Your little munchkin needs a lot of activity to grow healthy
and strong. Do not underestimate the minutes or hours spent in a Baby gym, your
baby gets thoroughly entertained plus a secret full body workout session which
helps the baby develop energetic limbs and improve other bodily functions that are
good for the growing child. The stimulated curiosity also helps them develop
their cognitive function.
A baby play gym kit comes in a myriad of designs, colors and accessories. All have unique cartoon character or nature inspired themes full of cute aquatic or forest animals (baby jungle gym) and colorful balls to practice throwing or chewing! These baby gyms are such wonderful creations and a must have for every parent because they not only help your baby develop physically, but mentally as well. Interacting with the hanging themed adorable dolls sparks curiosity in their little brains and this gets the cogs and nuts turning in there as they try to figure out what this nice looking are... or how they taste like.
Although initially meant for babies up to about 1 year to 2 years old tops, you will be glad to learn that many parents have successfully used these play pads with their children up to the age of six! As your baby begins to become aware of their environment, and starts forming their first friendship and playtime attachments with the little animal dolls, they get addicted to the baby gym over time and it soon becomes their favorite spot. A few parents on baby gym review websites and forums said they literally could not separate their children from these play pads even after their sixth birthday!
The No. of Different Activities - Of course some models and designs have more activities for the baby than others. For instance, the "Treetop Friends Activity Gym" from Skip Hop has 17 amazing developmental and fun activities to keep your baby occupied and giggling with sheer excitement throughout the day. The Baby Einstein on the other hand has only 6, but still a totally awesome baby's first gift nonetheless.
Accessories - Most of these activity pens come as complete units, including the hanging toys or the occasional mirrors (baby safe of course...). Some like the Infantino "Grow-with-me" ball pit add a whopping 40 air-light colored balls for the baby to kick and throw and chew. On the other hand, the Moonlight Meadow Deluxe from Fisher-Price has a musical tummy wedge that has flashing lights to stimulate both auditory and visual senses.
Cleaning and Maintenance - Woe unto you if your baby gym is not easy to clean... you do not want your little angle hanging around germs and dirt. Luckily, most of these play pads have machine washable bottom mats. A good example is the polyester mat on the Baby Einstein (Caterpillar and Friends) baby activity gym.
Child Safety - This is the number one issue when it comes to picking anything for your baby. Everything has to be child safe. Ensure that the activity gym you choose doesn't have small parts that can easily become separated as the active baby tags on the hanging toys. Babies (and some toddlers...) seem to have the urge to swallow whatever they can get their tiny hands on.
Room for Expansion – This is also very important. Your child changes as they grow and it’s good if their toys grow with them. The best baby gyms have free hooks to expand the number of toys hanged up for your baby. Some have a soft mesh going round the activity pad to keep your overzealous crawling baby in one spot.
For less than $50, you can make the square shaped Baby Einstein Caterpillar and Friends Play Gym your baby’s next best thing… after mummy’s breast and daddy’s silly grin of course! It has 8 extra links (loops) which can be filled with even more play friends and toys for your baby. This always keeps things fresh and more interesting for the baby as they learn to leave old friends behind and forge new relationships.
The best part that every parent will love is that brining this baby with you is quite easy, just fold it and use the criss-crossing toy hanging arcs as handles. This added to the fact that its ultra-light makes it easier to carry on your shoulder than your handbag.
The Caterpillar and Friends line also comes with a toy star that has sparkly lights and 8 classic tunes. The coolest thing about the star is that it’s activated by the baby’s movement. The Baby Einstein’s star attaches to cribs, and most carriers which means the fun can follow your baby everywhere even when you’re out in the car. Don’t worry about your baby making a mess on the activity gym’s polyester mat either, the mat is completely washable. Despite these cool features, this play pen falls short in the toys department compared to rivals such as the Infantino.
However, a complete kit will include a baby safe mirror (large), dog chime, frog rattle, real life imagery on discovery cards and a ring rattle. The mat is ideal for baby’s tummy time and you can attach toys on the mat for the babies to continue interacting with their friends. On the downside, the mat is too slippery for active crawlers to gain enough traction when moving, turning or rolling over. Many babies can seriously get frustrated by this.
This round shaped play mat/baby activity gym is another top of the line product and a blessing for any baby to own. The baby jungle gym has a cute wide eyed owl, a tree with a mirror for those peek-a-boo moments as your baby continues to make self-discoveries, 5 multi-sensory toys to keep your baby’s senses alert, and multiple fabrics on the activity mat to bring in different textures and feel. With 17 unbeatable development activities, the Treetop Friends baby gym is light-years ahead of competition such as the Baby Einstein above. Although the Grow-with-me from Infantino can match it in this department, the Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Deluxe comes slightly shorter and a bit more in the Baby Einstein’s Caterpillar and Friends category.
Few design features that make this product stand out are:-
This has to be the cutest of them all! Quite small compared to the Baby Einstein, but they really serve their purpose and do it exceptionally well. The turtle design is just a plus and the coolest part is that the turtle’s head doubles up as a storage bag… for 40, yes… 40 different colored play balls. How will you be able to handle running around rounding up the balls as your baby throws them all over the place?
Simple, the Infantino transforms into a ball pit in under 3 minutes. Soft mesh netting can be hooked all round to keep the baby in one place in case they are active crawlers as well as keep the balls contained in one place. Unfortunately someone thought to put 2 holes on the netting so the baby can still get the balls out once they figure that out. Your baby can grow from lay & play to sit & play on this single activity mat in just a smooth and easy to setup transition. This feature alone makes up for the limited play space.
Their signature feature has to be the turtle’s feet which crinkle and make any baby giggle with excitement. The toys are also very soft for the baby to make easy quick grabs plus you can move the whole unit from room to room by just picking it up and simply moving it to where you want it and voila! That’s of course after taking the baby out…
The only major disadvantage to this amazing play gym is the fact that the mat is not machine washable. Also, getting all the balls into the turtle head can take you a bit longer than you expected. The opening where you put in the balls is not very big and you can at best insert 2 balls at a time but you will find that you go a bit faster if you pack the balls 1 by 1… which also takes time. Remember, there are 40 balls here in total. Some customers’ reviews have cited problems with the toy hooking links saying that it takes a considerable amount of time to pull off something that would otherwise take seconds to remove and clip on other toys or same toys in different order.
All in all, the Infantino is quite a bargain and a good way to start your baby off in life although it will have a very short time of usefulness and become cramped up and limiting for a fast growing baby or just big baby.
Please note: The balls are made of low density polythene (LDPE) which makes them safe for chewy babies.
The Moonlight Meadow is a dreamy place where the cute snugly deer lives and the bush-tailed fox always waves hallo. Your baby will definitely enjoy the snail shaped mirror and cute animal drawings on the mat that bring out more color more learning options for your little one. The round mat provides enough space for any active baby to have enough room to maneuver here and there as well as turn freely.
The arches are covers in soft padding to protect your baby when they decide to kick everything… and they also transform into nice handles for carrying the play gym. The mat is well padded yet machine washable unlike the Infantino’s mat which is not. Another thing that parents will like about the design and how the arches are positioned is the space created for the parent to easily interact with the baby during play.
The soft wedge to support the baby at tummy time is just adorable. The deer themed tummy pillow plays non-stop music… literally! There’s no ON/OFF switch. Although the hanging animal dolls included in the primary unit are nothing spectacular, a quick trip to the toy store can fix that. They also don’t match the rattles and other interesting sounds found in Infantino baby gym toys.
The size of the Moonlight Meadow’s mat comes as both a blessing and a curse depending on different customer reviews. While some like the small size because of the way it fits in their living space, some find it quite limiting to the baby’s movement as well as in their usefulness over a short period of time if the baby outgrows the play mat faster than expected.
Overall, the Fisher-Price baby play gym is a product that comes highly recommended and it’s designed to keep the baby busy just long enough for you to run a few errands around the house.
Although seriously disadvantaged by its lack of play space, the Infantino is the overall pick in today’s review and we hope that you and your baby enjoy this baby jungle gym. Whatever the Infantino lacks in other department, it makes up for all that with its obvious coolness. You just want it when you first see it. Plus… move closer please… it’s the cheapest!
A baby play gym kit comes in a myriad of designs, colors and accessories. All have unique cartoon character or nature inspired themes full of cute aquatic or forest animals (baby jungle gym) and colorful balls to practice throwing or chewing! These baby gyms are such wonderful creations and a must have for every parent because they not only help your baby develop physically, but mentally as well. Interacting with the hanging themed adorable dolls sparks curiosity in their little brains and this gets the cogs and nuts turning in there as they try to figure out what this nice looking are... or how they taste like.
Although initially meant for babies up to about 1 year to 2 years old tops, you will be glad to learn that many parents have successfully used these play pads with their children up to the age of six! As your baby begins to become aware of their environment, and starts forming their first friendship and playtime attachments with the little animal dolls, they get addicted to the baby gym over time and it soon becomes their favorite spot. A few parents on baby gym review websites and forums said they literally could not separate their children from these play pads even after their sixth birthday!
So what makes a good baby play gym?
The No. of Different Activities - Of course some models and designs have more activities for the baby than others. For instance, the "Treetop Friends Activity Gym" from Skip Hop has 17 amazing developmental and fun activities to keep your baby occupied and giggling with sheer excitement throughout the day. The Baby Einstein on the other hand has only 6, but still a totally awesome baby's first gift nonetheless.
Accessories - Most of these activity pens come as complete units, including the hanging toys or the occasional mirrors (baby safe of course...). Some like the Infantino "Grow-with-me" ball pit add a whopping 40 air-light colored balls for the baby to kick and throw and chew. On the other hand, the Moonlight Meadow Deluxe from Fisher-Price has a musical tummy wedge that has flashing lights to stimulate both auditory and visual senses.
Cleaning and Maintenance - Woe unto you if your baby gym is not easy to clean... you do not want your little angle hanging around germs and dirt. Luckily, most of these play pads have machine washable bottom mats. A good example is the polyester mat on the Baby Einstein (Caterpillar and Friends) baby activity gym.
Child Safety - This is the number one issue when it comes to picking anything for your baby. Everything has to be child safe. Ensure that the activity gym you choose doesn't have small parts that can easily become separated as the active baby tags on the hanging toys. Babies (and some toddlers...) seem to have the urge to swallow whatever they can get their tiny hands on.
Room for Expansion – This is also very important. Your child changes as they grow and it’s good if their toys grow with them. The best baby gyms have free hooks to expand the number of toys hanged up for your baby. Some have a soft mesh going round the activity pad to keep your overzealous crawling baby in one spot.
A Closer Look at the Top Four Products…
Baby Einstein Caterpillar and Friends Play Gym
For less than $50, you can make the square shaped Baby Einstein Caterpillar and Friends Play Gym your baby’s next best thing… after mummy’s breast and daddy’s silly grin of course! It has 8 extra links (loops) which can be filled with even more play friends and toys for your baby. This always keeps things fresh and more interesting for the baby as they learn to leave old friends behind and forge new relationships.
The best part that every parent will love is that brining this baby with you is quite easy, just fold it and use the criss-crossing toy hanging arcs as handles. This added to the fact that its ultra-light makes it easier to carry on your shoulder than your handbag.
The Caterpillar and Friends line also comes with a toy star that has sparkly lights and 8 classic tunes. The coolest thing about the star is that it’s activated by the baby’s movement. The Baby Einstein’s star attaches to cribs, and most carriers which means the fun can follow your baby everywhere even when you’re out in the car. Don’t worry about your baby making a mess on the activity gym’s polyester mat either, the mat is completely washable. Despite these cool features, this play pen falls short in the toys department compared to rivals such as the Infantino.
However, a complete kit will include a baby safe mirror (large), dog chime, frog rattle, real life imagery on discovery cards and a ring rattle. The mat is ideal for baby’s tummy time and you can attach toys on the mat for the babies to continue interacting with their friends. On the downside, the mat is too slippery for active crawlers to gain enough traction when moving, turning or rolling over. Many babies can seriously get frustrated by this.
Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym
This round shaped play mat/baby activity gym is another top of the line product and a blessing for any baby to own. The baby jungle gym has a cute wide eyed owl, a tree with a mirror for those peek-a-boo moments as your baby continues to make self-discoveries, 5 multi-sensory toys to keep your baby’s senses alert, and multiple fabrics on the activity mat to bring in different textures and feel. With 17 unbeatable development activities, the Treetop Friends baby gym is light-years ahead of competition such as the Baby Einstein above. Although the Grow-with-me from Infantino can match it in this department, the Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Deluxe comes slightly shorter and a bit more in the Baby Einstein’s Caterpillar and Friends category.
Few design features that make this product stand out are:-
- A removable baby safe mirror that babies can’t seem to get away from once they become self-aware. This mirror alone has the ability to keep your baby’s curiosity well aroused for a couple of weeks.
- The squeaky flower and crackling leaves keep your infant guessing.
- The extra-large mat gives your baby more playroom plus its machine washable (remember to remove the mirror first). Assembly takes 2 minutes tops.
- The pillow (the Moonlight Meadow Deluxe from Fisher-Price has a cooler one…) to support the baby during tummy time.
- 13 links (both on arches and mat) to hook up your toys as well as 17 activities to keep your baby ever busy and happy. Just the right recipe for those much needed quick naps and healthy appetites…
Infantino “Grow-with-me” (Activity Gym and Ball Pit)
This has to be the cutest of them all! Quite small compared to the Baby Einstein, but they really serve their purpose and do it exceptionally well. The turtle design is just a plus and the coolest part is that the turtle’s head doubles up as a storage bag… for 40, yes… 40 different colored play balls. How will you be able to handle running around rounding up the balls as your baby throws them all over the place?
Simple, the Infantino transforms into a ball pit in under 3 minutes. Soft mesh netting can be hooked all round to keep the baby in one place in case they are active crawlers as well as keep the balls contained in one place. Unfortunately someone thought to put 2 holes on the netting so the baby can still get the balls out once they figure that out. Your baby can grow from lay & play to sit & play on this single activity mat in just a smooth and easy to setup transition. This feature alone makes up for the limited play space.
Their signature feature has to be the turtle’s feet which crinkle and make any baby giggle with excitement. The toys are also very soft for the baby to make easy quick grabs plus you can move the whole unit from room to room by just picking it up and simply moving it to where you want it and voila! That’s of course after taking the baby out…
The only major disadvantage to this amazing play gym is the fact that the mat is not machine washable. Also, getting all the balls into the turtle head can take you a bit longer than you expected. The opening where you put in the balls is not very big and you can at best insert 2 balls at a time but you will find that you go a bit faster if you pack the balls 1 by 1… which also takes time. Remember, there are 40 balls here in total. Some customers’ reviews have cited problems with the toy hooking links saying that it takes a considerable amount of time to pull off something that would otherwise take seconds to remove and clip on other toys or same toys in different order.
All in all, the Infantino is quite a bargain and a good way to start your baby off in life although it will have a very short time of usefulness and become cramped up and limiting for a fast growing baby or just big baby.
Please note: The balls are made of low density polythene (LDPE) which makes them safe for chewy babies.
Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Deluxe Play Gym
The Moonlight Meadow is a dreamy place where the cute snugly deer lives and the bush-tailed fox always waves hallo. Your baby will definitely enjoy the snail shaped mirror and cute animal drawings on the mat that bring out more color more learning options for your little one. The round mat provides enough space for any active baby to have enough room to maneuver here and there as well as turn freely.
The arches are covers in soft padding to protect your baby when they decide to kick everything… and they also transform into nice handles for carrying the play gym. The mat is well padded yet machine washable unlike the Infantino’s mat which is not. Another thing that parents will like about the design and how the arches are positioned is the space created for the parent to easily interact with the baby during play.
The soft wedge to support the baby at tummy time is just adorable. The deer themed tummy pillow plays non-stop music… literally! There’s no ON/OFF switch. Although the hanging animal dolls included in the primary unit are nothing spectacular, a quick trip to the toy store can fix that. They also don’t match the rattles and other interesting sounds found in Infantino baby gym toys.
The size of the Moonlight Meadow’s mat comes as both a blessing and a curse depending on different customer reviews. While some like the small size because of the way it fits in their living space, some find it quite limiting to the baby’s movement as well as in their usefulness over a short period of time if the baby outgrows the play mat faster than expected.
Overall, the Fisher-Price baby play gym is a product that comes highly recommended and it’s designed to keep the baby busy just long enough for you to run a few errands around the house.
Final Verdict: Our Pick
Although seriously disadvantaged by its lack of play space, the Infantino is the overall pick in today’s review and we hope that you and your baby enjoy this baby jungle gym. Whatever the Infantino lacks in other department, it makes up for all that with its obvious coolness. You just want it when you first see it. Plus… move closer please… it’s the cheapest!
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