Tummy Time Tips from a Speech-Language Pathologist & Mama

Tummy time is more than just a way to strengthen those little muscles, it’s also an ideal time to build early language and communication skills! Here’s how I incorporate language development into our tummy time routine, blending play and purposeful interactions to create a fun, engaging experience for both baby and me.

Eye Level Connection

One of the simplest ways to encourage social engagement is to get down on the floor at your baby’s eye level. Being face-to-face helps create a sense of connection and makes it easier for baby to watch your expressions. I make exaggerated facial expressions, smiling widely or raising my eyebrows, to capture their attention. This not only helps build early imitation skills as they try to mimic those faces but also lays the groundwork for understanding social cues and interactions.

Fun Sounds & Singing

Babies are naturally drawn to sounds, especially playful ones! I use silly sounds, like blowing raspberries or making exaggerated vowel sounds, to keep them engaged. Singing simple songs during tummy time is another great way to introduce rhythm and variation in pitch, which helps capture their attention. These auditory experiences encourage those first coos and babbles, providing early exposure to the patterns and intonation of spoken language.

Use a Mirror

Placing a mirror in front of your baby during tummy time adds an extra layer of interest. Babies are often fascinated by their own reflection, and it gives them a chance to observe different facial expressions, whether their own or yours as you play alongside them. Watching faces in a mirror helps develop early social interaction skills and promotes curiosity as they begin to recognize their own movements.

Incorporate Books

Bright, colorful books with simple pictures can be wonderful additions to tummy time! Place a book open in front of baby, and watch as their curiosity grows. Describe what’s on each page, pointing out objects, animals, or colors. Books with large images or familiar objects encourage your baby to look, focus, and engage with each page, building early vocabulary as they begin to make visual associations.

Label Toys & Objects

Scatter a few toys within reach and label each one as baby’s interest shifts. For example, if baby reaches for a toy, I’ll say “bear” or “ball,” repeating the word to reinforce their understanding. If we’re using a book, I’ll name pictures as I point them out, describe the pictures, and make animal and environmental noises that correspond. This simple labeling helps build their vocabulary from a young age, even if they’re just listening for now.

Sensory Mats and Textures

Introduce sensory play by placing different textured mats, blankets, or small toys within reach during tummy time. I like to use soft, crinkly, or fuzzy fabrics, letting baby feel them with their hands. As baby explores each texture, I name what they’re feeling, building vocabulary by saying words like “soft,” “bumpy,” or “smooth.” Describing textures helps expand their sensory vocabulary and introduces new words related to touch, building early associations between sensory experiences and language.

Hand Movements and Gestures

Use simple hand gestures to match words and phrases. For example, I might wave my hand while saying “hello” or clap gently while saying “yay!” I use finger plays to engage my baby such as ‘5 Little Ducks’ and ‘Open, Shut Them’. Babies often find these gestures fascinating, and pairing them with words lays the groundwork for understanding actions and concepts, even before they’re ready to imitate them.

Adding variety to tummy time with these simple, intentional activities makes it a fun, language-rich experience that encourages early communication and connection!

Check out my post with my favorite tummy time toys! CLICK HERE

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