The Best Tummy Time Toys, According to Parents

A play mat is a great option if you have hard flooring, and can be used right from birth, says Marquez. So it’s no surprise that this activity gym by SkipHop was selected as the overall best tummy time toy. Parents rave about the soft, cushy material that makes it a safe and cozy spot for baby to exercise their core muscles and burgeoning motor skills. But the star of the show is the built in wedge pillow, which your little one can use to prop themselves up in the early days or to rest their elbows on once they have increased head and neck control.

Aside from providing a soft spot to lounge, the mat features more than 10 farm-themed developmental activities, including a child-safe mirror, toys that crinkle, rattle and present different textures to make playtime as stimulating as possible. Mom of one Jaclyn, is a big fan of the various toys and says that her daughter “loves looking at herself in the mirror right now, so the mirror helps a lot to distract her when she starts to fuss” during floor time. Parents also athat it’s machine-washable and, when tummy time is over, the mat rolls up and can be carried by the handle for easy transportation and storage.

Age rating: 0+ months | Batteries required: No

Let’s take a deep dive into this ocean-themed tummy time toy. Described as “velvety soft to the touch” this plush toy has tons of sensory elements including crinkle paper in the jellyfish tentacles, a crab with a squeaker claw and a hidden mirror. Mom of one, Amanda told us that although her 7-month-old daughter was a little too old to fully enjoy this toy, “she liked pulling and chewing on the fish and the tentacles” during tummy time.

The triangular toy can stand upright, meaning you can place it just within arms reach of baby during tummy time to encourage grasping skills. But the fun doesn’t stop there, it folds out into flat cloth panels, with colorful elements on one side and black and white illustrations on the reverse.

Age rating: 1 to 6 months | Batteries required: No

The Baby Einstein Glow and Discover Light Bar takes our pick for the best light-up tummy time toy. This versatile toy can lay flat for tummy time or be propped up on the floor in front of baby to stimulate their senses. As baby presses the large colorful buttons, it lights up, providing plenty of visual enticement. Although, mom of one Jennifer noted that younger babies may need help pressing the buttons at first. Jennifer said her 3-month-old daughter wasn’t able to use the toy independently, but thought that “by the time she is 5- or 6-months-old she will be able to and may be interested in the toy for longer durations.”

As the toy illuminates, classical melodies will also start to play for a healthy dose of auditory stimulation. Two volume levels and three different play modes—including music, animals and colors—ensure hours of entertainment. Plus, you can toggle between three languages for playtime in English, French or Spanish.

Age rating: 3+ months | Batteries required: Yes

Next up is this wibbly, wobbly wonder by Splashin’kids. “Slightly older babies with more acute vision are often enchanted by water tummy time mats, which can add an interesting element for baby and also can challenge their balance a bit,” explains Marquez who recommends this type of toy. There’s certainly something irresistible about a play mat that’s filled with water. The squishy texture adds an extra dimension to sensory play, while the floaty toys will fascinate infants and encourage them to press, push and explore. It’s also nice and roomy and is made from heavy duty PVC that holds up well over time.

Age rating: 3 to 18 months | Batteries required: No

Mom of two Michaela, told us that she “used a soft tummy time book that was nice and distracting” to keep her babies happy and distracted—and she’s not alone! Textured books are a top choice among parents. Why? For one thing, the soft fabric material is safe for baby to explore with their hands and mouth. Better yet, most sensory books boast high-contrast illustrations and crinkly textures that little kids can’t resist. This book by Manhattan Toy is a great example as it has soft flippable pages, a child-safe mirror, textured tags and features monochromatic shades with pops of color to encourage visual development. And with a price tag under $10, this is an affordable tummy time toy to boot.

Age rating: 0+ months | Batteries required: No

This adorable tummy time mat is nice and big, so baby has plenty of space to roll over, stretch and explore. The mat features five detachable toys—a mirror, rattle, textured teether and a plush toy with a hidden chime—so your little one will be captivated from the get-go. And, to make tummy time a little easier, you can prop up the polar bear’s head to bring the toys within batting distance. It even comes with a matching wedge pillow, which will help infants maintain a comfortable position while they’re practicing neck control. The plush material is super-soft and the mat is machine-washable, so you don’t have to worry about it getting grubby.

Age rating: 0 to 36 months | Batteries required: No

This tummy time mirror toy for baby is bound to be a favorite right from birth. The black and white design makes this toy suitable for even the youngest babies, since high contrast objects are easiest for newborns and their developing vision to spot. Plus, the cute bee and rattle ball are engaging for slightly older babies. The true reflection mirror cuts down on warping while providing a safe, unbreakable tummy time toy.

Age rating: 0+ months | Batteries required: No

For older babies, tummy time may include sitting up, and possibly even stretching into a crawling position. That’s why an option that allows them to either sit up or lay down is the perfect tummy time toy for older babies. For this stage, we love this pick from Infantino. The colorful pal can be stretched out to use as a mat or coiled up to allow plenty of support for baby to practice sitting (it even has a security belt). It comes with two toys: a baby mirror and a silicone textured teether, which can be removed and repositioned depending on how you’ve arranged it.

Age rating: 6 to 12 months | Batteries required: No

This crab tummy time toy skitters from side-to-side in a movement designed to grab babies attention. Meanwhile, its large eyes light-up and music plays as it moves. It works well for tummy time as your little one will exercise their neck muscles and grasping skills as they look up and reach for the toy. Worried about the crustacean going walkabouts? Built-in sensors ensure the little sea creature doesn’t bump into walls or disappear underneath furniture.