Importance of Baby Gyms & Playmats

Gratifying for Babies and Parents

• Entertainment provided by playmats and gyms is not only enjoyable for babies but eases the parents and caregivers lives as well. Often babies are fussy due to boredom, which can be a source of stress for their caregivers. Most parents welcome the short breaks that playmats and gyms provide while they can watch their baby play happily, without being the sole entertainers.

Types and Benefits

• Some mats are specifically designed to be used with a baby exclusively on her tummy. These mats are are well padded and include toys on the mat itself. Other play mats, often referred to as baby gyms, have flexible pieces that crisscross across the top, connect at all four comers of the mat and create a domed shape where toys hang from. Often the toys are interactive. For example, some may play music when pulled on by the baby. The bright colors of the mat, toys and music provide mental stimulation for the baby&'s developing brain.

Cleanliness

• Putting a baby on a playmat or gym is significantly cleaner than simply letting her roll around on the bare floor. This is an especially important aspect, because infants generally have more underdeveloped immune systems than adults. Most playmats and gyms fold up compactly for travel and can easily fit in a standard car trunk. So even in an unfamiliar place such as a friend&'s house or hotel, the baby will always have a safe and clean place to play.

Physical and Mental Stimulation

• Playmats and gyms allow the baby to roll around and move freely compared to other baby gear such as swings and bouncers. This helps to strengthen his body and develop his muscles. When allowed time on their tummies, babies will strengthen their upper bodies by using their arms to push themselves up off of the mat. When they grab, kick and reach for hanging toys, they are further developing their hand-eye coordination. The hanging toys, music and bright colors provide the baby sensory stimulation and aid in his mental development. According to The Center for Effective Parenting, there is nothing more important in aiding a child&'s development than stimulation.

Considerations

• If a parent chooses to purchase a playmat or gym for her baby, they should remember some basic safety and use guidelines. Although the playmat or gym might give parents free time with their hands, they must still use their eyes. Babies should never be left unattended while using a playmat or gym. It is also important that the product be used on floors only and never high areas such as tables or beds. Parents should keep in mind that babies can become overstimulated, so they should limit playmat and gym use, allowing the baby to continue play only as long as he seems content and interested.