Is your baby fussing during tummy time? You’re not alone. Many babies resist this important milestone at first.
But tummy time doesn’t have to be tearful. With the right tummy time activities, these moments can become fun for both you and your little one.
Tummy time builds neck strength and motor skills while preventing flat spots on your baby’s head. Starting with just 3-5 minutes a day helps your baby grow stronger.
The good news? You can change these sessions into playful bonding experiences. From sensory play to simple games, these tummy time activities will keep your baby engaged and happy while developing essential skills.
Say goodbye to tummy time tears and hello to smiles!
Why Tummy Time Matters?
Tummy time is more than just a parenting trend—it’s a crucial part of your baby’s development. When babies spend time on their stomachs while awake, they work muscles they don’t use when lying on their backs.
During these sessions, your baby builds neck, back, and shoulder strength. These muscles are needed for rolling over, sitting up, and eventually walking.
Tummy time also reduces the risk of flathead syndrome. Babies who spend too much time on their backs can develop flat spots, but regular tummy time helps prevent this problem.
As your little one lifts their head and pushes up with their arms, they develops better motor skills and coordination. They also experience the world from a new angle, which stimulates their brain and encourages curiosity.
The key is making tummy time enjoyable so your baby looks forward to it rather than resisting it.
Fun Tummy Time Activities for Your Baby
Tummy time doesn’t have to be a chore! Here are 25 creative activities to make it both enjoyable and beneficial for your baby. These activities promote strength, coordination, and engagement while ensuring your little one has fun!
1. Tummy Time with Mirrors
Place a baby-safe mirror in front of your little one during tummy time. Babies love to look at their own reflection and it encourages them to lift their head. It’s fascinating for them to see themselves, which can spark curiosity and improve their visual tracking skills.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Keep the mirror angled to reflect your baby’s face.
- Be sure to use a shatterproof mirror for safety.
2. Tummy Time on a Boppy Pillow
Use a Boppy pillow or a similar prop to support your baby during tummy time. The pillow provides extra lift, making it easier for them to lift their head. This allows your baby to feel more comfortable and helps them gradually develop the strength needed for full tummy time.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Position the pillow so it supports your baby’s chest and arms.
- Always supervise them during this activity to ensure their head is supported.
3. Tummy Time with a Rattle
Place a colorful rattle just out of your baby’s reach to encourage them to lift their head and stretch their arms towards it. This activity motivates your baby to strengthen their neck and back muscles while focusing on an object that captures their attention.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Ensure the rattle is lightweight for easy grasping.
- Keep the rattle close to their hands to avoid frustration and promote success.
4. Rolled Towel Support
Roll a towel and place it under your baby’s chest for extra support during tummy time, especially if they are just starting. This lift helps them grow stronger to hold their head up independently.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Make sure the towel is soft and not too tight around their body.
- Always monitor your baby’s head position to ensure they’re comfortable.
5. Tummy Time with Soft Toys
Place soft, colorful toys around your baby during tummy time to motivate them to reach out and grasp. This helps with hand-eye coordination and strengthens their muscles as they work to touch or hold the toys. The bright colors and textures also stimulate their visual senses.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Choose toys with bright colors or patterns to attract their attention.
- Keep the toys within arm’s reach so they can stretch and practice reaching.
6. Gentle Tummy Time Massage
Gently massage your baby’s back and legs during tummy time to make them feel comfortable and relaxed. The massage can help ease tension in their body while reinforcing the idea that tummy time can be a pleasant experience.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
Use baby-safe oil or lotion to make the experience smoother.
Ensure your baby is calm and content before starting the massage to avoid overstimulation.
7. Tummy Time with Siblings
Have an older sibling join tummy time to encourage your baby to watch and interact, building a bond. Watching a sibling can motivate your baby to try harder to engage in tummy time, creating a positive social experience.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Keep the session short to prevent overstimulation.
- Ensure the sibling is calm and gentle around the baby to maintain a safe environment.
8. Superman Pose
Encourage your baby to lift their chest and head higher by placing a toy in front of them and offering a gentle push. This poses a fun challenge for your baby as they work to raise themselves up and strengthen their muscles.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Hold a toy at eye level to keep their focus.
- Keep your baby’s body positioned properly to avoid strain during this activity.
9. Tummy Time with a Tummy-Safe Mat
Use a soft, tummy-time-specific mat for added comfort and support during your baby’s tummy time sessions. These mats are often cushioned and soft, which helps protect your baby while still offering the necessary firmness to support their muscles.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Choose a non-slip mat to prevent any sliding.
- Clean the mat regularly to maintain hygiene.
10. Tummy Time with Tummy-Time Tummy
This fun activity involves laying a stuffed toy or doll on its stomach next to your baby to mimic the tummy-time position. Your baby will be encouraged to try and imitate the toy’s position, making tummy time feel more like play than work.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Use a soft toy that is safe for babies to interact with.
- Gently encourage your baby to observe the toy’s tummy time to build interest.
11. Tummy Time on a Soft Blanket
Lay your baby on a soft, cozy blanket to make tummy time more inviting and comfortable. Soft blankets provide a soothing texture, making the experience more pleasant for your little one. This creates an ideal environment for relaxation during tummy time.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Use a blanket that isn’t too thick or fluffy to maintain safety.
- Ensure the blanket is on a clean, flat surface for a safe tummy time experience.
12. Tummy Time on the Bed
During supervised tummy time, let your baby lie on the bed where the soft surface can provide extra cushioning. This is a good option for providing a softer surface that’s still supportive while your baby gets used to tummy time.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Always keep a hand on your baby for safety.
- Avoid leaving your baby unattended on the bed, as there are potential risks.
13. Tummy Time with Your Baby’s Favorite Music
Play some soothing, gentle music to calm your baby while doing tummy time to make it enjoyable. Babies often respond positively to familiar tunes, and it helps them focus on the activity.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Use baby-friendly music or lullabies that are not too loud.
- Keep the volume low to avoid overstimulation.
14. High Contrast Pictures
Hold high-contrast pictures in front of your baby to stimulate their visual development during tummy time. Babies are particularly drawn to black-and-white images, so this will engage them and help develop their focus.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Choose black-and-white or brightly colored images to capture their attention.
- Hold the pictures close enough to your baby’s face to engage their focus.
15. Tummy Time with a Tummy-Safe Toy
Offer soft and lightweight toys designed for tummy time that your baby can hold and explore while on their stomach. These toys are specially designed to encourage your baby to use their hands and build strength.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Ensure the toys are age-appropriate and safe for babies.
- Keep toys close to your baby’s body for easy reaching and exploration.
16. Tummy Time on a Cushion
Lay your baby down on a soft cushion or pillow for extra comfort during tummy time. Cushions help provide gentle support to your baby’s body, helping them lift their head more easily.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Make sure the cushion is soft but firm enough to provide support.
- Ensure there are no pillows or cushions that could obstruct your baby’s face.
17. Fun Tummy Time with Flash Cards
Use baby-friendly flashcards to engage your baby’s visual and cognitive development while on their stomach. Flashcards with simple, large pictures help stimulate their brain and encourage visual tracking.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Use simple, large images to hold their attention.
- Show the cards slowly and move them to encourage your baby to follow with their eyes.
18. Bubble Time
Blow gentle bubbles near your baby’s face during tummy time to capture their attention and help them develop focus. Bubbles can create a fun, light-hearted atmosphere during tummy time, making it more enjoyable for your baby.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Use non-toxic, baby-friendly bubble solution for safety.
- Ensure that bubbles don’t land directly on your baby’s face.
19. Tummy Time with a Colorful Play Mat
Place your baby on a play mat with different colors, textures, and sounds to create an interactive experience. These mats stimulate your baby’s sensory development and encourage them to learn their environment.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Look for mats with different textures, sounds, and visual appeal for sensory play.
- Keep the mat clean and dry to ensure hygiene.
20. Tummy Time with You Right There
Lie down with your baby on their tummy so they can look up and see you while enjoying their time. This provides comfort and reassurance, especially for babies who might feel unsure during tummy time.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Keep eye contact with your baby to provide reassurance.
- Speak gently to your baby to keep them calm and engaged.
21. Using a Light-Up Toy
Use light-up toys to attract your baby’s attention and help them stay engaged during tummy time. The lights and sounds provide visual stimulation that helps with their sensory development.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Ensure the toy’s lights are not too bright to avoid overstimulation.
- Keep the toy within easy reach for your baby to interact with.
22. Tummy Time with Dad or Mom
Encourage tummy time with mom or dad lying on their stomach to interact and show support. Your baby will feel comforted by the familiar presence and enjoy bonding time with their parents.
Age: 0-3 months
Tips:
- Alternate tummy time with both parents to give varied experiences.
- Talk softly to your baby to make it a more enjoyable and interactive experience.
23. Tummy Time with a Colorful Scarf
Use a colorful scarf to draw attention and promote head lifting as your baby tries to look at it. Scarves move gently, which can attract your baby’s focus and encourage head control.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Make sure the scarf is light and breathable.
- Use scarves with bold, contrasting colors to engage your baby’s attention.
24. Tummy Time with Family Pets
If you have a pet, use tummy time to introduce your baby to their furry friend while keeping it safe and supervised. Pets can be a source of entertainment and comfort for your baby during tummy time.
Age: 3-6 months
Tips:
- Keep pets calm and well-behaved around your baby.
- Always supervise pet interactions to ensure safety.
25. Supervised Tummy Time Outdoors
Take tummy time outside, and let your baby enjoy the fresh air, a new view, and the natural environment. This change of scenery can make tummy time more stimulating and enjoyable.
Age: 0-6 months
Tips:
- Ensure your baby is in a safe, shaded spot.
- Keep an eye on the weather to avoid sun exposure.
How to Get Your Baby to Like Tummy Time?
Many babies fuss during tummy time at first, but with the right approach, your little one can learn to enjoy these important sessions. Here are some tips to help your baby become a tummy-time fan:
- Start early: Begin when your baby is about 2-3 weeks old. Just 1-2 minutes at a time helps your baby adjust gradually without getting frustrated. Babies who start tummy time early often accept it more readily as they grow.
- Keep sessions short but frequent: Three to five brief sessions work better than one long one. Watch for signs that your baby is getting tired or upset and end the session before they become too fussy.
- Make it a positive experience: Get down on your baby’s level. Smile, talk, and sing during tummy time. Your face is one of the most interesting things to your little one, so being face-to-face makes tummy time more fun.
- Change up the environment: Try tummy time on different surfaces like a play mat, blanket, or even on your chest while you’re reclined. Each new setting gives your baby different sensory inputs to learn.
- Use engaging props: Colorful toys, mirrors, and rattles capture your baby’s attention. Place toys just within reach to encourage movement and exploration.
Your Tummy Time Success Story
Tummy time doesn’t need to be a daily struggle. With these fun activities, you can turn those fussy moments into happy playtime.
Remember that every baby moves at their own pace. Some might love tummy time right away, while others need more time to adjust. What matters most is consistency and patience.
Try a different activity each day to see what your baby enjoys most.
As your baby grows stronger, you’ll notice them holding their head up longer and pushing up higher. These small wins are worth celebrating.
For more information on tummy time, check out our article on “Tummy Time Milestones.“
Now enjoy those precious tummy time moments with your little one!
