Because sometimes the play mat goes down… and the crying starts almost immediately.
Tummy time is brilliant for helping babies build strength in their neck, shoulders, back and upper body. These are all important foundations for later movement.
But there’s just one problem…
Not every baby loves it.
If your little one protests the moment they’re placed on their tummy, you’re certainly not alone!
Rather than trying to make them stay there for longer, it can make those little moments more interesting.
And that’s where the right toys can really help.
High- contrast toys and images
In the early months, babies find bold contrasts much easier to see than subtle colours and detailed pictures.
Black and white cards, simple patterned books and high-contrast toys can help babies to look, focus and track as it slowly moves.
Try this: our black and white sensory cards can encourage babies to track and focus. Hold away from your baby’s face between 20-30cm and then slowly move them as their eyes begin to follow.
Gentle rattles and sound toys
Your voice is one of the most interesting sounds in your baby’s world, but gentle sound making toys can provide early sensory experiences.
A rattle or soft musical toy can introduce cause and effect and encourage babies to turn towards different sounds they hear.
At first, you will be doing most of the playing and modelling how to play. Gently shake a rattle beside your baby and wait for them to respond.
Textured and crinkle toys
Touch is important during these early months.
Soft fabrics, crinkle materials and toys with different textures allow babies to experience new sensations through their hands and skin.
As their grasp develops, they may begin holding, squeezing and brining safe toys towards their mouth.
Try this: using our black and white crinkle fish move it from side to side and place in your baby’s hand for a sensory experience.
Baby-safe mirrors
There is something fascinating about a face. The baby looking in the mirror is yet aware that their face is their own.
A baby-safe mirror such as our peek-boo mirror, can encourage visual attention and can provide an interesting focus during supervised tummy time.
Simple sensory books
Books aren’t just about stories.
For a very young baby, a book can provide contrasting images, textures, sounds and time to listen to your voice. Your baby is hearing words and the tone of your voice as you talk about what you can see and explore the book together.
Choose books with simple pictures, bold patterns or tactile pages.
Rolling Toys
As babies become stronger and more confident on their tummy, a slowly rolling ball or cylinder can encourage them to track movement and begin reaching forwards or sideways. Keep it close enough so success feels achievable.
The best tummy time toy might actually be you!
Get down on the floor. Talk to them, sing to them, pull funny faces.
Babies learn through interaction and all the motivation they might need is seeing you and the need for them to lift their head.
Little and Often
Tummy time doesn’t need to mean one long session on a play mat.
A few short opportunities throughout the day can build up gradually. Tummy time can also begin on your chest or lap and some babies find these positions much more comfortable while they’re getting used to being on their tummy.
And if they’ve had enough?
Take a break and try again later.
Every baby develops at their own pace and play should never become a battle.
It’s about making those little moments on their tummy interesting enough that they might stay there just a tiny bit longer. And sometimes, that’s all you need.
Tummy time should only happen while the baby is awake and supervised at all times.