Tummy Time Tips: The Best Play Mats & Toys to Keep Baby Engaged
Tummy time is one of the most important activities for your baby's development β but getting them to enjoy it is another story! Many babies protest at first, but with the right setup and toys, tummy time can become one of their favourite parts of the day.
Here's everything you need to know, plus our top picks to make tummy time fun and effective.
Why Tummy Time Matters
Tummy time helps your baby:
- Strengthen neck, shoulder, and core muscles
- Develop the motor skills needed for rolling, sitting, and crawling
- Prevent flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly)
- Build visual tracking and sensory awareness
Paediatricians recommend starting tummy time from day one, building up to 30 minutes total per day by 3 months.
Tips for Successful Tummy Time
- Start small β Even 1β2 minutes at a time is great for newborns. Build up gradually.
- Choose the right time β After a nappy change or when baby is alert and happy β never right after a feed.
- Get down to their level β Lie on the floor face-to-face with your baby. Your face is their favourite thing to look at!
- Use a rolled towel β Place a small rolled towel under their chest for extra support in the early weeks.
- Make it fun with toys β Engaging toys and play mats make a huge difference to how long baby will tolerate tummy time.
Best Toys & Mats for Tummy Time from Kiwi Bubs
Multifunctional Baby Crawling Mat with Cloth Book & Teether
Our Crawling Mat is a tummy time essential. The soft cloth surface is comfortable for baby to lie on, while the removable cloth book and safe teether give them something to look at and reach for. Perfect from newborn onwards.
Baby Visual & Cognitive Development Card Set with Mirror
Our Visual Development Card Set is designed specifically for newborn vision. The high-contrast patterns on the 6 double-sided cards are ideal for propping up during tummy time to encourage visual tracking. The included mirror adds an extra layer of engagement as baby discovers their own reflection.
Rainbow Ring Stacking Tower Educational Toy
As your baby gets stronger (around 3β4 months), colourful toys like our Rainbow Stacking Tower give them something to reach and bat at during tummy time, encouraging arm strength and hand-eye coordination.
Wooden & Wool Animal Rattle Toy
Our Animal Rattle Toy is perfect for tummy time. The gentle sound encourages baby to lift their head and track the noise, building those all-important neck muscles.
When to Progress Beyond Tummy Time
As your baby gets stronger, you'll notice them pushing up on their arms, then their hands. This is the precursor to rolling and crawling. Keep encouraging movement with floor play and age-appropriate toys from our Baby & Kids Toys range.
A Quick Tummy Time Routine
- β Place baby on a soft, flat surface (your crawling mat is perfect)
- β Position a visual card or rattle in front of them
- β Get down to their level and talk or sing to them
- β Aim for 3β5 sessions per day, building up duration over time
- β Always supervise β never leave baby unattended during tummy time
Shop our full range of Baby Toys and Baby Accessories at Kiwi Bubs β everything you need to support your baby's development, delivered across New Zealand.