The 5 Best Tummy Time Mats to Help Improve Your Baby’s Motor Skills

Mumsy Pop March 16, 2023

0 0 4 minutes read

Tummy time has so many benefits for babies! It helps them strengthen their muscles and develop mental skills. However, I totally understand how distressing it can be when you have a baby who gets irritable every time you put them on their tummy. One thing I’ve learned is that a comforting tummy time mat can do wonders in helping your baby learn to enjoy tummy time.

Tummy time mats are created with your baby’s attention span in mind. But how do you know which one to choose? Lucky for you, this is where we come in with our list of the 5 best tummy time mats!

5 Amazin Tummy Time Mat Options

You might be thinking, “Well, why don’t I just put my baby on a blanket?” The answer is actually you CAN do it, but tummy time mats have accessories that grab your baby’s attention. This keeps them entertained which prevents them from being fussy and you end up with longer, happier tummy time sessions.

Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym

The Fisher-Price Rainforest Music and Lights Deluxe Gym is a great option for parents looking for an interactive and engaging play space for their children. With its colorful rainforest-themed design and variety of toys, this gym is sure to keep babies entertained and stimulated for hours.

The gym features soft and comfortable mats with different textures, as well as many detachable toys that can be repositioned to suit baby’s needs. Toys include a cute monkey, a spinning ball, and a rattling toucan, all designed to encourage hand-eye coordination and promote sensory development.

One of the unique features of this gym is the interactive music elements. The gym plays up to 20 minutes of continuous music and nature sounds, which can be activated by baby’s movements. Not only does this make playtime more enjoyable for the baby but it also helps to strengthen cause-and-effect relationships.

The gym is easy to set up and can be conveniently stored when not in use. The only downside is that some of the toys can be too tight for babies who are just starting to explore and move around. Overall, though, the Fisher-Price Rainforest Music and Lights Deluxe Gym is a fantastic investment for parents looking for a fun and engaging play space for their kids.

Priced at $64

Lovevery play mat

The Lovevery Play Mat is a beautifully designed play space that offers a range of interactive and developmentally appropriate activities for babies and toddlers.

Made from high-quality materials, the mat features a variety of detachable toys, mirrors, and other sensory elements that encourage exploration and curiosity. The mat is also reversible, with one side designed for babies and the other for toddlers. So you’ll get a whole year of use from this mat!

In addition, Lovevery provides a helpful guide for parents outlining how to use the mat to support their child’s development. Although it is a bit more expensive than some other options on the market, the Lovevery Play Mat is a worthwhile investment for parents looking for a well-designed and stimulating play space for their child.

Priced at $140

Skip the hop Farmstand Grow and Play Mat activity

How cute is this tummy time mat? This play mat is perfect for helping babies improve their physical and cognitive skills as it has 17 different developmental activities.

The farm-themed design includes detachable toys like a carrot teether, plush tomato, and musical sheep. It also includes an adjustable arch, which can be positioned to accommodate different stages of development.

The sides can even be folded to create an enclosed playspace which is perfect for tummy time as it will give your baby something to look at in front of them.

Priced at $76

Tiny Love Black & White Developmental Gymini Play Mat

This mat reminds me a lot of the Lovevery Play Mat, but it’s half the price! It even comes with a development guide that helps you get the most out of the play mat, which is one of my favorite things Lovevery does.

The black and white color scheme is visually stimulating for babies, and the mat includes detachable toys like a musical hedgehog, a peep-a-boo tree, and a crinkly fabric book. The mat also features different textures and mirrors to encourage exploration and self-awareness.

Another bonus; This play mat is ideal for taking on trips or when visiting family members as it is fully foldable.

Priced at $51.99

The Peanutshell Tummy Time Water Play Mat for Babies

This option is different from others! The Peanutshell Tummy Time Water Play Mat is filled with water, providing a tactile sensory experience for babies as they push and move sea creatures. It features colorful underwater graphics and six floating sea creatures that babies can move with their hands or feet.

One of the unique features of this play mat is its ability to keep babies engaged and entertained during tummy time. The interactive water element and floating sea creatures provide a fun and stimulating distraction for babies, helping them gain strength and develop their motor skills.

It’s easy to set up and can be inflated and deflated quickly for storage or travel. The mat is also easy to clean, making it a convenient option for parents.

However, it is worth noting that the mat should be used under close supervision, like any water-based toy. Also, while the mat is durable, it may not withstand the rough play of older babies or toddlers.

Price: $22.49

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a mat for tummy time?

You can just use a blanket, but tummy time mats have accessories that grab your baby’s attention. This keeps them entertained which prevents them from being fussy and you end up with longer, happier tummy time sessions.

When should you start tummy time?

You should start tummy time as soon as you bring your baby home from the hospital. Tummy time will get longer as your baby grows and grows.

What is the best tummy time water mat for babies?

The Peanutshell Tummy Time Water Play Mat is filled with water, providing a tactile sensory experience for babies as they push and move sea creatures. It features colorful underwater graphics and six floating sea creatures that babies can move with their hands or feet.