Most babies these days spend the majority of time on their backs. They sleep on their backs, and they’re generally fed on their backs while they’re in a semi-reclining position. This is fine, but babies also need time on their tummies in order to develop the arms and leg muscles required for crawling.

When a baby is on his tummy and sees an object just beyond his grasp, he reaches for it. This helps him with hand-eye coordination, and the action is ultimately helpful in the crawling process. Babies need special tummy-time toys to enable them to fully develop.

Below are several great examples of such toys that would make great Christmas gifts or birthday presents for the babies on your gift list!

This colorful mat measureas almost 14 x 14 inches. It can be used with or without the flyer to help develop upper and lower body muscles. The flyer rorates in a full circle. Recommended for babies from birth and up.

 This interactive mat encourages baby to move, grasp, and explore different textures. Included are a mirror, pouches, peekaboo leaves, bright colors, and sounds. As the baby gets older, this can also be used as a sitting-up activity center. It even has a teether! Recommended for ages 3 months and up.

 This supports baby from head to toe and is machine washable. The comfy padded mat includes a mirror and colorful interactive toys. This toy aids in the development of motor skills and hand-and-eye coordination. For babies newborn to 2 years.

 This is a great mat for both tummy time and for back time. While on his back, baby can bat at overhead objects. While on his tummy, baby can interact with the mirror and with toys. Sounds and music add to the fun! Recommended for infants.

This is a large activity mat, measuring 19.5 x 31.5 inches. It includes a soft tummy pillow, a squeeze horn, teethers, and a mirror. Recommended for infants.

 This is an amazing mat! It has 17 developmental activities, along with a comfy pillow for tummy. Two crisscrossing arches offer activities for baby while he's on his back, too. For older babies, the arches can be removed for seated play. This is a hot item this christmas and ahd been named in the "Top 5" by Parents' Magazine. This item will sell out quickly!

This cool activity mat is shaped like a soft surfboard. It comes with several linkable toys. The best feature is the water window, with toys inside. It also has a built-in growth chart. Recommended for ages three months and up. The surf mat is available in blue or pink.

 This colorful 3-D mat has several interesting characters for baby to interact with. It also has a soft velour prop pillow and a mirror. Recommended for ages 3-12 months.