The Duck Diaries

Let's be honest — not every baby loves tummy time. Some protest loudly from the first second you put them down. Others tolerate it for approximately 45 seconds before deciding enough is enough. But as someone who spent over a decade working with babies and toddlers in early childhood settings, I can tell you: tummy time is one of the most important things you can do for your baby in those early months. And with the right support, most babies come to genuinely enjoy it. What's actually happening during tummy time? When your baby is on their tummy (awake and supervised), they're working incredibly hard. They're strengthening their neck, shoulder, and core muscles — the same muscles they'll need for rolling, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. They're also experiencing the world from a completely new angle, which gives their developing brain a rush of new visual and sensory information. Tummy time also helps prevent flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly), which can develop when babies spend too much time in the same position on their backs. When should you start? From day one. Yes, really. Even a few minutes of tummy time draped across your chest or lap counts. As your baby grows stronger, you can move to a flat surface, and gradually build up to longer stretches — aim for about 30 minutes total across the day by three months. How to make it more enjoyable The biggest game-changer? Giving your baby something interesting to look at and reach for. A soft, textured toy placed just within arm's reach can transform tummy time from a frustrating workout into genuine play. Look for something with: Contrasting colours or patterns to catch their eye Different textures to explore when they reach out and grab A soft, squeezable shape they can mouth safely At Clover Duck, The Duck was designed with exactly these moments in mind — soft, tactile, and visually engaging enough to hold a baby's attention during tummy time, floor play, and beyond. A few practical tips: Get down on the floor with your baby — your face is their favourite thing to look at Try tummy time on your chest first if the floor feels too intense Aim for short, frequent sessions rather than one long stretch Right after a nappy change is often a good natural moment Tummy time isn't always easy, but it's always worth it. And the right sensory toy can make it something your baby starts to look forward to.

A grounded, jargon-free guide to the moments you'll want to remember — and when not to compare.

Fine motor skills begin with tiny reflexes and grow into reaching, grasping, and exploring. In the first 9 months, simple, easy-to-hold toys like the Clover Duck can gently support your baby’s developing coordination.