There a couple of types of tummy time roller and they will suit a variety of ages and development stages. Okay, so I am a big fan of tummy time and I know that people may find it challenging to do with their kiddos so we as therapists are always on the lookout for new ideas to make it easier on parents. One of our PT’s saw the Lamaze Spin and Explore at a kiddo’s home and told us about it so we decided to get it and try it out with a few of our kids who are having challenges with tummy time. We were only able to get pictures for one of the kiddos but the two therapists who are using it both say that it has been helpful. Establishing a set space and time for independent play gives children a specific environment that they know is safe to explore at will, allowing them to build up confidence as they move around and gain mobility skills. By setting this routine, it helps to condition them to associate the mat or gym with quiet play time - which is great for a wind down before bedtime.

Eventually your curious child will begin to reach for the textures and colours they see on their tummy time mat and the vital act of play will begin. This Lamaze tummy time activity mat spins at the centre so your baby can be enthralled by 5 different toys The colourful mat invites baby to play and learn, while the rotating spinner supports baby and allows them to build upper body and lower leg strength, while exploring a magical garden. The toys are designed around sound and texture. Baby likes to touch and feel different things so they will reach out to investigate their immediate world or shake their hands or feet to hear rattles and tinkles. Exploring and Experimenting – 6 to 24 months

Baby play mats differ from baby gyms as they don't come with quite so many accessories, so your baby can focus on their workout. Say what? That's right, mama, think of play mats as home gym equipment for really little people. Just like you might benefit from a good stretch and a sweaty HIIT class, babies need to get fit too, and play mats are the optimum place to develop all manner of essential life skills for growing tots. Plus, you can join in the fun too and everyone benefits. It will be round and shaped to move easily so baby will be encouraged to wriggle and eventually crawl after it. While baby’s day should involve interactions and playing with their parents, it is also important that there is some alone time for baby, in which they can discover and explore the world around them at their own pace. Independent play helps to promote healthy growth by allowing the child to process the sights and sounds of their environment - as well as giving them agency over their actions and letting them see how their presence affects the objects in their space. It also helps them to become less reliant on their parents’ presence, which is good for emotional development. As with all Lamaze toys, it is well made and thought out for children - to encourage discovery, play and experiences with textures/colours and sounds. The "spinny bit" in the middle means they can control where they turn to as well.

One thing i found was that the area for baby to lie on was a bit uncomfortable but I placed a blanket over this to add extra cushioning for babies tummy. Your baby will be enraptured by the different colours, lovable underwater characters and unusual texturesTummy time is when your baby is placed on their tummy when they are alert and awake. A tummy time activity toy is a lovely way to make this important development time more fun and interesting for your little one. Our shopping guide to the best baby tummy time toys

We have been so happy with our experience with Stacy. She is a skilled therapist who is so open to all of our questions and ideas. It does not take up much room (always a plus with a new baby and copious amounts of things) and can easily be taken out and about to friends places. Lamaze toys are developed around the Lamaze Infant Development System which consists of three developmental themes: Having a play mat gives your little one a safe and dedicated space to practise tummy time,' says Susie Stubbs, Founder of Totter and Tumble. 'Creating a supportive, clean place for them to lay will encourage you to both to practise more often. If you have hard surface floors, the cushioning of the play mat can transform any room into a tummy time ready place.' When to start with tummy time When using tummy time toys for babies always ensure your bundle of joy is also awake and alert. Stay close and keep engaging them so they reassured.Yogis and home fitness fans will know how much a good mat can transform your workout. But, it's a lesser known fact that this same logic applies to early years development. That's right mamas, play mats provide a safe space for babies and toddlers to play happily on the floor, while also encouraging both physical, mental and sensory development. When he or she is older and has gained strength, the roller can be pushed, pulled and flipped over.