A baby play gym will often be on top of the list when you think of baby essentials to gift new parents or add to your baby registry. And that is for a good reason as baby play gyms are an excellent tool for fostering your baby's growth and development and providing a safe and engaging space.
What is a baby play gym?
Before you begin imagining a room full of exercise machines, a baby play gym does not look like an adult gym or workout space. A baby play gym usually is a soft mat with two arches on either side consisting of dangling toys. Some play gyms have mirrors, lights, baby pianos, or tummy pillows to let your baby engage in various activities. They are also available in a different range of shapes and sizes to grow with your baby as they get older.
Benefits of baby play gyms for baby's development
Young children, especially babies, learn from engaging with their surroundings and through physical play. Here are some significant benefits of baby play gyms.
- Enhances motor skills
Your baby will quickly pick up motor skills when they are put to play in a play gym. The dangling toys from the overhead arches will allow them to use their hands, feet, and arms to reach and play. They will learn to hold and grab the toys they want to get their hands on. These basic movements will help them improve their motor skills. - Boosts hand-eye coordination
The baby play gym will also help to improve your baby's hand-eye coordination as it will help them focus on the object and bring together both hands at the center of the body. As your baby continues to use the play gym, the reflex will improve as well as the fine motor skills that are required for overall development. - Improves cognitive development
Babies who play in a baby play gym have been proven to develop their cognitive and mental development much faster than babies who do not. Their brains will be stimulated by the colours, sounds, and textures of the play gym which helps their minds to develop at a more rapid pace. For example, the mirror that comes with some play gyms allows your baby to catch a glimpse of themselves, which helps promote self-cognition and aids in quicker mental development. - Promotes visual & sensory development
Babies are born with blurred vision mostly and the vibrant coloured toys will help to stimulate their eyesight. The toys will also develop their sensory skill as they come in a variety of textures and sounds.
Here are adorable baby play gyms you can find on our site!
Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Wooden Activity Gym
Playgro Clip Clop Activity Gym
