Tummy Time and Beyond: How to Use a Baby Quilt at Every Stage

When I became a mom, I quickly realized that the best baby items aren’t just beautiful—they’re the ones that grow with your child, becoming part of their everyday life in ways you never expected. A baby quilt isn’t just for the crib; it’s a breast feeding cover, a soft place to land, a play mat, and a source of comfort.

At Baby Yams, we make our quilts to be more than just blankets. They’re made to be used, loved, and passed down. Whether your little one has just arrived, is starting tummy time, or growing into their own little world of stories and adventures, here’s how a Baby Yams quilt can be with them at every stage.

Stage 1: Tummy Time (0-6 Months)

Tummy time is one of a baby’s first great milestones—it builds strength, coordination, and confidence. But let’s be honest, not every baby loves it at first!

• Lay your Baby Yams quilt on the floor as a soft, safe surface for tummy time sessions.
• Pick a design that has interesting textures or colors to keep your baby engaged.
• Turn it into a bonding moment—get down on the floor with them, place a toy in front, and encourage them to reach and explore.

Take snapshots in your mind. I remember the first time my babies lifted themselves onto their forearms and rolled over. That look of pride after all that hard work is etched in my mind. They have that same look now anytime they achieve something. If you’re in this stage, all I can say is cherish every moment. They grow so fast! 

Stage 2: Rolling, Sitting, and Playtime (6-12 Months)

Once they start rolling, sitting, and playing, that tiny newborn isn’t so tiny anymore!

• Use the quilt as a play mat—it creates a clean, cozy space wherever you go.
• If your baby loves to roll, the quilt makes a safe, familiar surface to practice those new moves.
• Take it outside! Lay your blanket on the grass at the park for fresh-air playtime.

There’s nothing I love more than a picnic when the weather is right. It could be in our backyard and at local parks and I’ve been doing that since my oldest was just months old. I’d bring half a banana and a fork, so he could eat his lunch freshly mashed and a lunch for myself. Doesn’t need to be too fussy. I breastfed him too, so I’d often use his baby blanket to cover myself if need be, when he was ready to roll around or nap I’d lay him on his blanket and read to him. As a new mother, it was really grounding for me too, to be outside on the grass.

Stage 3: Stroller and On-the-Go Comfort (12-24 Months)

This is the stage where babies turn into little explorers. They want to move, but they also need the security of familiar comforts.

• Use the quilt as a stroller cover to block out sun or wind.
• Lay it down on a restaurant booth, picnic table, or anywhere else you need a soft, clean surface.
• Many babies start forming attachments to certain items around this time—don’t be surprised if your little one starts carrying their quilt everywhere!

Stage 4: Storytime and Bedtime Comfort (2-5 Years)

By this stage, a quilt has seen lots of milestones—and now it becomes part of the bedtime routine.

• Use it for cozy storytime cuddles—let your child pick their favorite book and wrap up together.
• It can transition from the crib to the toddler bed, offering a sense of security.
• If your little one loves to play pretend, the quilt can become a superhero cape, a princess dress, or even a picnic blanket for stuffed animals, or (our families favorite) the front door of a fort.

Stage 5: A Keepsake for Years to Come

Some things you never outgrow.

• Many families save baby quilts to pass down, keeping them as heirlooms.
• As your child grows, they might use it for movie nights, road trips, or even as a reminder of home when they’re older.
• You can even repurpose it into a piece of art, framing a section or turning it into a pillow as a way to keep those memories close.

One of the sweetest gifts I ever received from my mother in law is my husband’s baby blanket. Pale yellow, 1970s floral and well worn, it has stood the test of time and my sons are always so wide eyed when they hear stories and get to play with items from their parents’ childhoods, proving that Daddy was once a kid too.

A Quilt Full of Love

A Baby Yams quilt is more than fabric and stitching—it’s a love letter to your little one, a piece of home they can carry with them as they grow. Whether they’re just learning to lift their head or heading off to their first big-kid adventure, their quilt will always be there, holding the warmth of every cuddle, every milestone, and all those precious moments in between.

Want to find the perfect quilt for your little one’s journey? Start right here with Baby Yams!