Tummy time is an essential activity for infants that helps them develop their back, neck, and shoulder muscles. As parents, we know how challenging it can be to keep our little ones engaged and happy during tummy time. That’s where tummy time toys come in. These toys are designed to make tummy time fun and engaging for babies, encouraging them to lift their heads and strengthen their muscles.
When choosing the best tummy time toys for your baby, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the toys should be age-appropriate and safe for your baby to use. Secondly, they should be stimulating and encourage your baby to move and explore. Finally, they should be easy to clean and maintain.
We spent hours researching and testing various tummy time toys to identify the ones that are the best for infants. Our top picks are toys that are not only safe and stimulating but also help with your baby’s development. Let’s take a closer look at the best tummy time toys on the market.
Top 3 Best Tummy Time Toys
Baby Einstein Discover Light Bar Activity Station
Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys
Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat
As parents, we know that tummy time is important for our babies’ development. It helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, and improves their motor skills. However, getting babies to enjoy tummy time can be a challenge. That’s where tummy time toys come in! We’ve researched and tested the best tummy time toys on the market to help make tummy time fun and engaging for your little one. Here are our top picks for the best tummy time toys.
Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive tummy time toy, the Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The toy is easy to activate and provides engaging activities for infants and toddlers.
- The light-up feature adds an extra sensory dimension to tummy time and seated play.
- The toy has three modes of play, including animals, colors, and xylophone sounds, making it versatile and engaging for a range of ages.
Cons
- The language switch feature has an incorrect word for orange in Spanish, which could be confusing for those trying to learn the language.
- The leg in the back of the toy can be unstable and tip over easily.
- The toy requires three AA batteries, which are not included.
We recently had the opportunity to try out the Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station with our little one and were impressed with its features. The toy is compact and easy to set up, making it perfect for tummy time or seated play. Our baby loved the light-up feature and was engaged by the music and animal sounds.
The toy has three modes of play, including animals, colors, and xylophone sounds, which kept our little one entertained for a while. We also appreciated the language switch feature, which allows you to hear the content in English, Spanish, or French. However, we did notice that the Spanish mode has an incorrect word for orange, which could be confusing for those trying to learn the language.
One downside to the toy is that the leg in the back can be unstable and tip over easily, which can be frustrating for little ones. Additionally, the toy requires three AA batteries, which are not included, so make sure to have some on hand.
Overall, we would recommend the Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station as a fun and engaging tummy time toy for infants and toddlers.
Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys
If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to encourage your little one to enjoy tummy time, the Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The set includes a range of stimulating elements that are perfect for early brain development.
- The high-contrast colors and cartoon patterns are designed to help develop your baby’s visual sensitivity and ability to recognize objects.
- The textures and portable design encourage your baby to exercise their hand and leg muscles, promoting crawling and overall coordination.
Cons
- Some parents may find the set a little pricey compared to other tummy time toys on the market.
- The mirror may not be as large as some parents would like.
- The soft crinkle 3D activity book may not be as durable as some parents would like.
We were really impressed with the Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys. The set really does contain everything your little one needs to enjoy tummy time, including a baby safe mirror for imitation, a black and white cloth book for reading, a baby teether, and a baby rattle/squeaker for attention.
The high-contrast colors and cartoon patterns are perfect for babies’ blurred vision, and we found that our little one really enjoyed looking at them. The set is also great for developing your baby’s sensory activity textures and fine motor skills, and we were really impressed with how much our little one enjoyed playing with it.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Teytoy 3-in-1 Tummy Time Mirror Toys to any parents looking for a fun and engaging way to encourage their little one to enjoy tummy time. It’s a great investment in your baby’s early development, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed with the results.
Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat
We highly recommend the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat for parents who want to provide their baby with an enjoyable and stimulating tummy time experience.
Pros
- The water mat is made of high-quality PVC that is leak-proof and durable.
- It helps babies develop their head, neck, shoulder muscles, hand-eye coordination, fine motor, and social skills.
- The mat features stunning graphics that are sure to fascinate your baby.
Cons
- The mat has a plastic smell when it is new, so it needs to be aired out for a few days.
- Bacteria and mold can grow inside the mat, so you need to add something to the water to prevent that or change the water frequently.
- The floating toys tend to stick together, making them less functional.
The Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat is easy to set up. Simply fill the outer ring with air and the inner mat with your desired level of tap water, set it on the floor, and let the fun begin. The mat folds easily when empty into your purse or toy bag to bring along anywhere you go.
Your baby will love trying to catch and bat the brightly colored toys as they float by. The mat provides hours of quality, stimulating, and healthy fun. It is environmentally friendly and BPA-free, making it safe for your baby.
In conclusion, the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat is a great investment for parents who want to provide their baby with a fun and stimulating tummy time experience. It is easy to set up, durable, and provides hours of entertainment.
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)
We highly recommend purchasing the Yeaye Crawling Crab Baby Toy for your little ones to enjoy during tummy time.
Pros
- The bright colors, sparkling lights, and cheerful music attract babies’ attention and encourage them to wave their arms and legs, enhancing their motor skills development.
- The obstacle avoidance sensor encourages babies to crawl, making it a valuable learning system.
- The chase game with friends or pets is a fun experience for kids, making it an unforgettable happy time.
Cons
- The battery life doesn’t last very long.
- The product is not wrapped, and it may appear as if it has already been used.
- The toy is loud and may not work well on carpeted floors.
This toy is perfect for babies aged 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and 12-18 months, as well as toddlers aged 36 months and up. It stimulates creativity and imagination in children aged three and up.
The Yeaye Crawling Crab Baby Toy is an excellent choice for parents looking for a fun and engaging toy to encourage their babies to enjoy tummy time. The bright colors, cheerful music, and obstacle avoidance sensor make it an excellent choice for enhancing motor skills development. However, the battery life is short, and the toy may be loud, making it unsuitable for use on carpeted floors.
Taf Toys Tummy Time Book
If you want to encourage your baby’s development with a tummy time toy, the Taf Toys Tummy Time Book is a great option.
Pros
- The high-contrast black and white illustrations are perfect for newborns and help develop their vision.
- The book has a soft koala teether and crinkle textures that keep babies engaged and promote fine motor skills.
- The double-sided book has two stages, one for newborns and one for babies over three months, so you don’t need to buy a new tummy time toy as your baby grows.
Cons
- The book is made of paper, so it may not be as durable as other tummy time toys.
- Some parents may find the book too small for their liking.
- The mirror may not be as clear as advertised.
We love the Taf Toys Tummy Time Book because it’s a great way to encourage our baby’s development while keeping her entertained. The high-contrast illustrations are perfect for newborns, and the soft koala teether and crinkle textures keep her engaged during tummy time. We also appreciate that the book has two stages, so we don’t need to buy a new toy as our baby grows. However, the book is made of paper, so it may not be as durable as other tummy time toys. Additionally, some parents may find the book too small for their liking, and the mirror may not be as clear as advertised. Overall, we think the Taf Toys Tummy Time Book is a great investment for parents looking to encourage their baby’s development.
Control Future Crawling Crab Baby Toy
If you’re looking for a fun and interactive tummy time toy for your little one, the Control Future Crawling Crab Baby Toy is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The crab moves quickly and in a realistic manner, complete with fun sounds, music, and lights that keep babies engaged.
- The obstacle avoidance sensors are a great feature, as they help prevent the crab from getting stuck or caught on anything.
- This toy is great for encouraging babies to lift their heads during tummy time, and for motivating older babies to crawl and chase after the crab.
Cons
- The music and sounds can be a bit loud and repetitive, which may not be ideal for parents who are sensitive to noise.
- Some users have reported issues with the toy’s battery life and charging capabilities.
- The lack of volume control can be frustrating for parents who want to turn off the music and sounds.
Overall, we think the Control Future Crawling Crab Baby Toy is a great investment for parents who want to make tummy time more fun and engaging for their little ones. The crab’s realistic movements and fun features are sure to captivate babies and encourage them to work on their motor skills.
VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow
We highly recommend the VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow for parents looking to encourage their baby’s development of important motor skills.
Pros
- The giraffe-shaped pillow provides comfortable support during tummy time play, helping to strengthen neck muscles and develop important motor skills.
- The detachable pieces, including the piano and rattle, make it easy to take on-the-go for compact, take-along play.
- The light-up piano keys introduce colors and objects while short musical tunes play, providing auditory stimulation and developing fine motor skills.
Cons
- Some parents have reported that the light-up portion of the toy can be difficult to remove or has a short tether.
- The pillow may be too small for larger babies.
- The battery life may not last very long with frequent use.
The VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow is a great investment for parents looking to encourage their baby’s development in a fun and interactive way. The giraffe-shaped pillow provides comfortable support during tummy time play, which is a key component to the development of important motor skills. The detachable pieces, including the piano and rattle, make it easy to take on-the-go for compact, take-along play. The light-up piano keys introduce colors and objects while short musical tunes play, providing auditory stimulation and developing fine motor skills.
One potential downside to the toy is that some parents have reported that the light-up portion of the toy can be difficult to remove or has a short tether. Additionally, the pillow may be too small for larger babies. Finally, the battery life may not last very long with frequent use.
Overall, we highly recommend the VTech Tummy Time Discovery Pillow for parents looking to encourage their baby’s development of important motor skills in a fun and interactive way.
Smallzi Infant Toys
We highly recommend Smallzi Infant Toys for parents who want to provide their babies with a stimulating tummy time experience.
Pros
- The set includes a mirror, black and white cloth book, baby teether, and rattle/squeaker which provide a perfect sensory experience for newborns.
- The high contrast patterns on the toys make it easier for babies to focus and develop their visual skills.
- The toys are made of high-quality, non-toxic fabric that is safe for babies to play with.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the mirror is not of the highest quality.
- The toys may not be suitable for babies who are sensitive to noise.
- The product may not be durable enough to last through extended use.
Smallzi Infant Toys are perfect for babies who are 0-12 months old. The set includes a mirror, black and white cloth book, baby teether, and rattle/squeaker, which provide a perfect sensory experience for newborns. The high contrast patterns on the toys make it easier for babies to focus and develop their visual skills. The toys are made of high-quality, non-toxic fabric that is safe for babies to play with. Additionally, the set is lightweight and foldable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
The crawling activity crinkle book is made with colorful Crinkle Paper with Bibi Sounder. The crinkle book can be fixed on the mirror with buckles. Flip through the high contrast soft book and support cognitive development. The cute patterns cloth book with rattle, squeaky and crinkle paper inside the page which stimulate toddler’s curiosity. The soft book is washable and easy to clean.
The set includes two safe teethers to make the baby more comfortable and meet the needs of the baby during the teething period. The Montessori sensory toys with hangable rope can be tied to a car seat back or stroller. Parents can interact with their baby whenever they want! Smallzi Infant Toys are a great gift for baby showers, and every baby deserves this floor mirror toy.
If you are not satisfied with the product or have any questions, you can contact the manufacturer at any time. Overall, we highly recommend Smallzi Infant Toys for parents who want to provide their babies with a stimulating tummy time experience.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best tummy time toys for your baby, there are a few factors to consider to ensure that you are selecting a product that is safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
Age Range
First and foremost, it’s important to select a tummy time toy that is appropriate for your baby’s age range. Many toys are designed specifically for newborns, while others are better suited for slightly older infants who are able to grasp and manipulate objects with their hands.
Safety
Safety should always be a top priority when selecting any type of baby product, and tummy time toys are no exception. Look for toys that are made from non-toxic materials and are free from small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Additionally, make sure that the toy is sturdy and well-constructed to prevent any potential accidents or injuries.
Developmental Benefits
Tummy time toys can offer a range of developmental benefits for your baby, from improving their motor skills to promoting sensory exploration. Consider selecting toys that offer a variety of textures, colors, and sounds to engage your baby’s senses and encourage exploration. Additionally, toys that can be manipulated or moved in different ways can help promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Interactive Features
Many tummy time toys come with interactive features, such as lights, sounds, or music. While these can be engaging for babies, it’s important to make sure that they are not overstimulating or overwhelming. Look for toys that offer a range of interactive features that can be adjusted or turned off if needed.
Portability
Finally, consider the portability of the toy. Tummy time can happen anywhere, so selecting a toy that is easy to transport and use on-the-go can be a great option. Look for toys that are lightweight and compact, and that can be easily cleaned or sanitized between uses.
By considering these factors when selecting a tummy time toy for your baby, you can ensure that you are choosing a product that is safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of toys are most beneficial for a baby’s tummy time?
Toys that encourage babies to lift their heads and engage their neck and upper body muscles are the most beneficial for tummy time. Soft toys with different textures, shapes, and colors can also help stimulate their senses and promote sensory development. Toys that make noise or have movable parts can also capture their attention and encourage them to reach out and grasp objects.
How can a tummy time mirror enhance an infant’s development?
Tummy time mirrors can help infants develop their visual and motor skills by providing them with a visual stimulus to focus on while practicing tummy time. They can also help babies learn to recognize their own reflection and develop a sense of self-awareness.
What features should parents look for in a tummy time mat?
Parents should look for a tummy time mat that is soft and comfortable for their baby to lie on, with enough padding to support their head and neck. The mat should also be easy to clean and durable, with non-slip backing to prevent it from sliding on smooth surfaces. Some mats also come with built-in toys or features, such as crinkly fabrics or teething rings, which can add to the sensory experience.
At what age should parents introduce tummy time to their infant?
Parents can start introducing tummy time to their infant as early as a few days after birth, as long as the baby is healthy and has no medical concerns. It’s important to start with short sessions of just a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the duration as the baby gets stronger.
Can babies still benefit from starting tummy time at 4 months of age?
Yes, babies can still benefit from starting tummy time at 4 months of age, even if they haven’t had much practice before. It’s never too late to start, and regular tummy time can help babies develop their motor skills and prevent flat spots on the back of their head.
What are the advantages of Montessori-inspired toys for tummy time?
Montessori-inspired toys for tummy time are designed to promote independent play and encourage babies to explore and learn through their own experiences. They are often made from natural materials, such as wood or cloth, and have simple designs that allow babies to focus on the sensory experience without being overwhelmed by too many bells and whistles. These toys can help babies develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities, while also fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration.
