We have all heard that from a very young age it is important to introduce tummy time for the growth and development of our babies. Tummy time is an important part of baby’s day for a number of reasons. It helps to strengthen the muscles in their necks, tummies and backs. It also helps them to approximate a crawling motion and it also gets baby off of their back. Spending too much time lying on their back’s can lead to plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. This list outlines some of the best Tummy Time Products to help get baby on their tummy and enjoy doing it.
Best Activity Mats for Tummy Time Fun
Infantino Peek and Play Tummy Time Activity Mat is a low cost, highly rated option to engage baby while building their muscles. This great tummy time product includes a textured monkey teether and crinkly elephant to encourage baby to reach and grab while on their stomach. It also has a removable mirror, padded bolster for extra support. The stimulating colors, textures and patterns will help keep baby happy on their tummy for the recommended length of time.
Bright Starts Flowers and Friends Prop Mat, Pink is another helpful option to encourage baby to spend more time on her tummy and less on her back. This colorful, cute prop mat sports a cute character prop pillow that helps make tummy time and enjoyable time for parents and babies. There is a prop up activity center with a mirror, colorful characters, rattles and teethers.
VTech Baby Lil’ Critters Musical Glow Gym offers a few more bells and whistles, but has a slightly higher price tag. This gym provides baby with the opportunity to go from tummy time, to exploring on their back to sit and play mode. There are three fun electronic modes that play music and sounds. The colorful activity panel features a fun piano to help baby reach and stretch while on her tummy.
Best Pillows and Bolsters for Tummy Time
Boppy Tummy Time Pillow, Sea Explorers Gray has been around for a long time and shows no signs of slowing. The Boppy began life as a nursing pillow to help moms comfortably nurse their little ones. It quickly developed into an all around gem. Now moms use it as a tummy time pillow, a nursing pillow and a spot for baby to hang out. The Boppy Tummy Time Pillow is a smaller version of the original that has a sideline ring toy attachment system where you can tether baby’s favorite toys and keep them involved.
Baby Einstein Rhythm of The Reef Prop Pillow provides baby with all around fun. It can initially be used as a prop to support baby while doing tummy time. As baby gets older and stronger they can use it as a teether, a rattle and a crinkle toy.
Fisher-Price Comfort Vibe Play Wedge invites baby to play with colorful characters and plenty to do. The crescent-shaped wedge is designed to grow with baby, providing support for tummy time and sit and play time. It also allows parents to link toys within baby’s reach.
Tummy time has come a long way from a rolled up blanket on the floor. Now babies can have their own fun play gym to keep them engaged and on their tummies longer. It no longer needs to be a struggle to get baby off of their back.