8 Best Tummy Time Mats for Babies
As a new parent, you may wonder what tummy time is and why it is important for your baby. Tummy time is when you place your baby on their tummy while they are awake and supervised.
This helps your baby develop back, neck, and shoulder muscles. It also prevents your baby from developing a flat head.
Moreover, tummy time helps babies learn to roll over, sit up, crawl, and eventually walk. So, it can be considered an important milestone in your baby’s development.
There are many tummy time mats to choose from, and it’s hard to know which is right for your baby. To help you make the best choice, we have compiled a list of the 8 best tummy time mats for babies in 2023.
Our Top Picks
After researching, we have compiled a list of our top 8 picks for the best tummy time mats for babies in 2023.
1. Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Activity Mat
- Props up your child with a matching prop pillow for additional support
- It has a baby-safe mirror, rattle, and toy attachments to help keep your child entertained
- The tummy time mat is also easy to take with you on the go, as it fits well in small spaces
Bright Starts tummy time mat is our top favorite for tummy time. It has features that make it the best mat for developing a child’s back, neck, and stomach muscles. Tummy time is crucial for these muscle developments and helps prevent flat head syndrome.
This mat has several features that help make tummy time easier for both baby and parent. The tummy time mat props up your child with a matching prop pillow for additional support.
Moreover, It also has a baby-safe mirror, rattle, and toy attachments to help keep your child entertained. The mat is also easy to take with you on the go, as it fits well in small spaces and is lightweight.
We love this tummy time mat because it has everything you need to make tummy time fun easy.
Specs
- Material: Polyester
- Weight: 1.85 pounds
- Dimensions: 36 x 32.5 x 5 inches
✔ Goods
- Help them stay focused
- Helps support your child during tummy time
- Toy attachments are entertaining for your child
✗ Bads
- It may be too light for some babies
2. Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat
- The mat is of superior quality, and it is 100% leakproof
- The tummy time mat can easily inflate and deflate and can be easily carried around
- It is made up of durable and heavy PVC materials, which are safe for the baby to use
Parents want to give their children the best possible experience when choosing products. The Inflatable Tummy Time Mat by Infinno is a widely available product that is highly rated by parents. It is made of soft, comfortable PVC material and is 100% leakproof.
One of the best things about this tummy time mat is that it helps develop the baby’s head, neck, and shoulder muscles.
It also hones the baby’s hand-eye coordination, fine motor, and social skills. Plus, the mat comes with bright and colorful sea animals, which will keep the baby engaged for hours.
The Infinno Tummy Time Mat is the perfect gift for babies who are older than three months. The Mat is of ideal size, and it is suitable for all baby girls and boys.
Specs
- Weight: 11 ounces
- Material Type: Plastic
- Dimension: 26 x 20 x 3.5 inches
✔ Goods
- 100% leakproof
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Durable and heavy PVC materials
✗ Bads
-
Well, I didn’t find any cons to this product
3. Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Activity Station
- Easy to wipe down and clean
- 3 modes: Animals, colors, xylophone
- Collapses for easy storage or tummy time play
- Lights up by touching the colored sections or spin of a rattle drum
- Language switch allows you to hear the content in English, Spanish, or French
Everyone knows that Einstein was a pretty smart guy. Now your little one can be a genius too with the Baby Einstein Activity Station.
The Light Bar is an easy-to-activate toy that is not only fun but interactive for little ones. It lights up by touching the colored sections or spin of the rattle drum.
If we talk about the modes, it has three modes: Animals, colors, and xylophone. And the best thing is that the language switch allows you to hear the content in English, Spanish, or French.
So, if you are looking for a toy that is not only entertaining but also educational, then the Baby Einstein Light Bar is perfect for your baby.
Specs
- Battery life: 144 Hours
- Item Weight: 1.43 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.85 x 12.8 x 9 inches
✔ Goods
- Educational
- Multi-lingual
- Easy to activate
- Fun and interactive
✗ Bads
- Batteries required
4. Infantino 4-in-1 Jumbo Baby Activity Gym
- Included storage sloth is perfect for packing the balls away
- It can easily be switched between a baby activity gym and a toddler ball pit
- Toys are different colors, shapes, and crinkles for the purpose of cognitive growth
Looking for a versatile baby activity gym that will grow with your child? The Infantino 4-in-1 Baby Activity Gym is a great choice!
This large gym features four ways to play, from newborn to active toddler. The tummy time mat, bolster pillow, and mirror for overhead play or sit and play, including changeable toys and a ball pit, are perfect for your little one.
We recommend this for babies and toddlers due to its versatility. The movable toys can be easily repositioned to offer new challenges and more fun for babies.
The gym, large mirror, and bolster pillow all have attachments to switch the toys, allowing you to keep your baby entertained even when you’re on the go.
Moreover, the included storage sloth is perfect for packing the balls away, and the five toys with different colors, shapes, and crinkles for cognitive growth.
Specs
- Brand: Infantino
- Item Weight: 4.01 pounds
- Dimensions: 24.25 x 20.25 x 4.25 inches
✔ Goods
- Grows with your child
- Versatile and affordable
- Includes a mirror and 5 toys
✗ Bads
- It may be too large for some rooms
5. Fisher-Price Grow-with-Me Tummy Time Llama
- There are 4 ways to play as your baby grows
- It is made of high-quality and durable plastic materials
- You will get three takes-long toys with this tummy time mat
- Variety of textures, colors, and sounds to engage your baby’s senses
Fisher-Price is known for making quality baby products that engage your babies and help them learn and grow. It has been serving families for over 80 years, and the Tummy Time Llama is one of its latest mats.
This mat is designed to grow with your baby, providing four ways to play as they develop.
The mat features 13 sensory discoveries, including a textured carrot teether, self-discovery mirror, and watermelon rattle.
There are also three take-along toys that can be removed for independent play. The mat also has a plush, supportive wedge that is perfect for babies from birth to 12 months old.
Furthermore, the Tummy Time Llama mat is made of durable and easy-to-clean high-quality materials. Plus, it is designed specifically for tummy time, providing a comfortable surface for infants to engage and play on.
Specs
- Material Type: Plastic
- Item Weight: 1.58 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.35 x 14.96 x 16.93 inches
✔ Goods
- Get free toys
- Durable construction
- Engage your baby’s senses
✗ Bads
- Little bit expensive
6. Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick' n Play Piano Gym
- Keyboard with 5 light-up keys
- The keyboard is also removable for take-along play
- 5 repositionable toys: self-discovery mirror, elephant
- It is a great way to introduce your baby to animals, colors, shapes, numbers, and music
Another product from Fisher-Price is the Baby Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym. It is an infant activity gym with 4 ways to play as the baby grows.
This activity gym has 3 Smart Stages learning levels that introduce animals, colors, shapes, numbers, and real piano notes. The keyboard on this gym lights up and has 5 keys that can be removed for take-along play.
There are also 5 repositionable toys, including a self-discovery mirror, elephant teether, crinkle panda, lion rattle, and monkey cymbal clackers. Plus, the mat is machine washable and has loops to attach the toys.
We love that this activity gym grows with your baby. It is perfect for tummy time, sit-and-play, or take-along play. The colors and patterns are stimulating and will keep your little one entertained for hours.
Moreover, the removable keyboard is also a great feature when you are on the go. Undoubtedly, this activity gym will become a favorite in your house!
Specs
- Item Weight: 3.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 27.01 x 36.02 x 17.99 inches
- Batteries: 3 AA batteries are required. (included)
✔ Goods
- Durable Material
- 5 repositionable toys
- Detachable keyboard
- Different learning levels help babies grow
✗ Bads
- It can be difficult to assemble/disassemble for travel
7. Boppy Tummy Time Prop Pillow
- Patented SlideLine system for attaching baby’s favorite toys
- Easy-wipe fabric for messes and machine washable for bigger messes
- Includes plush crinkle toy and teething ring, makes tummy time fun and interactive
Like many other great baby products, the Boppy Tummy Time Prop Pillow was designed with both baby and parent in mind.
The patented SlideLine system allows parents to easily attach their baby’s favorite toys to the pillow, making tummy time both fun and more active.
Additionally, a plush crinkle toy and a teething ring are included with the pillow. It is also very easy to clean because of its easy-wipe fabric and is also machine washable, so there’s no need to get a new pillow when it gets dirty.
Overall, the Boppy Tummy Time Prop Pillow is a must-have for any parent looking to make tummy time more enjoyable for their little one.
Specs
- Batteries needed: No
- Size: 15×12.2×3 inches
- Item Weight: 1.12 pounds
✔ Goods
- Easy to clean
- Includes toys for added fun
- Easy to attach baby’s favorite toys
✗ Bads
- Not be suitable for very active babies
8. Fisher-Price Perfect Sense Deluxe Gym
- Convenient and easy to use for parents
- 6 moveable toys with sensory elements
- Take-along musical otter for on-the-go fun
- 20 Sensory Discoveries to engage all five senses
- Extra-large, machine-washable play mat with plush llama and tummy wedge
The Fisher-Price Deluxe Gym is a plush and sensory-stimulating activity gym for babies from birth.
It features 20 different discoveries to engage all five of your baby’s senses, including a light-up musical otter, a scented cloud, and a crinkly milestone panel.
Moreover, the extra-large machine-washable play mat also has a plush llama and tummy wedge for added comfort during tummy time. The fabric used for the play mat is super soft, sherpa, making it perfect for your little one to enjoy.
The take-along otter toy plays 15 minutes of music and lights up, making it great for on-the-go entertainment.
Plus, with its moveable toys and high-contrast arches, this activity gym is sure to keep your little one entertained and stimulated.
Specs
- Item Weight: 3.19 pounds
- Batteries: 2 AA batteries required
- Dimensions: 32.09 x 34.06 x 19.09 inches
✔ Goods
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Extra-large, comfortable play mat
- Includes a variety of moveable toys
- Sensory stimulation for baby’s development
✗ Bads
- It may be too advanced for newborns
- Become cluttered with all the toys included
What to Look for When Buying a Mat for Baby?
- Look for a mat that has different textures and features to keep your baby engaged, such as crinkly fabric or attached toys.
- Make sure the mat is large enough for your baby to move around comfortably and explore.
- Consider buying a waterproof mat for easy cleanup if accidents happen during tummy time.
- Look for a mat with a non-skid bottom to prevent sliding and ensure your baby’s safety.
- Choose a washable machine option for easy maintenance.
- Opt for a mat with a soft, cushioned surface for comfort and support during tummy time.
- Consider purchasing a mat that can grow with your baby and be used for other activities, such as playtime or napping.
FAQs
Q. How do I know if my baby is ready for tummy time?
Look for signs of physical readiness, such as lifting their head and chest or pushing up with their arms while on their stomach.
Q. How long should tummy time sessions last?
Gradually increase the duration of tummy time, starting with just a few minutes at a time. Aim for a total of 20-30 minutes spread throughout the day.
Q. What should I do during tummy time?
Help your baby engage their muscles by providing toys or objects for them to reach for and gently guiding them to move their arms and legs.
Q. Can I use a blanket on the floor for tummy time instead of a special mat?
While a blanket may work in the short term, a designated tummy time mat typically offers more support and comfort for your baby. It also may have added features such as raised edges or built-in toys.
In Summary
Overall, investing in a designated tummy time mat can provide added comfort and stimulation for your baby during their important developmental activity.
Look for features that will engage and support your baby and consider options that can grow with them as they develop. Happy tummy time!