My Top Picks for Infant Development & Happy Tummy Time!
- Paige Wood
- May 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 1
"If there's one thing I've learned on this amazing journey of babyhood, it's that those early months are just flying by, and every moment is a chance for our little ones to discover something new. As our baby grows, we're constantly on the lookout for developmental toys that genuinely help her learn, explore, and even make things like tummy time a little more fun so, I wanted to share a few of our absolute favorites that have been game-changers for us in encouraging sensory exploration and early learning".
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Creating the Ultimate Play & Tummy Time Zone
Tummy time is crucial for motor skill development, but it's not always a baby's favorite activity. That's where a great mat makes all the difference.
Our absolute go-to for creating a cozy, engaging spot is the Bright Starts Tummy Time Prop & Play Baby Activity Mat with Support Pillow This unicorn mat is just adorable, and it's so incredibly plush and comfortable. The included support pillow is a lifesaver for giving our little one that extra lift they need during tummy time, making it much more enjoyable for her (and us!). I love the little crinkle sounds, rattles and satin tags – our newborn just loves to grab and explore them. It’s also super easy to fold up, so we take it with us everywhere, ensuring baby always has a familiar, comfy space for play.
To really elevate the tummy time experience and add some extra spark, I also adore the Baby Einstein Glow & Discover Light Bar Musical Activity Station. This toy is fantastic! It lays flat for tummy time (which is perfect for encouraging head lifting and neck strength) but also props up for when they start to sit. The bright, colorful lights and engaging classical melodies immediately capture my baby's attention. It's truly multisensory – with different modes for animals, colors, and even a xylophone, plus it teaches in multiple languages. It’s been amazing for cause and effect learning as they press the buttons and see the lights and hear the sounds. A must-have for infant play!
If you’re looking for an all-in-one sensory wonderland, the Lovvie & Joy Baby Play Activity Gym Tummy Time Mat is brilliant. This activity gym provides a huge space for our infant to explore, with a focus on high contrast colors that are perfect for newborn brain development. It comes with five different removable sensory toys that have various textures and sounds (think crinkles and bells!). This playmat has been fantastic for stimulating her sight, hearing, and touch, helping with both cognitive and physical coordination. Plus, it's machine washable, which is a huge win for any baby gear!
Our Top Amazon: Montessori-Inspired Learning Toys
Little Details for Big Discoveries
Beyond the playmats, there are a couple of smaller baby toys that have become surprising favorites for boosting our little one's engagement and development.
First up are the Infinno Baby Wrist Rattle Socks and Foot Finder Set. These are so clever! When our little one kicks and flails her arms, and putting these on instantly turned those movements into delightful fun! The bright colors and cute bug designs are eye-catching, and the gentle rattles encourage her to explore her own hands and feet – true self-discovery in action! They're soft, safe, and easily washable, making them a perfect sensory toy for newborns and older infants.
And finally, for really early visual stimulation and brain development, I can’t recommend Black and White High Contrast Baby Toys Soft Book enough. Our newborn is especially drawn to high contrast patterns, and this soft book is perfect for tummy time or just quiet moments. Each page is filled with engaging black and white images, plus it has crinkle paper, rattles, and different textures. It’s lightweight, durable, and easily washable, making it a wonderful Montessori-inspired learning activity that truly captivates their attention and helps with her visual development.
"Finding the right baby essentials can feel overwhelming, but these five items have genuinely stood out in our experience for their ability to support our infant's development, making tummy time enjoyable, and providing endless sensory play. I hope sharing our personal favorites helps you find some fantastic additions for your own baby's journey of discovery! Happy playing!"
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