Why You Should Use Tummy Time Props

The concept of tummy time is simple enough: put your baby, belly-down and awake, on the floor. It’s important for babies to get plenty of tummy time throughout the day to build strength in their neck and trunk, and all you really need is 1. your baby and 2. the floor. If your little one hates tummy time (and lets you know it), don’t fret. It’s a common issue for young babies because being face down, with gravity and their lack of strength working against them, is an uncomfortable position to be in. However, as they grow and build the necessary muscles to hold their head up independently, tummy time becomes far more enjoyable and helps them reach other gross motor milestones, like sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking. In the meantime, you can use tummy time props like these to stop the tears and help your baby tolerate tummy time better.

Play Mat

Toki Mats Playful Posies Vegan Leather Mat

When it comes to tummy time, the number one essential is a soft, comfortable play mat for your little one to lay on. You wouldn’t enjoy laying down on a hard floor, and neither does your baby. Since very young babies can only hold their head up for a few seconds at first, a soft play mat provides comfortable cushioning to protect their head. The Toki mat is made from non-toxic, all natural latex foam that’s soft yet supportive. It’s ultra comfortable for even adults to lay on when you want to encourage your baby at eye-level! The vegan leather cover is fully waterproof and wipes clean, so you can do everything from floor play to diaper changes on the super soft surface.

Mirror

Itzy Bitzy Sensory Tummy Time Mirror

What better way to motivate a baby to keep their head up than their own adorable reflection? Mirrors are a great tool to incorporate during tummy time because they’re fascinating to babies and great at holding their attention. This Itzy Bitzy Mirror is a soft cow doll with a reflective stomach and textured feet. Your baby can work on visual tracking and explore the fabric textures and ribbons as they strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. ” 

Support Pillow

Toki Mats Checker Pepper Support Pillow

We love a versatile accessory, and this support pillow does it all. You can use it as feeding support, lumbar support, a pregnancy pillow, tummy time support, and more! This slim pillow is made from soft, responsive latex foam that provides extra support for babies who have trouble laying on a flat surface. Once your little one is propped up, they’ll be able to look around and take in their surroundings. They’ll have an easier time tolerating the tummy time session, which will make it easier for both of you. As your baby grows, they can use the support pillow as sitting support and as a play accessory.

High Contrast Books

Look, Look! By Peter Linenthal

For the first few months of life, newborns are essentially color blind. Although they can see colors, their brains don’t perceive them as vividly or as clearly as we do. They can also only focus on objects that are about 8-15 inches away, and are most drawn to high contrast images in black, white, and then red. When your baby is doing tummy time, a high contrast book like this one can immediately draw and hold their attention. Slowly flip through the pages once they begin losing interest to encourage them to keep their head up! 

Musical Instruments

Fat Brain Toys Rock ‘n Roller Piano

In the womb, your baby mostly heard the sounds inside your body—like your breathing, your heartbeat, and your voice. Now, the sounds of the outside world are much more clear and fascinating. They still favor the sound of your voice, but many babies respond positively to music. This xylophone with roller bells is a fun and engaging way to introduce your little one to musical notes and will also help them with fine motor movement as they grow. During tummy time, bang the keys with the mallet and watch as your baby lifts their head to watch and listen intently.