Toys That Can Help Baby Lift Their Head During Tummy Time
Tummy Time toys like mirrors, rattles, and high-contrast books can help Baby lift their head by 2 months old.
Make sure to play with toys on both sides of Baby’s head to support balanced neck strength and prevent torticollis.
Your face can be the best motivator; Baby loves looking at you more than any toy!
Lifting and holding their head up is one of Baby’s first motor milestones! And it’s no small feat for Baby; that big noggin takes strength and balance to control, and that kind of muscle-building doesn’t happen overnight. As you coach Baby on their head lifts during Tummy Time, a variety of fun toys can motivate Baby and make this mini workout more enjoyable!
Below are some simple Tummy Time toys and tips to support Baby’s head control. These toys can also help with visual tracking, another important newborn milestone!
When should Baby start lifting their head?
“While lying on tummy, lifts and holds head up” is a 0-2 month milestone, which means Baby should reach this milestone by 2 months. In the first few weeks, Baby may only lift their head up for a second or two while on their tummy. They may also start by raising their head with it slightly tilted to one side. This is good progress as Baby builds up their core muscles, neck strength, and balance!
Make sure Baby gets practice turning their head in both directions by playing with toys on either side of their body. This helps build balanced muscles and can prevent positional torticollis.
☑️ Note from a pediatric physical therapist: It can take lots of practice for Baby to hold their head up in the center and move it from one side to the other. So, start where Baby is at! Hold your toy on the side Baby is facing, then slowly move it to the center, making sure Baby is tracking it as you go.
If Baby isn’t lifting and holding their head up by 2 months old, check in with their healthcare provider at their 2-month well-baby visit.
Try these Tummy Time toys to help Baby lift their head by 2 months old!
Baby-Safe Mirrors
Baby may not recognize their reflection yet, but it’s still pretty fascinating to them! Try placing a baby mirror a few inches from their face during Tummy Time. Tap the mirror and talk about what you see to hold their focus there.
Toys That Make Noise
Rattles, toys that sing, or baby instruments like toy pianos are great for grabbing Baby’s attention. Even household objects like car keys or a crinkly paper bag can work! Hold them just above Baby’s eyeline to encourage upward gazing and head lifting.
Light-Up Toys
Like a moth to a flame, Baby will be mesmerized by toys that glow or twinkle! Many light-up toys also include music or sound effects, so they help develop their vision and hearing at the same time! Just be sure to take breaks so Baby doesn’t get overstimulated by too much light and noise.
High-Contrast Books
Black-and-white or red-and-white baby books are perfect for newborn’s developing vision. You can find so many high-contrast baby books with fun features like crinkly pages, mirrors, and squeakers that keep things interesting! Hold the book at a slight angle in front of them and turn the pages slowly.
Stuffed Animals or Hand Puppets
Put on a mini puppet show with a plush pal! Use silly voices, move the toy slowly across Baby’s visual field, and pause often to let them track it. This combo of visual tracking and curiosity is a great motivator for head lifting.
Your own face!
No, it’s not a toy, but to Baby it has the same effect! They love looking at faces, especially yours. So lie face-to-face with Baby, make silly sounds, sing, or just talk gently. This personal interaction often encourages Baby to lift their head more than anything else.
See more toys that support Baby’s development throughout their first year!
See these toys in action!
Check out the therapist-approved activities below for video examples on how to use these toys during Tummy Time!
