Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help your little one develop their gross motor skills? If yes, then a tummy time water mat is the perfect solution! Not only does it provide a comfortable surface for your baby to lie on, but it also offers a sensory experience that can help stimulate their development.
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In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tummy time water mats, including how they work, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for your baby. So, let’s dive in!
What is a Tummy Time Water Mat?
A tummy time water mat is a soft, inflatable mat filled with water that provides a comfortable surface for your baby to lie on during tummy time. Tummy time is an important developmental activity that helps babies develop their upper body strength, neck control, and coordination.
How Does it Work?
The tummy time water mat works by providing a supportive and safe surface for your baby to lie on during tummy time. The water-filled mat creates a soft and squishy surface that allows your baby to sink in slightly, which can help to reduce the pressure on their delicate joints.
As your baby lies on the mat, they will be able to explore their surroundings, using their hands and feet to splash and play in the water. This sensory experience can help to stimulate their senses and encourage their development.
Benefits of Using a Tummy Time Water Mat
Using a tummy time water mat offers a range of benefits for your little one, including:
- Improved Motor Development: Tummy time helps to strengthen your baby’s muscles, including their neck, shoulders, and back, which are crucial for their overall development.
- Encourages Exploration: The water-filled mat provides a fun and engaging environment for your baby to explore their surroundings, helping to stimulate their senses and encourage their development.
- Helps with Digestion: Tummy time can also help to alleviate gas and colic in babies, as the gentle pressure on their belly can aid in digestion.
- Promotes Bonding: Spending time with your baby during tummy time can help to promote bonding and strengthen the parent-child relationship.
Choosing the Right Tummy Time Water Mat
When choosing a tummy time water mat, there are a few things to consider to ensure you choose the right one for your baby:
- Size: Make sure to choose a mat that is large enough for your baby to lie comfortably on and has enough space for them to move around.
- Material: Look for a mat made from non-toxic and BPA-free materials to ensure your baby’s safety.
- Design: Consider a mat with colorful and engaging designs that can help to capture your baby’s attention and encourage exploration.
- Ease of Use: Choose a mat that is easy to inflate and deflate, making it easy to store and transport.
Our Picks from Amazon:
1. Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat
One of our top picks for a tummy time water mat is the Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat. This mat is designed to promote your baby’s sensory development, helping to strengthen their head, neck, and shoulder muscles, as well as refine their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and social skills. The bright and colorful sea animal illustrations are sure to keep your baby entertained for hours on end.
But what really sets this mat apart is its superior quality and leak-proof design. Made from 100% BPA-free and non-toxic heavy PVC materials, this mat has been rigorously tested to ensure that it is durable and waterproof, so it won’t wet your baby’s body.
Using the Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat is easy – simply fill the middle with water and inflate the edge of the mat with air. And when you’re done, it’s easy to store and carry around. Just let out the water and air, fold it flat, and it will fit into a backpack.
At an ideal size of 26 x 20 inches, this tummy time water mat is suitable for all baby girls or boys older than 3 months, making it the perfect gift for new parents. If you’re looking for a high-quality tummy time water mat that will help promote your baby’s development and keep them entertained, the Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat is definitely worth checking out.
2. Splashin’ Kids Inflatable Tummy Time
Another excellent option for a tummy time water mat is the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time. This mat is designed with supreme quality and attention to detail in mind, constructed from heavy-duty PVC that has been thoroughly tested to ensure it will not leak air or water. If you’re not satisfied with the quality, the manufacturer offers a money-back guarantee.
This mat also stimulates your baby’s development by promoting solid head, neck, and shoulder muscles, as well as honing hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and social skills. It’s a sensory delight that enhances brain development, with stunning and eye-catching graphics that will fascinate your little one. It also comes with a mirror… though I find it to be more of a shiny surface that babies can kind of see their reflection (not a true mirror).
Setting up the Splashin’kids Inflatable Tummy Time mat is pretty easy. Simply fill the outer ring with air and the inner mat with your desired level of tap water, set it on the floor, and let the fun begin. It folds easily when empty, so you can throw it in the toy bag to bring along anywhere you go.
This tummy time water mat is suitable for ages 3 months and up. It has a large, roomy play size area designed to keep your baby’s interest riveted. It measures 26″ wide by 20″ tall by 2.5″ high and comes with six brightly colored toys to pique your baby’s interest. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly and BPA-free, so you can feel good about using it with your little one.
3. TT TUMMYTIMEZ Premium Tummy Time Water Mat
TT TUMMYTIMEZ Premium Tummy Time Water Mat is an excellent grow-through-play toy for babies and toddlers. It provides a larger play area compared to alternatives, measuring 40×40 Inches or 1×1 Meters. The underwater scenery is eye-catching and engaging, providing an exciting way for babies to explore and play. It is also an effective way to achieve longer tummy time exercises and boost motor and sensory development. This is so important, as doctors agree that tummy time activity is crucial to a baby’s motor and sensory development.
The tummy time water mat’s vibrant underwater scenery will fascinate your baby and promote longer attention spans for tummy time. It is made of durable top-quality PVC and promises uncompromised safety standards, being CPC Certified, ASTM Approved, Lead-Free, Phthalates Free, and BPA-free. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that this baby tummy time activity mat is safe for their little ones.
The tummy time water mat is incredibly easy to use. Simply inflate the outer rim with air and fill the central part with your desired level of warm tap water. The sensory playmat pad can fold easily into any bag (when empty). And it can be used indoors or out in the shade when placed on a safe and flat surface.
Overall, TT TUMMYTIMEZ Premium Tummy Time Water Mat is an excellent investment for parents looking for a safe and effective way to promote their baby’s sensory development. The large play area, engaging underwater scenery, and uncompromised safety standards make it a standout product that parents can trust.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a tummy time water mat is a fantastic tool to help your baby develop their gross motor skills. It also provides a fun and engaging sensory experience. By choosing the right mat and incorporating tummy time into your daily routine, you can help your little one reach their developmental milestones and promote a strong parent-child bond.