Creating a baby registry is about more than choosing the basics. It is an opportunity to support your baby’s development from the very beginning. While most registries focus on feeding, nursing, and sleep, the items you choose can also play an important role in building strength, coordination, and early movement skills.
Here are some of our favorite registry picks to help promote healthy gross motor development during those important early months!
Play Mat
A spacious play mat creates a safe and comfortable place for daily floor time. Time on the floor allows babies to practice lifting their head, rolling, pivoting, and eventually pushing up onto hands and knees. Our top picks include: Boppy Play Mat, House of Noah Tumbing Mat, Toki Mat, Gathre Padded Midi.
Activity Gym
Play gyms encourage babies to reach, kick, and visually track toys. These movements help build core strength and support early coordination. Our top picks include: Melissa & Doug Ocean Play Gym, Skip Hop Play Gym, Ingenuity Play Gym, Lovevery Play Gym.
Tummy Time Prop
Small props such as a bolster, tummy time pillow, or wedge can help babies tolerate tummy time. A little support can make the position more comfortable while still promoting head, neck and upper body strength. Our top picks include: Boppy Wedge, Mini Boppy, Tummy Time Cushion, Tummy Time Bolster.
Exercise Ball
A large exercise ball can be a wonderful tool for parent supported movement. Gentle bouncing or rocking during tummy time or upright positions can help with core activation, balance reactions, and body awareness. Our top picks include: Fabric Covered Physio Ball, Trideer Exercise Ball, Trideer Ball with Base, Gaiam Yoga Ball.
Easy to Grasp Toys
Lightweight rattles, balls, and other easy to grasp toys encourage reaching, midline play, and early hand to hand transfers. Our top picks include: O-Ball, O-Ball Car, Tactile Links, Textured Rattle.
Tummy Time Mirror
Babies love looking at faces, including their own. A floor mirror encourages head lifting in tummy time while promoting visual engagement during play. Our top picks include: Sassy Tummy Time Mirror, Rolling Mirror, Dual Sided Tummy Time Mirror, Ubbi Tummy Time Mirror.
Support Pillow
Support pillows can be helpful for a variety of play positions. Placing the pillow under the chest during tummy time, behind the back in sidelying, or around the trunk in supported sitting provides a gentle assist while babies explore new positions. These pillows also double as support during breast or bottle feeding. Our top picks include: Ultra Soft Positioning Pillow, Boppy Brush Cover, Boppy Nursing Pillow, Boppy Bare.
For more information on our favorite support pillow, check out our Boppy Pillow Appreciation post!
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