Posted by Dean smith
Tummy time helps babies build strength as they practise lifting and turning their head, reaching and moving. Toys are not essential for tummy time, but the right simple items can encourage your baby to look, reach and stay engaged for a few more moments at a time.
Keep tummy time short and supervised
Begin with short, frequent sessions when your baby is awake and alert, using a clean, firm floor surface or suitable play mat. Stay close, watch your baby and stop if they become tired or distressed. Tummy time is for awake play, not sleep.
High-contrast toys for young babies
Newborns may respond to simple high-contrast patterns, faces and gentle sounds. Place a suitable toy where your baby can see it without putting it within reach if it has parts that could be pulled loose. Change the position occasionally to encourage gentle head movement.
Soft rattles and grasping toys
As your baby begins to reach and grasp, lightweight rattles and soft toys can encourage hand-eye coordination. Choose toys that are easy to hold, have no detachable parts and are marked as suitable for your baby's age.
Activity gyms and play arches
An activity gym can offer different textures, colours and sounds in one supervised play space. Look for a stable base, securely attached toys and washable materials. Follow the manufacturer's instructions about age, assembly and how long the gym can be used.
Mirrors and sensory play
Baby-safe mirrors, crinkle fabrics and textured books can encourage looking, reaching and exploring. Choose products made for babies, check for secure edges and avoid any mirror or toy that is cracked, sharp or intended for an older child.
What to avoid
- Toys with small parts, loose stitching or accessible batteries.
- Long cords, ribbons or straps that could create a hazard.
- Heavy toys that could fall onto a baby.
- Items that are not designed for mouthing if your baby is exploring with their mouth.
- Leaving a baby unattended with a toy or play product.
Choosing toys as your baby grows
Rotate a few toys at a time and match them to your baby's current abilities. A toy that is too advanced may frustrate them, while a familiar toy can become interesting again when used in a new way. Your voice, face and interaction are still the most engaging parts of early play.
Cleaning and checking
Follow the care label, clean teethers and mouthed toys as directed and inspect toys regularly. Remove anything cracked, torn, loose or damaged. Keep packaging, tags and instructions until you are sure the toy is safe and suitable.
Explore our baby toys, activity gyms, sensory toys and play mats to support fun, supervised tummy-time sessions.
