Bright Starts, 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play Activity Gym and Ball Pit with 40 Balls - Totally Tropical, Play Gym with 20+ Minutes of Lights and Music, 7 Detachable Activity Toys, Ages Newborn +

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Think of a baby gym as an entry-level workout for little adventurers on their first foray into the big wide world of independent exploration. It’s also a great way for little people to develop the muscles they need to lift their heads and, eventually, to sit up, crawl and walk. And last but by no means least, it's a safe space to pop your little one when you need a moment's peace. The benefits of using a baby gym

When buying any type of plaything for your baby, consider safety above all else. Purchasing new items from a reputable brand and well-known retailer offers protection, as secondhand or off-brand toys could include unsafe pieces, be damaged, have missing parts or even have been subject to safety recalls. Size: H68.58 x W2.03 x D55.88cm | Material: Not specified | Batteries required: Yes (2x AAA) | Suitable for: 0 months+ | Skills: Best for communication and language skills What we love

7. Best baby-to-toddler play mat: Infantino Grow-With-Me Playtime Teepee Gym

Budget: It is important to know how much you can or are willing to spend. Ensure you balance this consideration against its quality and features, as the last thing you want is an activity gym or play mat that breaks within months of owning it. Size: L86.4cm x W86.4cm x H112cm | Material: Polyester | Batteries required: N/A | Suitable for: 0 months+ | Skills: Best for motor and language skills What we love

The gym comes with a baby-safe mirror, rattles, plush toys, and a pillow. But, that’s not all! It also plays 20 minutes of what the manufacturer calls “global-themed” music — just remember you’ll need some batteries for this feature. Toys and features. Pampers Parents said that it was important that the mat or gym had plenty of features and/or toys to entertain and stimulate their babies. Common toys include a hanging plush toy, an unbreakable mirror, and a ball that your baby can have fun spinning. Look for non-toxic materials, says Lilley. 'Your little one will have their mouth on it after all!' she explains. 'Definitely think about how easily you can clean it too – popping one in the washing machine is great, but frankly the washing pile is huge when you have a newborn and then it still has to dry before you can use it again.' Storage With so many types of play mats on the market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the choice. Do you need a simple mat that serves as a comfy spot for your baby to play or enjoy tummy time? Or would you prefer an activity gym with lots of tactile toys, flashing lights, and even music? My son loved his Baby Einstein one. Spent up to 10 mins under there which was great for me. He loved the music box in the middle of the stanchions."(Brand recommended by Mumsnet user AlbusPercivalWulfricBrianSun) Our verdict

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This baby gym has been invaluable for us. Babies love it. I’ve since noticed that a lot of friends/family have the same one."(Vetted by Mumsnet user sabrinathethirtysomethingwitch) The manufacturer claims that this gym provides a whole year of play, with age-appropriate activities to help promote brain and motor skill development. Another claim is that it’s easy to set up and take down. Colors, pattern, and texture. Many Pampers Parents said that bright colors were a priority for them, while others also said that patterns and textures were also a deciding point for a baby activity mat. Keep in mind that while pastels and muted colors are fashionable and can look great in your baby’s nursery, your little one might prefer to look at bold colors and patterns. A baby gym is a padded play mat with an activity arch that includes games and sensory elements to catch your baby’s attention. They often come with a selection of hanging toys for your little one to work on their mental and physical development too. Read next: Keep your little one's nails groomed to avoid scratches when they play with the best baby nail clippers. Why are play mats and activity gyms good for babies?

Choosing the right baby gym or play mat is a highly personal decision. Whether you’re drawn to certain colors, the toy selection, or the overall setup, you’ll know which one is right for you and your baby when you see it. Size: H106cm x W45cm x D115cm | Material: Plastic | Batteries required: No | Suitable for: 0 - 12 months | Skills: Best for motor skills and cognition What we love When it comes to choosing the right baby play mat or gym for you and your little one, Pampers Parents recommend considering the following: All of our Swears By articles start with research via the Mumsnet forums. We know nothing beats a real recommendation from a parent, so we thoroughly scoured the forum threads in search of the activity gyms and mats parents and their babies love. Expert opinions Skip Hop is a nice brand if you want something that has a bit of an adult aesthetic to it." (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user EssentialHummus) Our verdict

3. Best multi-use play mat and activity gym: Bright Starts 5-in-1 Ball Activity Play Gym

Includes 7 tropically cool take-along toys: elephant musical toy, crinkle toy, mirror, flash cards, hanging leaf toy and bead rattle Quite a few baby play mats and activity gyms are obsolete by the time your baby is six months old. However, some play mats and activity gyms have great longevity and can go up to two years of age. The Bright Starts 5-in-1 Activity Play Gym, or Large Melbourne MOD Play Mat are built to last up to and beyond your baby's toddler years. Are baby play gyms or mats necessary? While personal taste is always the deciding factor, consider the following tips before purchasing your baby gym: Comfort is key IKEA's KLAPPA Play Mat for children is soft, interactive and under-the-sea themed. The Swedish homeware brand has truly outdone itself with this padded play mat that looks good enough to sleep on – no wonder parents love it and it holds a five-star rating from reviewers.