Tummy Time Toy Reach
Parent places baby on tummy with a toy, then moves it just out of reach to encourage forward movement. The agent coaches the parent to observe upper body lifting, arm extension, and motivated reaching during tummy time.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Baby on tummy on a soft mat or blanket. Have one or two favorite toys nearby. Wait 20-30 minutes after feeding. Baby should be alert and in a good mood.
How it works
- 1~30s
Give your child the toy to play with on their tummy. Let them hold it and explore for a moment. Watch how your child holds themself up — does they push up on their hands or elbows? Can they lift their upper body off the mat while playing with the toy? Tell me how your child positions themself.
Watch for: Baby lifts upper body while on tummy, using arms for support while engaged with a toy.
- 2~30s
Now watch your child's arms specifically. Does they extend them out in front while on their belly? Can they reach for the toy with one arm while supporting themself with the other? That one-arm reach while propped up is a really important skill. Tell me what your child's arms are doing.
Watch for: Baby extends arms out in front while on belly, showing upper body control and balance.
- 3~35s
Here's the fun part. Take the toy and place it just a few inches out of your child's reach. Show it to them and shake it enticingly. Say, 'Can you get it, your child?' Does they try to reach for it? Does they lean forward, push with their feet, or scoot toward it? If it seems too hard, move it a little closer. If too easy, move it farther. Tell me what happens.
Watch for: Baby tries to reach for or move toward an object while on tummy, showing goal-directed motor effort.