5 Tummy Time Water Mat Picks We Love

It’s time to go under the sea—sort of. Learning how to do tummy time is an intimate yet intimidating experience between parents and their babies, so make it fun! Tummy time water mat options are endlessly cute ways to encourage the healthy activity. Even better, add it to your newborn checklist.

What is a tummy time water mat?

The main difference between a tummy time mat versus one with water is simply that—the fun addition of one of the four elements. When the baby presses down on the mat, the water inside produces visual effects, with floating items moving and colors swirling, capturing the baby's attention and making tummy time more enjoyable.

“Regular baby mats are often made from soft and cushioned materials like foam or fabric, offering a comfortable and safe surface. On the other hand, water mats consist of a sealed, transparent plastic pouch filled with water, often with floating objects or shapes inside,” says Dr. Rosmy Barrios, a medical advisor at Health Reporter.

When searching for the ideal water mat for baby’s tummy time, “prioritize safety by ensuring that the mat is constructed from non-toxic, BPA-free materials,” Dr. Barrios says. “Durability is another key factor. Look for a water mat with strong construction and secure seams to prevent leaks, guaranteeing its longevity.”

The best tummy time water mat options 2023:

• Best overall: Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat
• Best budget: WSPR Tummy Time Water Mat
• Best with toys: Looxii Baby Play Gym with Tummy Time Water Mat
• Best rated: gebra Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat
• Best Walmart: Swtroom Tummy Time Water Mat

Best overall

Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat

Look familiar? Recently, we tapped this as the crème de la crème of tummy time water mats. Before your little one braves their first body of water, this is a great teaser. Using one teaches babies how to interact with their bodies and develop their motor skills.

Watch as your infant enters the fish tank wonderland of bright colors and friendly sea creatures.

Pros

• Engaging colors and motifs
• Provides hours of stimulating fun and motor growth
• BPA-free
• Designed for babies three to 24 months
• Easy to clean
• Sensory play for baby and toddler stages

Cons

• Not ideal for newborns

Best budget

WSPR Tummy Time Water Mat

ICYMI: tummy time water mats are the ideal sensory experience for your baby to improvise their movement, brain development and motor skills. Thanks to the mat’s colorful sea world and various sea creatures, you’re baby will be hooked during tummy time. For top safety, this mat is made from environmental PVC materials, meaning no harm to your baby.

Pros

• Engaging graphics and eye-catching bright colors
• 100% leakproof
• Ideal size for most babies (26 x 19 inches)
• Made of environmentally sourced PVC materials
• Fun for older babies to use for sensory play

Cons

• Not designed for newborns
• Requires air pump (included) to inflate

Best with toys

Looxii Baby Play Gym with Tummy Time Water Mat

Level up your tummy time with this luxurious water mat and play gym. With unique features including star projection lights, interactive piano keys and five hanging toys, this combination is sure to keep your baby occupied for hours. Specifically designed for babies, this water mat is eco-friendly, soft and washable.

There’s also a sturdy rail, making sure they stay protected while having fun.

Pros

• Ideal for ages 0 to 12 months
• Stimulates hand-eye coordination, fine and gross motor skills
• Provides hours of quality fun and engagement
• Hanging tummy time toys are detachable
• All the benefits of tummy time and a baby gym in one, ideal for baby development

Cons

• Baby gym requires three AA batteries (not included)

Best rated

gebra Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat

Embrace the joy of nature with this ultra-fun turtle-shaped tummy time water mat. The inflatable design features various marine animals that increase curiosity and excitement. During tummy time your baby will exercise their little body’s muscles, while admiring the colorful and diverse animals that can stimulate your baby’s vision, hearing and touch.

They'll be rolling over, sitting and giggling their way through a sea of fun.

Pros

• Interactive design
• Improve motor skills and movement ability
• Made of BPA-free material, thick PVC
• Keeps babies entertained
• Clever tummy time water play mat they'll want to use well into their toddler years

Cons

• Ideal for babies that are 3+ months old

Best Walmart

Swtroom Tummy Time Water Mat

Made of a safe PVC material, this tummy time water mat is perfect for your baby! They’ll be fascinated by the bright sea world graph and cute floating toys in the water, while improving their growth, mentally and physically.

Set it up simply. Place it on the floor with your baby, inflate the outer ring and fill the interior part with water! This water mat provides hours of quality stimulation and fun. We love this option for both infants and toddlers.

Pros

• Ideal for 0 to 12 months
• Affordable price
• Promotes brain development and motor skills
• Easy to set-up
• Eco-friendly, BPA-free

Cons

• Some reviews say the water mat deflated quickly