Whether it is interactive play with a parent or independent fun with age-appropriate toys, babies of all ages thrive from stimulating activities. Their muscles and senses develop, while playtime also encourages an important outlet for natural energy that normally accumulates. A well-balanced day in the life of baby includes a nourishment, sleep and playful interaction with toys and parents.
Before your baby is able to sit up or stand, baby playtime can be greatly enhanced with the use of a baby gym. One type of baby gym is called a "play mat" because it is basically a mat that is placed on the floor with a flexible bridge of hanging toys along the arch. The idea behind the baby gym is to encourage a baby that is placed upon the mat and beneath the arch of toys to reach out, kick and vocalize at the attached toys. And when placed on the tummy, baby can learn to lift his head. Some of the toys incorporated into a baby gym will make squeaky sounds or rattle noises, while some use mirrored toys to throw the baby a reflection or colorful textured characters to keep the baby's attention.
What to Look for
The best way to determine the right baby gym for your baby is to ask yourself, "Would you have fun playing with this?" The mat portion of the gym should also offer a stimulating colorful pattern and soft textures, which will encourage enthusiastic "tummy time," while the flexible bars should have a colorful array of toys that make sounds and are aimed at keeping the baby entertained.
Some baby gyms have interchangeable features, meaning you can purchase other toys that can be easily attached to the gym. This can give the baby a varied and different play experience during each use. Also, the mat can be detached from the flexible bars, allowing the mat to be cleaned when need be. So, look for one that can be cleaned and is durable. Make sure the toys are not small or incorporate small pieces that can be accidentally ingested, and check for toy recalls on the specific brand.
Common Pitfalls
Because the baby gym has become a useful play item for babies, many styles and brands come with an expensive price tag. However, parents can easily find a quality baby gym at a lower cost and still have an effective gym to stimulate the growth and development of the baby.
