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.
- Ultra-soft materials
- Super cute baby koala theme
- Large, baby-safe mirror
- Encourages baby to lift their head
- Vibrant colors
- Baby-safe materials
- Supportive tummy time pillow included
- Plenty of surprises to discover
- Soft fabric
- Plenty of animals to play with
- Bright and colorful
- Allows for rearrangement
- Colorful and full of prints
- Features music and bells
- Includes a meter and foot scale
- Fantastic discovery ball with sounds
- Eye-catching
- Durable
- Large, true-reflection mirror
- Bold colors
- Can stand on its own
- Plenty of components to discover
- Easy to wrap up and store
- Machine washable
- For tummy time and seated support
- Multiple textures to discover
- Baby-safe teether included
- 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).
Editor's Note:
Katelyn Holt RN, BSN, BCHow to Choose a Safe Tummy Time Toy
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
FAQs
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.
























