Tummy Time Texture Canvas Exploration

A large piece of cardboard (about 18 by 24 inches)

Fabric scraps in different textures — fleece, satin, burlap, corduroy

Strong tape or hot glue (applied by adult only)

Cut a large piece of cardboard as your base — the back of a cereal box or shipping box works great.

Gather three or four fabric scraps with different textures. Think soft versus rough, smooth versus bumpy.

Tape or glue each fabric swatch securely onto the cardboard, covering the entire surface. Make sure there are no loose edges a baby could pull off.

Place the texture board on the floor and lay your baby on their tummy over it.

Guide your baby's hands gently across each texture, narrating as you go — "This one feels so soft! Feel this bumpy one!"

Watch as your baby starts reaching and patting at the different surfaces on their own.

Stay right beside your baby the entire time. When they seem tired or fussy, tummy time is done.

Make sure all fabrics are securely attached with no loose threads or edges. Babies will try to mouth everything.

This doubles as tummy time practice. The interesting textures motivate your baby to lift their head and reach, which builds neck and shoulder strength.

Rotate the fabrics every few sessions to keep the board fresh and interesting.

Try adding a crinkly material like tissue paper sealed inside a fabric pouch for a sound element.

Store the board flat and pull it out whenever you need a few minutes of engaging tummy time.