVC material felt sturdy and durable, and we had no issues with leaks or punctures. When it was time to put the mat away, it was easy to drain and fold for storage.
While we did notice a slight plastic smell when the mat was brand new, it dissipated after a few days of airing out. We also made sure to change the water frequently to prevent any mold or bacteria growth.
Overall, we highly recommend the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat for parents looking for a fun and stimulating tummy time toy for their baby.
VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow
If you’re looking for a tummy time toy that will keep your baby engaged and help with their motor skill development, the VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The giraffe pillow provides comfortable support for your baby during tummy time play, which is crucial for the development of important motor skills.
- The removable piano and rattle make it easy to take this toy on-the-go, so your baby can enjoy tummy time anywhere.
- With 50+ songs, melodies, and phrases, this toy is sure to keep your child entertained while they’re building new muscles.
Cons
- The light-up piano keys are not very easy to remove, which can be frustrating if you need to clean the toy.
- Some parents have reported that the volume on this toy is a bit loud, even on the lowest setting.
- The detachable pieces can be a bit difficult to reattach, which can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry.
Overall, we highly recommend the VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow for parents who want to make tummy time more fun and engaging for their babies. The giraffe pillow provides comfortable support, while the interactive features help with motor skill development and provide auditory and visual stimulation. Plus, the removable pieces make it easy to take this toy on-the-go.
Taf Toys Tummy Time Toys High Contrast Baby Book
We highly recommend the Taf Toys Tummy Time Toys High Contrast Baby Book for parents looking for a fun and interactive way to encourage tummy time for their little ones.
Pros
- The large, crystal-clear baby-safe mirror is perfect for newborns to explore and encourages self-awareness.
- The soft baby koala teether with interactive mama kangaroo pouch is a fun addition that helps develop fine motor skills.
- The double-sided design provides two stages of development with high-contrast black and white illustrations for newborns and colorful illustrations for older babies.
Cons
- Some parents may find the book to be smaller than expected.
- The crinkle textures may not be as loud as some babies prefer.
- The book may not hold the attention of older babies for long periods of time.
The Taf Toys Tummy Time Toys High Contrast Baby Book is a great investment for parents who want to encourage their baby’s development during tummy time. The book is carefully designed with every detail in mind to benefit the little ones. The large mirror is perfect for newborns to explore and encourages self-awareness. The soft baby koala teether with interactive mama kangaroo pouch is a fun addition that helps develop fine motor skills. The double-sided design provides two stages of development with high-contrast black and white illustrations for newborns and colorful illustrations for older babies.
The book is easy to clean and can be folded up for easy travel. Overall, the Taf Toys Tummy Time Toys High Contrast Baby Book is a great product that will help your baby reach their developmental milestones while having fun.
Control Future Crawling Crab Baby Toy
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive toy for your little one during tummy time, the Control Future Crawling Crab Baby Toy might be a great option for you.
Pros
- The crab moves quickly and in different directions, which keeps babies engaged and entertained.
- It has sensors that allow it to reverse direction when it gets close to an obstacle, which helps prevent it from getting stuck in one spot.
- The toy plays fun sounds, music, and lights up, which can help stimulate baby’s senses and encourage them to interact with the toy.
Cons
- The toy only has one volume setting and one song, which can be annoying for parents who have to listen to it repeatedly.
- It doesn’t work well on carpet, so you’ll need to use it on a hard surface.
- The toy doesn’t move in a straight line, which can make it difficult for babies to follow and catch.
We’ve found that the Control Future Crawling Crab Baby Toy is a great way to keep babies entertained and engaged during tummy time. The toy’s fast movements and fun sounds and lights can help stimulate baby’s senses and encourage them to interact with the toy. It’s also a great way to help babies work on their neck muscles and encourage crawling.
One thing to keep in mind is that the toy only has one volume setting and one song, which can be a bit annoying for parents who have to listen to it repeatedly. Additionally, it doesn’t work well on carpet, so you’ll need to use it on a hard surface. Finally, the toy doesn’t move in a straight line, which can make it difficult for babies to follow and catch.
Overall, we think the Control Future Crawling Crab Baby Toy is a great option for parents looking for a fun and interactive toy to help keep their baby entertained during tummy time. It’s also a great gift idea for parents of young children.
Hape Penguin Musical Wobbler
If you’re looking for a fun and stimulating toy for your little one during tummy time, the Hape Penguin Music Wobbler is definitely a great option.
Pros
- The roly-poly feature of this toy makes it perfect for babies to bat at without it rolling away, providing endless entertainment.
- The musical toy with a built-in bell makes a soothing tinkling sound as it waddles along cutely, which helps to pacify the baby.
- The moderate volume is designed to protect sensitive young ears, making it safe for babies to play with.
Cons
- The musical tones it makes are not as pure as other similar toys.
- The penguin’s arms can sometimes get stuck and stop wobbling.
- The toy is made of wood, so it can be a little heavy for very young babies to lift.
We’ve found that the Hape Penguin Music Wobbler is a great addition to playtime, and our little one has spent hours playing with it. The bright colors and cheerful tunes emitted by the penguin are perfect to wobble along with, making it a fun toy for babies and toddlers aged 6 months and up.
The toy is completely safe for children to play with, thanks to its child-safe paint finish and sturdy wood construction. It’s also a great way to stimulate your child’s development, as it inspires play, learning, and exploration of the world we live in.
Overall, we highly recommend the Hape Penguin Music Wobbler for parents looking for a fun and safe toy for their little ones during tummy time.
Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys
If you’re looking for a tummy time toy that can help with your baby’s brain development, the Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The high-contrast colors and cartoon patterns are perfect for visual stimulation and help develop your baby’s visual sensitivity and ability to recognize objects.
- The multi-functional textures and portable design attract your baby’s attention and encourage them to exercise their hand and leg muscles to crawl, fine motor skills, and overall coordination.
- The set contains all the stimulating elements needed in the early brain development of newborns: baby safe mirror for imitation, black and white cloth book for reading, baby teether, baby rattle/squeaker for attention.
Cons
- Some parents may find the mirror to be too small for their liking.
- The cloth book may not be as durable as other toys.
- The rattle/squeaker may not be as loud as some babies prefer.
We’ve found that the Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys is a great investment for parents who want to help their babies with their brain development. The high-contrast colors and cartoon patterns are perfect for visual stimulation, and the multi-functional textures and portable design make it easy for your baby to exercise their hand and leg muscles. The set contains all the stimulating elements needed in the early brain development of newborns, so you won’t have to purchase additional toys.
The mirror is small, but it’s the perfect size for tummy time. The cloth book may not be as durable as other toys, but it’s still a great addition to the set. The rattle/squeaker may not be as loud as some babies prefer, but it’s still a great way to get your baby’s attention.
Overall, we highly recommend the Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys as a great investment for parents who want to help their babies with their brain development.
Yeaye Crawling Crab Baby Toys Infant – Tummy Time Toy Gifts for 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Boy Girl with Learning Crawl System Music for 0-6 6-12 12-18 36 Months Walking Toddler Birthday Gift(Green)
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging tummy time toy for your little one, the Yeaye Crawling Crab Baby Toy is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The bright colors, sparkling lights, and cheerful music attract babies’ attention, making tummy time fun and happy.
- The toy’s obstacle avoidance sensor encourages babies to crawl and develop their motor skills.
- The toy is rechargeable, saving you the hassle of constantly replacing batteries.
Cons
- The toy can be quite loud, which may be bothersome to some parents.
- The battery life is not very long, so you’ll need to recharge it frequently.
- The toy may not work as well on carpeted floors.
We’ve had a great experience with this toy and would definitely recommend it to other parents. Our little one loves the colorful crab and the music it plays, and it’s been a great way to encourage tummy time and crawling. The toy is well-made and sturdy, and we appreciate that it’s rechargeable rather than requiring batteries.
One thing to note is that the toy can be quite loud, so if you’re sensitive to noise, you may want to keep that in mind. Additionally, the battery life isn’t very long, so you’ll need to recharge it fairly frequently. Finally, the toy may not work as well on carpeted floors, so keep that in mind if you have carpeting in your home.
Overall, we think the Yeaye Crawling Crab Baby Toy is a great choice for parents looking for a fun and engaging tummy time toy for their little ones. It’s well-made, encourages crawling and motor skills development, and is sure to keep your baby entertained for hours.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best tummy time toy for your little one, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
Material
First and foremost, you want to make sure that the toy is made from safe and non-toxic materials. Look for toys that are BPA-free, phthalate-free, and made from high-quality materials that won’t break or wear down easily.
Size and Shape
Tummy time toys come in a variety of sizes and shapes, so it’s important to choose one that is appropriate for your baby’s age and developmental stage. For younger babies, look for toys that are smaller and easier to grasp, while older babies may prefer larger toys with more complex shapes and textures.
Texture and Sensory Features
Tummy time is a great opportunity for babies to explore different textures and sensory experiences. Look for toys that have interesting textures, colors, and patterns, as well as toys that make sounds or have movable parts.
Developmental Benefits
Finally, consider the developmental benefits of the toy. Look for toys that encourage your baby to reach, grasp, and explore, as well as toys that promote cognitive and motor development.
By considering these key features, you can choose a tummy time toy that is safe, fun, and developmentally beneficial for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good tummy time toys for newborns?
For newborns, it’s important to choose tummy time toys that are simple, lightweight, and easy to grasp. Some good options include soft plush toys, rattles, and textured balls. These toys can help stimulate your baby’s senses and encourage them to lift their head and strengthen their neck muscles.
What is the best toy for tummy time for a 2-month-old?
At 2 months, babies are starting to become more aware of their surroundings and may be ready for more interactive tummy time toys. Some good options include activity gyms with hanging toys, mirrors, and soft books. These toys can help engage your baby’s attention and encourage them to reach and grasp.
What are some tummy time toys suitable for 3-month-olds?
By 3 months, babies are becoming more active and may be ready for tummy time toys that encourage crawling and exploration. Some good options include crawling tunnels, activity cubes, and push toys. These toys can help your baby develop their gross motor skills and build confidence as they explore their environment.
What is the importance of tummy time toys?
Tummy time toys are important for helping babies develop their neck and shoulder muscles, which are essential for crawling, sitting, and standing. These toys can also help stimulate your baby’s senses, promote cognitive development, and encourage them to explore their environment.
When should I start encouraging tummy time?
You can start encouraging tummy time as soon as your baby is born, but it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time your baby spends on their tummy. Aim for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, and gradually work up to longer periods as your baby becomes more comfortable.
What are some recommended tummy time pillows or mats for infants?
There are many different tummy time pillows and mats available on the market, but it’s important to choose one that is safe, comfortable, and age-appropriate for your baby. Some popular options include the Boppy Tummy Time Pillow, the Infantino Prop-A-Pillar Tummy Time and Seated Support, and the Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym.
