Babies spend their days learning about the world through toys. Simple items like cups, balls and rattles teach infants important lessons such as cause and effect, the different senses and hand-eye coordination. By providing your infant with toys such as a colorful tummy time playmat or a baby gym, you can help him grow, develop and figure out the world around him.
Playmats
Playmats are often called tummy time mats. Many of them play music, have bright lights that blink on and off and feature toys that your baby can play with and explore. Be sure to select a playmat that is machine washable. Look for a playmat that is filled with textures and bright colors. You might want to invest in two playmats if you plan on playing with your baby on different floors of your home or if you travel to a babysitter's or grandparent's house frequently.
Purpose of a Playmat
Playmats are most often used during "tummy time," which your infant needs to help strengthen her neck muscles and develop physical skills that will eventually lead to crawling, standing and walking. Tummy time doesn't have to be for a long period. Lay her on her belly for one minute and work up to two or three minutes at a time a couple of times a day. If your playmat features bright colors, textures, toys and music, she will be entertained and educated while her muscles develop and grow.
Baby Gyms
Some playmats serve as baby gyms, with soft bars that arc over them and colorful toys or plush animals hanging from the bars. Look for a baby gym with big pieces, since small toys can pose a choking threat. Baby gyms easily come apart so that they can be washed or transported. Many even conveniently fold and snap together with the play bar serving as a handle.
Purpose of a Baby Gym
If you have a baby gym, after a couple minutes of tummy time, you can roll your little one onto her back and she will be delighted to find balls and animals hanging above her and ready for play. Your baby will delight in reaching for the toys and watching them spring back into place. Baby gyms help babies learn hand-eye coordination and important motor skills such as pulling, squeezing, swatting and shaking. Some baby gyms feature mirrors so your baby can figure out exactly what she looks like. She might even think she has a new friend. After a few days of play, try moving the toys hanging from the bar into a different order and your little one might think you gave her a whole new activity center. Again, be sure to supervise your baby at all times.
