Usually play gyms are placed over the baby as they lie on the floor, in a rocker or in their crib. As baby develops and grows, the play gym can be used in different ways. Baby gyms can also refer to places where babies take baby gym classes to develop physical skills. A play gym can also refer to an outdoor play gym (such as wooden gym play sets), consisting of slides and outdoor play equipment. This article refers mainly to baby play gyms.

What are baby gyms supposed to achieve?

The purpose of an infant activity play gym is to stimulate and to entertain while enhancing development. They are built in such a way that they can be used by babies of any age, even those who have not yet learned to sit up or roll over. Baby play gyms are designed to be sturdy and safe. Most with be brightly colored, with interesting objects to look at and to touch.

What are the parts of a baby gym?

Different baby play gyms may have different parts. The basic baby play gym will consist of a bar and legs. Traditionally these were made of plastic, but soft gyms are now beginning to become more popular. Different objects hang down from the bar, at a level where baby can try to touch them and play with them. Some play gyms will make different sounds and include a variety of stimulating textures. Instead of legs, some play gyms can be affixed to the baby's crib or rocker.

In a slight variation on the theme, a baby gym mat consists of a play area with bars across each corner. Objects hang down from the bars, and there may also be different activities, objects and textures on the mat.

What are some popular baby gyms?

There are a large number of baby play gyms available, and sometimes it is difficult knowing which one to choose. Here are some of the best baby gyms that parents have found useful and well-designed.

Tiny Love Super Deluxe Lights & Music 3-D Activity Gym. This gym has the whole package. It involves a play mat with cross bars as well as hanging objects, lights and music that will keep your baby entertained and stimulated.
Kids II Baby Einstein Discover & Play Activity Gym. This is another infant activity play gym that includes animals and words.
Baby Einstein Discovering Water Play Gym. This play gym has a water theme, with hanging objects and pictures to match.
Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Rockin Aquarium Gym. This is another ocean-themed gym. Instead of a play mat, or legs, this gym comes with a rocker to place the baby in as they play.
Little Tikes 5-in-1 Adjustable Gym. This play center is a great value, become it can be used for children as they progress from baby to toddler.
Fisher Price Classical Chorus Gym. This is a plastic gym, made in the traditional design of a cross-bar and legs but the cross-bar contains a way for young children to make music.

Continue to : Ideal Baby Gym Classes Exclusively for Babies

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