Baby Gyms and Play Mats

Exercise is good for everyone -- even babies. These activity centers are specifically designed for babies to stretch their bodies and grow strong. Baby gyms and play mats help entertain and stimulate babies before they learn to crawl or walk. These items have colorful padded places to set your baby and introduce them to new sights and sounds. While lying on their backs, babies can gaze at toys, mirrors and mobiles. As the baby reaches for these toys, s/he will be developing hand-eye coordination. On their tummies, babies can touch different textures and work on their upper body and neck strength. For more information and an explanation on "tummy time" visit Orthomerica.

Essentials

• Padding -- Mat should be comfortable for a baby and protect the baby's head from hard floor surfaces.
• Interactive toys -- dangling animals that move when baby touches them.
• Easy clean up -- your baby will spit up on this from time to time so make sure the gym can be cleaned.
• Portable -- Many baby gyms fold flat and snap shut for travel and storage.

Additional Features

• Music
• Lights
• Removable toys

Baby Gyms
Basic Baby Gym  Dangling toys and mirrors delight inquisitive babies. Soft padding protects delicate heads. Bright colors and fun patterns captivate baby's attention. Gyms with music and lights require batteries. In general, mats are about 36" square.	Convertible Baby Gyms  Starts out as a play station for an immobile infant then converts to entertain babies once they can sit up or possibly stand. Most of these items have battery operated functions, such as lights and music. Some may offer a variety of songs and sounds. Doesn't usually include soft padding underneath gym.

Top Manufacturers

• Infantino 
• Gymini 
• Fisher Price 
• Leap Start 
• Kaloo 

Play Mats

Play Mats  offer a soft and colorful place for baby to play.  These mats don't usually include activities for the baby.  Parents have to do all the work to entertain the little ones with these items.  On the plus side, there aren't any bells or noises that may scare a infant.

Related Buying Guides
Cribs	Baby Toys	Diapers	Strollers

External Links

• Kids Organics -- Lists essential baby gear.
• Byzone -- Moms weigh in on their favorite baby items.
• Healthychild -- Gives exercise and stimulation ideas for babies.