Tummy time is when your baby is placed on their tummy when they are alert and awake. A tummy time activity toy is a lovely way to make this important development time more fun and interesting for your little one.
Our shopping guide to the best baby tummy time toys
There are lots of high-quality toys being offered by trusted brands. Many will be very similar to each other so it can be difficult to choose the best. Here’s our helpful guide to our favourites, we know that you and your baby will have hours of happy fun with them.
The importance of tummy time
Tummy time is important as it helps your baby to build and strengthen the muscles that they need for sitting and crawling. They will learn to lift their shoulders, head and neck to get a better view of their fascinating new world.
Eventually your curious child will begin to reach for the textures and colours they see on their tummy time mat and the vital act of play will begin.
Increasing tummy time, as baby begins to enjoy it, will also mean less time on their backs. This will help with flat head syndrome.
When is a baby be ready for tummy time toys?
Tummy time can begin from birth, simply lay down and place you baby on your chest. Just make sure you’re not likely to drift off to sleep!
When using tummy time toys for babies always ensure your bundle of joy is also awake and alert. Stay close and keep engaging them so they reassured.
Build up tummy time slowly. Little and often is key. Start with them laid on a soft and snuggly blanket or play mat. Chat to them and stroke their faces to make it a bonding and soothing few moments of the day.
Some babies hate it and will squawk in indignation. Just try it for a minute or so and distract them with their favourite toy or try it when they have just woken from a nap or had a nappy change.
Use a tummy time pillow or a rolled-up blanket under your baby’s armpits if they struggle to lift their head and find that distressing. This will also give them a better view of the possibilities around them.
Place a toy just out of reach to encourage them to reach and grab. This builds fine motor skills and hand/eye co-ordination.
The best tummy toys for each stage
A play mat – these can be bought individually or as part of a set with a mobile that sits above. Look for soft and washable fabrics in a design that you love. Unusual textures such as crinkles and crackles, an unbreakable mirror and toys that are there to be reached for and grabbed.
A roller pillow – see below for how to get the best of this type of toy.
A fold out unbreakable mirror– this is a classic, prop your baby in front of the shiny, glittery surface and they will be a thrilled with the gorgeous creature that is staring back at them.
Water pat mats – an inflatable mat at is filled with water, glitter, floating toys and bubbles. It will also be a fab toy to use in a highchair.
How to use a tummy time roller
There a couple of types of tummy time roller and they will suit a variety of ages and development stages.
- Some roller tummy toys UK manufacturers design are soft and pillow like.
- They can be used to prop your baby if they are struggling to hold their head up.
- They have fun activities such as mirrors, texture patches and contrasting colours.
- Baby can also use it to lean back on once tummy time is over.
- When he or she is older and has gained strength, the roller can be pushed, pulled and flipped over.
For older babies there is a different kind of roller.
- They will be bigger to suit an older baby.
- It will be round and shaped to move easily so baby will be encouraged to wriggle and eventually crawl after it.
- Sometimes the toy will make music or produce sounds as it rolls along, this teaches your baby will learn about cause and effect.
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