It is also very important for the strengthening of neck and shoulder muscles, prompting trunk stability, and development of gross motor skills. Tummy time helps babies achieve several major milestones in those first weeks and months through motor skill and muscle development. The main downside is once your baby is strong enough to push forward, they can roll off the other side. I always made sure to place them in my baby’s diaper change area (we all know how often newborns get their diapers changed! When your baby starts to crawl, you might worry about their stability and how their knees and hands will react.

They enjoyed laying on their back and kicking the piano with their feet and during tummy time they would listen to the music and watch the keys light up. Children will receive a box every three months filled with age-appropriate toys, books, and a “Play Guide” to support parents in using these materials with their children. Younger infants will need toys that are easy to grasp, while older babies will be working on perfecting their pincer grasp, and gaining the ability to grip different-sized toys. Tummy time was originally recommended in direct response to the “Back to Sleep” campaign in the 90s.There may be activities for parents and children at your local leisure centre or Sure Start Children's Centre. Benefiting motor and sensory development is key, and tummy time is useful in preventing flat head syndrome.

From the days my baby was a newborn, I’d sit with her on the mat and as she got older and was learning to crawl the mat was and still is one of our favorite items. Indestructible Books (see my post My favorite baby books – indestructible books for an in-depth review and favorite titles! Tummy time is important for your baby's development as it helps to build the muscles your baby needs for sitting and crawling.Not only do babies get time elevated and face-down, but they can also squeeze their little legs and bounce on their knees, moving things southward. We love all of the features that Lovevery’s play gym offers from a card pocket to feature different cards (with images geared toward babies’ visual development) to fun toys that make rattling sounds. A bonus was that my baby, who struggled with reflux, was uncomfortable being on a firm surface on her belly. VTech makes the same tummy time pillow toy (via a Walmart exclusive) with a deer instead of a giraffe. Oh, so you have yourself an independent 3-month-old who rolls around like they have ball bearings in their booty?

To find the best tummy time toys, we looked for safe, fun, and age-appropriate toys that encourage babies to spend time on their bellies. If you need to make a long car journey, consider taking a break and getting your child out of their seat for a bit. If you’re looking for a toy that will last, some tummy toys can attach to a stroller, while others will keep their attention for years to come, thanks to a wide age recommendation. Paired with the 14 different learning cards, this tummy time play gym will satisfy all your baby’s developmental needs while also keeping them occupied with ease. Milestones: Using tummy time toys can help babies reach other developmental milestones and grow strong neck, shoulder, and core muscles.The louder option would be perfect for car rides while the softer volume is ideal for playtime at home. Prop-A-Pillar– This Tummy Time Pillow Support for newborn and older babies comes with detachable pillows and toys.

A squeaker tail encourages finger and grasp strength (and sounds fun in the process, without the need for any batteries). Tiny fingers will love exploring the vibrant, crinkly fabric and other textures, while parents and caregivers will appreciate the machine-washable fabric. If you also have a preschooler then don’t forget to check out my Best Educational Toys for Preschoolers as well.

A Made for Mums “Editor’s Choice” Award Recipient, parents can wear the sensory-designed Dingle Dangle on their heads and watch as their babies interact with the colours and sounds. When selecting tummy time toys, we also chose toys loved by both babies and parents while also making sure they're safe and durable. As a parent of two, I have spent many hours doing tummy time with my babies and tried several different tummy time pillows. Additionally, most tummy time pillows have fun bright colours and other toy features that capture my baby’s attention and make tummy time a great chance to play and explore. The youngest infants will prefer black and white, high-contrast imagery, so it is best to save brightly colored books and colorful toys for when they are a little older.