DIY Toys to Make Tummy Time Fun for Babies
These DIY toys and activities will help your baby enjoy tummy time play.
Child development experts agree that tummy time is important for helping babies reach their motor milestones. However, babies don’t always enjoy being put down on their bellies.
Help make tummy time FUN for your little one with these awesome activities and toys that you can make at home.
Does YOur Baby Enjoy Tummy Time?
As a former Early Intervention therapist, I know how important spending time on their stomach is for babies. Since I delivered my daughter a month early, I especially wanted to make sure she got every opportunity to meet her motor milestones on time.
Both my kids actually enjoyed tummy time as babies. I may have gotten lucky OR it may have been because we started introducing them to lying on their bellies as soon as they were home from the hospital.
Some babies have trouble adjusting to being placed on their stomachs and just don’t like tummy time. If your baby cries a lot whenever they’re put on their tummies, find some tips here about helping your newborn baby get used to tummy time.
For older babies who STILL don’t enjoy tummy time, try shaking things up a bit. Introducing new toys and activities to your baby while they are lying on their bellies is a great way to keep tummy time fun and exciting for them. And for you, too!
Related: See my favorite toys for tummy time here!
DIY Toys To Make Tummy Time Fun
Here are some fun and easy toys you can make yourself that will help entertain your baby during tummy time.
DIY Tummy Time Cup Toy
This is a simple but super cute toy you can make for your baby to look at and play with during tummy time. I love that if you have older children, they can also help out with this activity and create a toy for their younger sibling. Here’s how you can make this tummy time toy.
Sensory Hula Hoop
It never crossed my mind to make a sensory hoop for babies to play with during tummy time but this is such a genius idea! The circle shape is so great for babies who are learning to pivot while on their stomachs. I love that you can use items you have around the house to create this fun toy for your baby. Find out how to make your own sensory hula hoop here.
Dinosaur Baby Tag Blanket
How adorable is this baby tag blanket? This such a cute tummy time toy you can make yourself if you know how to sew (also great as a DIY baby shower gift)! Here’s the full tutorial for this dinosaur tag blanket.
High Contrast Sensory Bag
This DIY tummy time toy is super easy to make and is great for younger babies. The black, white, and red colors will help with your baby’s developing vision. Read the instructions for this high-contrast sensory bag here.
Related post: What Can My Newborn Baby See?
Laundry Basket Toy
This isn’t exactly a toy, but it’s definitely something your baby can play with during tummy time. It’s also super easy to make! Find instructions for this sensory activity toy here.
Squishy Sensory Bags
Another sensory bag idea you can make at home and let your baby play with during tummy time. This one uses hair gel that your baby can squish around to keep them entertained while lying on their bellies. Get all the info to make a squishy sensory bag for your baby.
Ocean Themed Sensory Bottles
Sensory bottles are such a fun DIY toy for tummy time. I love these ocean-themed ones using water beads and colorful toy fish. Find the full tutorial for these ocean-themed baby sensory bottles here.
DIY Sensory Board for Babies
I love this idea which uses different textured items from around the house to make a sensory board for baby to play with during tummy time. You can find the full instructions for this DIY sensory baby board right here.
Playtime Felt Squares
I love how easy these felt squares are to make. You can lay them on the ground in front of your baby during tummy time so they can look at them, feel them, and pick them up. Find out how to make these felt squares for your baby here.
Baby Sensory Book
Sensory books are so much fun. This gorgeous DIY sensory book will definitely keep your baby entertained during tummy time.
No-sew DIY Sensory Book
Here’s an easy DIY sensory book that doesn’t require any sewing. Just use craft felt and pieces of other materials to make a simple and fun tummy time toy for your baby. The tutorial for this baby sensory book can be found here.
DiY Tummy Time Toys
Babies don’t always enjoy spending lots of time on their stomachs but there are many ways you can make tummy time more fun. This list of simple DIY toys can help entertain and engage your baby during their next tummy time session.
I hope you found some easy and fun ideas here for tummy time toys you can make for your baby!