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Best Tummy Time Toys of 2025

Updated
Strengthen those muscles with one of these top tummy time toys.
Let’s be honest, most babies aren’t thrilled about tummy time. It is hard work lifting that heavy little head!

However, since doctors recommend it for building essential neck and shoulder strength, we have to make it happen. The secret weapon? Distraction.

We’ve rounded up the best tummy time toys that are so engaging, your little one might actually forget they’re working out. From high-contrast cards to musical crawlers, these picks turn a daily struggle into fun bonding play.

Our Top Picks

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Best Tummy Time Activity Book: Taf Toys Koala Activity Book
  • Ultra-soft materials
  • Super cute baby koala theme
  • Large, baby-safe mirror
Best Rattle : Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle
  • Encourages baby to lift their head
  • Vibrant colors
  • Baby-safe materials
Best Tummy Time Activity Gym: Skip Hop Treetop Friends Gym
  • Supportive tummy time pillow included
  • Plenty of surprises to discover
  • Soft fabric
Jungle Activity Gym : Fisher-Price Rainforest Gym
  • Plenty of animals to play with
  • Bright and colorful
  • Allows for rearrangement
Best Musical Toy: LightDesire Musical Caterpillar
  • Colorful and full of prints
  • Features music and bells
  • Includes a meter and foot scale
Best Discovery Ball: VTech Baby Lil' Critters Discover Ball
  • Fantastic discovery ball with sounds
  • Eye-catching
  • Durable
Best Tummy Time Mirror: Sassy Tummy Time Floor Mirror
  • Large, true-reflection mirror
  • Bold colors
  • Can stand on its own
Best for Small Babies: Bright Starts Prop & Play
  • Plenty of components to discover
  • Easy to wrap up and store
  • Machine washable
Best Tummy Time Support Pillow: Infantino Prop-A-Pillar
  • For tummy time and seated support
  • Multiple textures to discover
  • Baby-safe teether included
Best Mirror Toy: Bright Starts Floor Mirror
  • Bright, fun colors
  • Can stand by itself
  • Large mirror with minimal distortion

Why Tummy Time Toys Are Helpful

Tummy time is a non-negotiable exercise for infants. It builds the foundational muscles needed for major milestones like crawling, rolling over, and eventually sitting up.

Research shows that babies who skip belly time often face delays in developing these motor skills (1).

The problem is that many babies fuss the second you roll them over. This is where a great toy saves the day.

A tummy time toy acts as a visual or auditory anchor. Whether it is a colorful play mat, a baby-safe mirror, or a squeaky plush, the goal is distraction. If it keeps your baby happy on their belly for just a few minutes longer, it is doing its job.

Tummy time should be short 3-minute to 5-minute spurts, three times a day, and only while awake (2).
Headshot of Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Editor's Note:

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

How to Choose a Safe Tummy Time Toy

Age Appropriate

Always check the manufacturer’s recommended age range. Most tummy time toys are designed for newborns and infants, but some have small parts meant for older toddlers.

For the items on this list, we focused on products suitable for small babies. However, you should still evaluate if a toy is suitable for your child’s developmental stage. A toy that is too complex might overstimulate a newborn, while something too simple might bore a 6-month-old.

Size and Safety

For children under three years old, size matters. Babies explore the world with their mouths, so small objects pose a significant choking risk (3).

Use the “toilet paper roll test” to be sure. If a toy or any of its detachable parts can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is too small for an infant.

Durability

Your baby might not look strong, but they can pull and yank with surprising force. Toys with glued-on eyes, buttons, or loose stitching can become dangerous quickly.

Before handing a toy over, give it a stress test. Pull on the seams and attachments. If anything feels loose or flimsy, put it away or repair it securely before playtime.

Sensory Features

The best toys engage multiple senses. Look for high-contrast patterns (black and white) for newborns, as their vision is still developing.

For older babies, look for crinkle fabrics, rattles, different textures (ribbons, plush, plastic), and mirrors. These features keep their brain engaged while their muscles do the heavy lifting.


Product Reviews

We selected these toys because they combine safety, sensory engagement, and durable design to keep your baby happy on the floor.

Taf Toys Koala Tummy-time Activity Book

Best Tummy Time Activity Book

This activity book is brilliant because it stands up on its own. This encourages your baby to lift their head to see the pages, which is exactly what you want during tummy time.

It features two sides for different developmental stages. One side offers high-contrast black and white images specifically for infants under 3 months. This helps them focus without getting overwhelmed.

Flip it over for babies 3 months and up. This side bursts with vibrant colors, a teether, a play pocket, and tactile textures to refine fine motor skills. There is even a large baby-safe mirror. It folds flat easily, making it a great travel companion for keeping your routine on the go.

Pros

  • Soft, safe materials.
  • Stands upright to encourage head lifting.
  • Two distinct sides for growing babies.
  • Includes a large mirror.

Cons

  • Limited number of pages.

Our Ratings

Safety
5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether

Best Rattle

The Winkel is a classic for a reason. Its loop design makes it incredibly easy for tiny hands to grasp, hold, and shake during playtime.

This toy pulls double duty as a rattle and a teether. The soft, BPA-free plastic loops are safe for gumming, and the central cube makes a gentle rattling sound that isn’t annoying for parents.

Visually, the bright colors track well for developing eyes. You can even pop it in the fridge (not the freezer) to cool the loops down, providing relief for sore gums. It is simple, effective, and practically indestructible.

Pros

  • Easy for small hands to grip.
  • Functions as both rattle and teether.
  • Soft, bendable loops prevent injury.
  • BPA-free construction.

Cons

  • Hand-wash only (cannot be boiled or steam sterilized).
  • Collects lint if dropped on carpet.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Skip Hop Treetop Friends Infant Activity Gym

Best Tummy Time Activity Gym

If you want a dedicated space for your baby to explore, this activity gym is a top contender. The nature-inspired aesthetics are pleasing and fit well into modern living rooms without being an eyesore.

The mat features 17 developmental activities, including crinkly leaves, a squeaky flower, and a baby-safe mirror. It comes with a supportive tummy time pillow, which is a huge help for younger babies who need a little boost under their chest.

The hanging toys clip onto the arches, encouraging your baby to reach and bat when they are on their back. When it’s tummy time, you can clip the toys lower down on the mat loops so your baby can interact with them directly.

Pros

  • Includes a supportive crescent pillow.
  • Great for both back play and tummy time.
  • Stylish, nature-themed design.
  • Machine washable mat.

Cons

  • Does not fold up easily for storage.
  • Batteries for the sound feature are not replaceable.

Our Ratings

Safety
5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Fisher-Price Rainforest Deluxe Gym

Jungle Activity Gym

This gym brings the jungle to your living room. It is high-energy and interactive, making it perfect for active babies who need extra motivation.

The standout feature is the response to movement. When your baby kicks or wiggles, the mat activates music and lights, teaching them cause and effect. It keeps them entertained far longer than a silent mat might.

It includes over 10 activities and several detachable animal toys. You can move the toys around to different loops, keeping the setup fresh. Whether your baby is staring up at the butterflies or pushing up to grab the zebra rattle, there is always something to look at.

Pros

  • Interactive lights and sounds respond to movement.
  • Lots of repositionable toys.
  • Includes a large mirror.
  • Engaging rainforest theme.

Cons

  • Top-hanging bird is hard for babies to reach.
  • Takes up significant floor space.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

LightDesire Musical Caterpillar

Best Musical Tummy Time Toy

This musical caterpillar is a sensory feast. Parents love it because it packs multiple textures and sounds into one soft, huggable toy.

The head plays a cheerful melody when pressed, while the body segments contain bells and crinkle paper. These auditory cues encourage your baby to reach, grab, and squeeze.

Visually, the patterns are bright and distinct, promoting eye tracking. A unique bonus is the ruler printed on the caterpillar’s belly, allowing you to track your baby’s growth in both inches and centimeters while they play.

Pros

  • Combines music, bells, and crinkle sounds.
  • Growth chart printed on the belly.
  • Soft plush is safe for face-planting.
  • Vibrant patterns.

Cons

  • Music button can be stiff to press.
  • Only plays one song.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

VTech Baby Lil' Critters Discover Ball

Best Discovery Ball

The VTech Discover Ball is built to get your baby moving. It is a soft plush ball equipped with a motion sensor that triggers sounds and phrases whenever it is tossed or rolled.

This is fantastic for tummy time because it encourages reaching and scooting. If you roll it just out of reach, the lights and sounds motivate your baby to push up and go after it.

It introduces early learning concepts like animals and numbers through a star-shaped button. While it is electronic, the exterior is soft enough to be kicked or hugged without hurting your little one.

Pros

  • Motion sensor rewards movement.
  • Teaches early numbers and animal sounds.
  • Durable enough for rough play.

Cons

  • Volume is non-adjustable and can be low.
  • Ball is heavy for very young infants to lift.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Tummy Time Floor Mirror By Sassy

Best Tummy Time Mirror

Babies love looking at themselves, making a high-quality mirror a tummy time essential. This Sassy mirror is a favorite because it offers a large, true reflection rather than the warped “funhouse” effect many baby mirrors have.

The frame engages your baby with a rotating bee and a red ladybug rattle. These attached toys encourage reaching and fine motor manipulation.

It stands upright on its own via an easel back, so you can set it in front of your baby to encourage them to lift their head high. The bright blue frame provides excellent visual contrast against the reflection.

Pros

  • Clear, distortion-free reflection.
  • Interactive spinner and rattle toys attached.
  • Sturdy easel stand.
  • High-contrast colors.

Cons

  • Can be knocked over by enthusiastic babies.
  • Needs a good wipe-down upon arrival.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Mat

Best for Small Babies

This polar bear mat is designed with comfort in mind. It comes with a matching prop pillow that fits under your baby’s chest, taking some of the strain off their neck and shoulders during those early weeks.

The mat itself is plush and padded, making it a safe spot for wiggling on hard floors. Satin loops around the edge provide tactile stimulation for curious fingers.

It includes detachable toys like a rattle and a baby-safe mirror to keep the entertainment going. When playtime is over, the whole thing folds up compactly, making it easy to stash in a closet or take to grandma’s house.

Pros

  • Includes prop pillow for chest support.
  • Soft, padded surface.
  • Easy to fold and store.
  • Machine washable.

Cons

  • The bear head is floppy and doesn’t stand up.

Our Ratings

Safety
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Infantino Prop-A-Pillar 2-in-1 pillow

Best Tummy Time Support Pillow

The Infantino Prop-A-Pillar is a clever multitasker. In its extended form, it acts as a supportive mat and bolster for tummy time, helping your baby lift their head comfortably.

The magic happens when you stack the caterpillar segments. It transforms into a “C” shaped seat support, helping older babies learn to sit up securely.

It is packed with sensory details, including crinkle fabrics, varied textures, and vibrant colors. It even comes with a BPA-free silicone teether for soothing sore gums. It is a solid investment that adapts as your baby conquers new physical milestones.

Pros

  • Converts from tummy time mat to seated support.
  • Rich mix of textures and sounds.
  • Includes a silicone teether.

Cons

  • Velcro can detach if the baby leans back too hard in seat mode.

Our Ratings

Safety
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Bright Starts Floor Mirror

Best Mirror Toy for Tummy Time

This mirror from Bright Starts is a simple, budget-friendly option that delivers exactly what you need. The 11-inch frame is wide and stable, featuring a cheerful jungle theme.

The frame includes 3D crinkle leaves, a monkey, and a dragonfly, adding textural elements for your baby to touch. It stands well on carpet or hard floors and folds completely flat for travel.

Parents appreciate the clarity of the reflection. It helps babies recognize facial expressions and keeps them engaged longer than a plain toy would.

Pros

  • Large, clear reflective surface.
  • Stands stably on its own.
  • Folds flat for travel bag.

Cons

  • Plastic surface can scratch over time.

Our Ratings

Safety
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Sensory Stimulation
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

FAQs

Why Do Babies Hate Tummy Time So Much?

Babies often dislike tummy time because it is physically exhausting. It requires them to work against gravity to lift their heavy heads, which strains their developing neck muscles.

What is the Best Light Up Toy For Tummy Time?

Toys that respond to movement, like the Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar, are excellent for keeping a baby’s attention focused forward.

Why Do You Need a Tummy Time Mirror?

Mirrors are powerful motivators. Babies are naturally fascinated by faces, so seeing their own reflection encourages them to keep their head lifted for longer periods.

Are Tummy Time Mats Worth It?

Yes. They provide a sanitary, cushioned surface that protects your baby from cold, hard floors while offering built-in sensory activities to keep them engaged.

Where is the Best Place to Do Tummy Time?

A firm, flat surface is best. The floor (with a blanket or mat) is safer than a bed or sofa, where there is a risk of rolling off or suffocating on soft bedding.

When Should I Start Tummy Time With My Baby?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can start tummy time as soon as your baby comes home from the hospital. Start with short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes a few times a day.

How Long Should Tummy Time Last Each Day?

Aim for about 15 to 30 minutes total per day by the time your baby is 7 weeks old. You don’t have to do it all at once; breaking it into short, frequent bursts is usually better for the baby.

In Conclusion

Tummy time doesn’t have to be a daily battle of wills. With the right tools, you can turn those fuss-filled minutes into genuine playtime.

Whether you choose a simple mirror, a crinkly book, or a full activity gym, the goal is the same: keeping your baby happy while they build those crucial muscles. Grab a toy, get down on the floor with them, and enjoy the view.

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Reviewed by

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC

Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BC is a cardiology nurse and freelance medical writer. Katelyn has 8 years of nursing experience inpatient and outpatient, primarily medical-surgical and cardiac. After having two children she has a passion for Women’s Health and Lactation teaching and support.