Side Lying Reach and Play

A small towel or receiving blanket rolled into a log shape

2-3 colorful, taste-safe toys or soft rattles

Roll a small towel tightly into a log shape. This will be your baby's back support.

Lay your baby gently on their side on a soft blanket. Tuck the towel roll behind their back to keep them from rolling onto their back.

Place a bright, interesting toy just within arm's reach in front of your baby. Rattles with sound work especially well.

Tap the toy gently or give it a shake to draw your baby's attention. Let them watch it and decide to reach.

When your baby reaches out and makes contact with the toy, give them lots of praise. Let them hold it and explore.

After a minute or two, gently reposition your baby to lie on the other side. Swap the towel roll to support the new position.

Offer a different toy on this side. Practicing on both sides helps develop balanced strength.

Side lying is an underused position that's fantastic for building the trunk rotation your baby needs for rolling. Many parents only think of tummy time, but this is just as valuable.

Choose toys with different textures and sounds to keep your baby motivated to reach.

If your baby rolls onto their tummy, that's great — it means they're building exactly the muscles this activity targets.

Keep the towel roll snug but not tight against their back. It's just there to prevent them from rolling backwards.

Try this on both sides equally to promote symmetrical development.