#TummyTimeTips

[monkibox2525]

Week 18: Fun & Easy Sensory Ideas for Tummy Time

Tummy time is a crucial activity during infancy, laying the foundation for physical development, sensory exploration, and motor milestones. By week 18, your baby is likely starting to hold their head up with greater control, push through their arms, and even experiment with rolling. It's a stage full of growth, curiosity, and energy — making it the perfect time to elevate tummy time with sensory-rich experiences that are both fun and developmentally beneficial.

In this guide, we explore easy and enjoyable sensory ideas for tummy time during week 18, designed to boost engagement, encourage movement, and support overall development. Whether you’re a new parent or an experienced caregiver, these creative activities will add value to your daily routine and bring joy to your baby’s exploration time.

For more expert-backed insights and developmental tools, check out the full article here: Sensory Tummy Time Ideas – Monkibox Blog

Why Sensory Play Matters During Tummy Time

Before diving into the activities, it's essential to understand why sensory integration during tummy time is so beneficial:

Supports Brain Development: Multisensory experiences activate different parts of the brain, laying the groundwork for learning and cognitive skills.

Strengthens Muscles: Sensory objects motivate babies to lift, reach, and turn — all of which build muscles in the neck, shoulders, arms, and back.

Enhances Motor Coordination: Reaching for and grasping textured objects improves fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Encourages Body Awareness: Babies learn about their bodies and surroundings by interacting with sensory materials.

By combining tummy time with sensory play, you're giving your baby a full-body, full-brain workout!

Fun & Easy Sensory Ideas for Tummy Time (Week 18 Edition)

Here are 10 engaging sensory activities perfect for your 18-week-old during tummy time:

1. Mirror, Mirror on the Mat

Place an unbreakable baby-safe mirror in front of your baby during tummy time. Babies are naturally intrigued by their own reflection. Watching their own facial expressions and movements not only entertains them but also supports visual tracking and self-awareness.

Pro Tip: Try talking to your baby in the mirror. Your voice and reflection together provide multisensory stimulation.

2. Sensory Scarves or Ribbons

Introduce colorful, lightweight scarves or ribbons that your baby can reach for and feel. The fluttery movement catches their eye, and the soft texture provides tactile exploration.

Safety Note: Always supervise this activity to avoid tangling or choking hazards.

3. High-Contrast Flashcards

Week 18 is a great time to introduce high-contrast cards, especially if your baby is still developing visual tracking skills. Use black-and-white or bold-colored cards with simple shapes and faces to grab your baby's attention.

Activity Tip: Move the cards slowly from side to side to encourage your baby to turn their head and follow the motion.

4. Water Mat Fun

Inflatable water mats filled with floating shapes or glitter are a fantastic sensory tool. They engage sight and touch, encouraging your baby to press, pat, and watch the motion beneath their hands.

Developmental Benefit: Strengthens arm muscles and builds interest in cause-and-effect.

5. Textured Play Mats or Blankets

Lay your baby on a textured blanket or mat that offers a mix of sensory zones (e.g., crinkly, soft, bumpy). This allows babies to explore textures with their fingers, toes, and tummy.

DIY Tip: Make your own sensory mat using various fabrics like satin, corduroy, and fleece stitched into a quilt pattern.

6. Crinkle Books and Soft Toys

Soft cloth books with crinkly pages, squeaky sections, or different fabric textures encourage babies to bat, grab, and listen — all from their tummy position.

Bonus: Choose books with baby faces or simple animal images to add a layer of visual delight.

7. Sensory Balls and Rolling Toys

Soft rubber or fabric-covered sensory balls with nubs, bumps, or holes are excellent for tactile input. Gently roll a ball in front of your baby to entice them to reach forward or try crawling movements.

Motor Skill Support: Encourages reaching, coordination, and core strength.

8. Music & Rhythm Play

Soft, soothing tunes or gentle lullabies can transform tummy time into a calming, enjoyable experience. You can also use simple rhythm instruments like baby-safe maracas or rattles placed just within reach.

Try This: Clap along or shake a rattle slowly to encourage your baby to lift their head toward the sound.

9. Nature-Based Sensory Bottles

Create DIY sensory bottles using small clear bottles filled with safe items like dry rice, pasta, leaves, or colorful water beads. These make captivating sights and sounds that engage auditory and visual senses.

Why It Works: Watching the particles move inside the bottle can mesmerize babies and keep them focused longer on tummy time.

10. Parent Face Time

Don’t underestimate the power of your face! Lie down in front of your baby during tummy time and talk, sing, or make funny faces. Your baby’s favorite sensory input is you.

Bonding Tip: Add gentle strokes or tickles to make it a full sensory experience.

How to Make Tummy Time Successful at 18 Weeks

While activities are important, how you approach tummy time can make a big difference. Here are a few practical tips to keep things smooth and fun:

Keep Sessions Short & Frequent

Instead of long sessions, aim for multiple short bursts throughout the day — 3 to 5 minutes several times is better than one long 15-minute stretch.

Use Props for Support

At 18 weeks, your baby might enjoy a small tummy time wedge or rolled-up towel under their chest for support and added comfort.

Read Baby's Cues

If your baby starts to fuss or show signs of fatigue, take a break. Never force tummy time — keep it positive and responsive.

Stay Engaged

Always stay near your baby, offering encouragement and eye contact. Your presence makes them feel secure and more willing to explore.

Conclusion: Building Foundations Through Sensory Play

Week 18 is a beautiful time of exploration and growth, and combining tummy time with sensory activities amplifies both physical and cognitive development. From mirrors and crinkle toys to textured mats and parent bonding, each small moment adds up to something big — helping your baby build strength, coordination, and confidence.

By incorporating these simple, sensory-rich ideas into your routine, you make tummy time not only more tolerable but something your baby actually looks forward to. Keep things fun, flexible, and engaging — and watch your little one thrive, one tummy time session at a time.

Want more age-appropriate ideas and developmental tools? Visit the original article here: Monkibox – Sensory Tummy Time Ideas

FAQs About Tummy Time and Sensory Play (Week 18)

1. How much tummy time should my 18-week-old have each day?

Experts recommend at least 20-30 minutes per day, broken into short sessions. As your baby grows more comfortable, you can gradually increase the duration.

2. What should I do if my baby hates tummy time?

Start slow and use sensory distractions like mirrors or music. Try doing tummy time on your chest or lap for comfort. Patience and consistency help build tolerance.

3. Are sensory toys necessary for tummy time?

Not strictly necessary, but they help! Sensory toys enhance engagement and motivation, making tummy time more enjoyable and beneficial.

4. Can tummy time be done on a bed or couch?

It's best to use a firm, flat surface like a playmat on the floor. Softer surfaces like beds can be less stable and safe, especially as babies become more mobile.

5. What developmental milestones can tummy time help with?

Tummy time supports:

Neck and upper body strength

Head control

Rolling over

Crawling preparation

Visual tracking

Sensory exploration

6. When should I stop doing tummy time?

Tummy time remains helpful until your baby begins crawling. However, once your baby is mobile, they'll naturally spend more time on their tummy through play.

Tummy time doesn't have to be a struggle — with the right sensory tools and a bit of creativity, it can become a joyful and enriching experience. At week 18, your baby is ready to engage with the world in deeper ways, and you're right there helping them grow every step of the way.

[nathfiset]

Tummy time for newborn and baby

Everything you need to know about tummy time for your newborn and baby

  Tummy time for newborn or baby   As a new parent, you are likely always on the lookout for activities that will help your little one reach their milestones. Tummy time for newborns and babies is among some of the most important activities for their development and should be incorporated into your daily routine. Tummy time is any period of time when your infant is placed on their stomach while they are awake, but not while they are eating. This activity can help strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, promote motor skill development, and help to reduce the risk of developing Flat Head Syndrome, or plagiocephaly. Additionally, there are a number of other benefits to incorporating tummy time into your baby's daily routine. This blog post will explore the various benefits of tummy time for newborns and babies, as well as tips on how to make it an enjoyable experience for both you and your little one.   What is the best time to do tummy time with a baby   Tummy time is an essential part of a baby's development. It helps strengthen neck and back muscles and allows for practice of reaching, pushing up, and other motor skills. The best time to do tummy time with a baby is when they are alert and content. This should generally be after feedings and naps. For babies under three months, tummy time should last for a few minutes at a time, and as the baby grows, it can be gradually extended. Parents should aim to do tummy time at least three times a day. In addition to supervised tummy time, babies should also be given plenty of time to play and explore on their tummies.  

  How to make tummy time enjoyable   Tummy time is an important part of a child’s development, which helps the baby strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and helps them to roll over, crawl and even walk. To make it enjoyable for baby, start by selecting a comfortable, safe spot for tummy time, such as a blanket on the floor. Introduce toys to keep baby entertained, such as colorful rattles and soft toys. Talk to baby encouragingly and use soothing music to create a pleasant atmosphere. To keep baby stimulated, move the toys around to various spots and make funny noises. Finally, rotate activities to keep tummy time fresh and enjoyable. By creating a pleasant environment, parents can ensure baby looks forward to tummy time and benefits from the activity.      

How often should I do tummy time for my baby   Tummy time is a key part of a baby's development and essential for helping to strengthen muscles and prevent flat spots from forming on their head. Depending on the age of your baby, it is recommended that you do tummy time 2-3 times a day for up to 10 minutes at a time. For newborns, start with several one-minute sessions spread throughout the day. As the baby gets older, you can extend the time to several minutes, as long as your baby is comfortable. Make sure to also provide plenty of supervised awake time, in which your baby is awake but not on their tummy. This will provide plenty of opportunities for your baby to practice their gross motor skills and develop their neck strength.  

    Read the full article

[momsden]

This was SO adorable 😂 Viktor has a little book with babies in it and he learned how to call them ("bebe" = babies in Serbian) ❤ Apparently now everything is a baby 😂😍 #toddlerplaytime #toddlerreading #toddlerreads #toddlerreadsbooks #toddlerreader #toddlerreadingtime #readingwithtoddlers #babyreading #babyread #babyreader #babyreads #babyreads #boyreading #boyreader #childrensbooks #childrensbook #animalbook #animalbooks #animalbooksforkids #tummytime #tummytimefun #tummytimemethod #tummytimeactivities #tummytimechamp #tummytimetips #momsden #momblogger #toddlermom #momfluencer (at Novi Sad, Serbia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-JpVq_ntaJ/?igshid=1bo8zvn9fqrlz