The 10 Best Tummy Time Mats to Keep Your Baby Chill as They Build Those Neck Muscles

Getting your baby chilled-out during tummy time can be an uphill battle. Babies spend most of their lives on their backs, and they get used to it, so being put face-down can be a real bother.

However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines say that while babies should sleep on their backs, having tummy time while they are awake is essential for a baby's development. They suggest, starting the day your baby comes home from the hospital, that they are placed on their tummy time mat two to three times per day for 3 to 5 minutes at a time, increasing that time as their neck strength develops. The AAP also stresses that tummy time must be supervised because there is a risk of suffocation and injury.

Having an interesting, comfortable mat on hand is a great way to help babies learn to love tummy time. For this guide, we researched the best tummy time mats, tested the products, and spoke to parents who use them regularly. We chose several models that will comfortably and safely entertain and cradle your child while they learn to enjoy supervised tummy time.