I got an infant activity baby play gym for my baby shower, and my daughter also inherited one from my friend’s kids.
There was a huge difference in my baby’s interest in interacting with the mats- She didn’t want to spend over five minutes on the first but for the second gym, she absolutely loved it!
The first one had so many toys, but the second one made sounds. However, it doesn’t always mean your little one will prefer music over toys like mine did.
Are you looking for the best baby gym for your kid? Keep reading my list for recommendations and buying tips from a picky mom!
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- Should I Get a Baby Play Gym?
- When Should You Introduce a Baby Play Gym?
- The Best Baby Play Gym: In-Depth Reviews
- #1 Lovevery Play Gym
- #2 Best Budget-Friendly – Bright Starts Zig Zag Safari
- #3 Best for Language Learning: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym & Maracas
- #4 Best Value for Money: Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes
- #5 Best Neutral Baby Gym: Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym
- #6 Best Customizable: Tiny Love Magical Tales Black and White Gymini
- #7 Best Wooden Gym: B. toys Starry Sky Baby Gym
- #8 Best Versatile: Skip Hop Farmstand Grow & Play
- #9 Best for Tummy Time: Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo Activity Gym
- #10 Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym
- #11 Infantino 4-in-1 Twist & Fold Activity Gym & Play Mat
- How to Choose The Right Baby Gym?
- A Baby Gym That Goes Beyond the Baby Stage
Should I Get a Baby Play Gym?
Infants’ baby play gyms are popular for a reason, as they promote development. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that activity is important from an early age for a healthy and happy baby. [1] The AAP also advises against the use of TV for entertaining infants, but what to do when you need to make a meal for the little one or complete an important task?
Play mats for babies can give a much-needed break and induce curiosity in your baby. A baby play gym however, helps babies develop different motor skills from the earliest age and are a great way to keep your baby entertained.
Benefits of A Baby Play Gym
A play gym for babies have many benefits, but here are the most essential ones.
Building Strength. When your little one is on its back, he or she will try to reach hanging toys, roll and crawl or move around to grab desired things. The movements work as a baby workout and help your kid build strength.
Improving Coordination. At an early age, babies aren’t aware of space and distance. If you allow your baby to spend some quality time on a play mat, it can help your kid develop eye-hand coordination.
Developing Visual Skills. Your little angel will slowly improve visual tracking skills as he or she observes the hanging objects from the play mat.
Improving Curiosity. The best baby play gym comes with specially designed toys, sensory areas, and sound-making toys to promote curiosity and make infants explore the world around them.
When Should You Introduce a Baby Play Gym?
Baby activity play mats are safe for use when you notice that your baby can lay comfortably on its back without swaddling. However, don’t expect your kid to be thrilled with a specific mat from the first moment, give your baby time to interact with as series of different toys and textures slowly.
Once it’s time to introduce tummy time (usually at three months) you can get ready for your baby to respond to the mat. A few sessions with a couple of minutes a day are an excellent way to start.
The Best Baby Play Gym: In-Depth Reviews
Here is everything you need to know about the best play baby gym options! I included options for every budget and wood/plastic/sound preferences! I’ve also made a summary of my 5 top picks for you!
- Teether
- cotton ball
- batting ring
- cars
- mirror
- Zebra chime
- Baby-safe mirror
- Ring rattle & Leaf shaped toy
- Piano
- maracas
- plastic animals
- Piano
- pillow
- plastic toys
- Teether
- mirror
- stuffed animals
- pillow
- Teether
- cotton ball
- batting ring
- cars
- mirror
- Zebra chime
- Baby-safe mirror
- Ring rattle & Leaf shaped toy
- Piano
- maracas
- plastic animals
- Piano
- pillow
- plastic toys
- Teether
- mirror
- stuffed animals
- pillow
#1 Lovevery Play Gym
The Lovevery Play Gym is suitable for babies zero months all the way up to the toddler stage. It is so versatile it converts from an activity gym for babies to a fun fort for older children.
The rug itself has zones that can be covered or uncovered to adapt to your baby’s developmental stage. It also includes hanging removable toys. This exceptional baby gym truly strives to achieve learning through play and is backed by research.
Pros:
- Accessories are organic and safe for teething babies
- Includes a 12-month play guide with a list suggested activities
- Two-minute set up and takedown
- Very durable, the frame is made from solid wood
- Tummy play time mat included
- Montessori-inspired design is created by child development experts
Cons:
- The Lovevery Play Gym natural wood frame makes it a slightly bulky product
- Pricey
- This play gym can be not as colorful or bright as other activity baby play gyms
The Play Gym by Lovevery
- From tummy time to Play Fort: Lovevery knows nothing is more important than your baby’s physical, cognitive, visual and motor learning; from lifting their head as a newborn to hide-and-seek as a toddler, The Play Gym provides a whole year of play
- We Grow With Your Baby: 5 Montessori-inspired development zones on a Play Mat reveal or conceal to prevent overstimulation, teach focus, sound making, encourage sensory exploration, hiding and finding, and exploring colors
#2 Best Budget-Friendly – Bright Starts Zig Zag Safari
If you are looking for a simple, cheerful, customizable play mat, the Bright Starts Zig Zag Safari is worth your attention. The carpet is soft, has animals printed into it, along with a series of colorful toys, a baby-safe mirror and a removable frame.
It doesn’t come with a range of too many toys, and the selection of included toys is not very exciting. Luckily, it is easy to detach toys and add other ones that you can buy separately.
Other than that, it doesn’t have sensory areas or different textures. Once it gets dirty, you can easily wash the rug and toys in the machine. You can wipe clean plastic toys and mirrors.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Colorful
- Baby-safe mirror included
- Arches and toys are detachable
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Poor toy selection
- Moderate padding
- No sensory areas
- Additional toys include: Zebra chime, Baby-safe mirror, Ring rattle & Leaf shaped toy
- Mat is machine washable
- Additional toys include: lion chime, baby-safe mirror, ring rattle and elephant link
#3 Best for Language Learning: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym & Maracas
The Fisher-Price baby gym has a slightly different design and doesn’t include crossed-arch construction, like other models on this list. Instead, there is one arch that can have two positions.
That way, you can customize the baby gym, as the baby grows. For example, put the arch in the middle when the baby is young, or move it at the beginning of the mat when your baby can sit.
The Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym & Maracas comes with various toys and sound machines. It also includes a baby-safe mirror and artwork above the mat.
The printed artwork on this mat includes bright colors and animal shapes that can help your baby learn about colors and animals.
Pros:
- Adjustable arch
- A play gym with lots of accessories like sound toy
- Gender-neutral
- Maracas toys included
- Bright-colored and kid-friendly artwork
Cons:
- Some songs include lyrics too complex for infants
- Side attachments are made of cheap plastic
- Heavier than a typical baby play gym
- Gift set with soft baby rattles and a musical activity gym with 4 ways to play from newborn to toddler, plus music, lights & learning fun
- Smart Stages learning levels with 65+ songs, sounds & phrases that introduce animals, colors, shapes, and numbers, plus real music notes
- Removeable piano has 5 light-up keys, 4 musical settings with freestyle piano play & the popular Purple Monkey “Maybe” song
#4 Best Value for Money: Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’ Tunes
This play gym by Baby Einstein is one of the most interactive gyms in the market. The baby play gym comes with six detachable toys and a pillow.
My favorite part is the piano baby gym feature which can play up to 70+ sounds and keep your baby entertained for a long time. It is smartly placed so the baby can explore the piano and improve tactile sense while discovering the world of music.
Plus, the Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’ Tunes is more than bells and whistles. The mat is moderately padded and machine-washable. The mat artwork is cheerful and includes different shapes.
That way, once the baby overgrows the piano and other toys, you can use the mat to teach your child about circular, triangular and rectangular shapes.
Pros:
- A play gym with music function
- Various toys included
- Spacious
- Machine-washable
- Piano has a language-learning function
Cons:
- Prop pillow is too large for young babies
- Batteries aren’t included
- A lot of plastic parts
- The best-selling Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin’ Tunes Music and Language Discovery Activity Gym supports fine and gross motor skill development and cause and effect skills; grows with baby from 0 to 36 months
- 4 modes include lay and play, sitting up, tummy time, on the go; Helps baby strengthen neck muscles during tummy time; Piano includes 25 plus minutes of continuous lights and music plus teaches colors, shapes, and numbers in 4 languages: English, Spanish, French, and German
- 7 sensory toys engage and promote fine and gross motor skills like reaching, pressing, and kicking; crinkle medallion, triangle rattle, BPA-free textured music note, flash cards, self-discovery mirror, piano toy and tummy time pillow; features 2 toy bars and kick piano; supports visual development
#5 Best Neutral Baby Gym: Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym
The Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym is cozy and the perfect place for your little boy or girl to stretch and frolic on. The play rug is well-padded to provide warmth and comfort, even on hard floors such as linoleum or tiles. The toy bar is made from wood and is easy to assemble and disassemble.
With the foldable mat and toy bar, the Ingenuity baby gym is practical for travel or small rooms because it folds easily into a self-storage bag. If it gets dirty, the play mat is machine-washable and you can simply wipe clean the toy bar to remove any surface level dirt and dust.
The gym comes with a total of six toys, including a tummy time pillow. I also like the apple teether made from rubber.
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Pros:
- Neutral-gender design makes it versatile
- Plush mat
- Easy to fold and pack
- Teether included
- Comfortable contoured tummy time pillow
Cons:
- A play gym with no sensory areas or symbols
- Not very spacious
- Dull design
- The Ingenuity Cozy Spot Reversible Duvet Activity Gym is a best-selling, ultra-plush play mat and toy bar that’s perfect for tummy time, lay and play, or seated play for babies ages 0 to 36 months
- Reversible duvet features 2 neutral prints to match modern décor; patent-pending mat has a cloud-like texture to give baby ultimate comfort as they stretch, play, and relax; a baby registry "must have"
- Patent-pending design; SlimFold wooden toy bar folds easily and quickly; mat features 2, built-in handles to allow parents to fold and hold all elements for easy storage or to take baby’s favorite spot on the go
#6 Best Customizable: Tiny Love Magical Tales Black and White Gymini
The Tiny Love Magical Tales Black and White Gymini keeps your baby entertained because of well-chosen contrasts and toys.
Not only does the black/white combination look stylish, but it also improves the baby’s eyesight. At an early age, babies cannot distinguish colors like adults, but they may recognize contrast. Additionally, the hedgehog plays sounds, which is another excellent stimulation.
The Tiny Love gym is very interactive and the arches are adjustable. Therefore, the gym can grow alongside your baby.
The toys are soft to touch, and the gym comes with a book and baby-safe mirror.
All accessories are detachable, so once the child overgrows the toys and arches, you can save the mat for playing.
On the downside, it is light-colored, so the carpet gets dirty frequently. However, rest assured that you can always wash it on a low program with a trusted baby-safe mild detergent.
Tiny Love Magical Tales Black and White Gymini
- STIMULATES SIGHT from day one with contrasting black and white colors.
- 18 DEVELOPMENTAL ACTIVITIES AND INTERACTIVE TOYS develop your baby’s skills.
- ULTIMATE TUMMY TIME – Adjust the arches to create the open arches mode, which offers the ultimate tummy time experience, boosting baby’s development.
- ENCOURAGES BONDING with the soft black and white take-along book, which is a great toy for babies and parents to enjoy together and excellent for tummy time
#7 Best Wooden Gym: B. toys Starry Sky Baby Gym
If you are looking for an eco-friendly baby gym, and a safe choice when a baby mouths things around, check the B. toys Starry Sky Baby Gym. The wooden baby play gym is soft and made from organic cotton. The wooden frames are an excellent touch for your baby to learn differences in textures.
This is a baby play gym for kids that is easy to wash, fold and take with you on your trips. The three toys are included, and easy to clean as well. However, the toys aren’t exciting and don’t make sounds. Still, your baby can squeeze and pull them while playing to develop motor skills.
Apart from eco-friendliness, the best part of the B.toys baby gym is its comfortable mat – soft, plush and gentle on your baby’s skin.
Pros:
- Organic cotton mat
- Eco-friendly
- Easy to fold and pack
- Simple maintenance
- Cloud toy is also a baby mirror
Cons:
- Sliding toys across the wooden bar might cause wood to chip
- Made with lighter color wood that can be exposed to dirt easily
- Lacks interesting toys
- Play and Nap: This Comfy Wooden Baby Gym Comes With 3 Removable Accessories To Play With And A Thick Mat To Lie On. A Great Activity Mat For Giggles, Games, Naps, And Dreams
- Look Up: Explore 3 Touchable, Squeezable, And Sensory Toys That Magically Float Above. This Activity Gym For Infants Includes Friendly Fabric Stars, A Cloud-Shaped Mirror, And Some Fun Beads
- Travel-Friendly: Easy To Assemble And Disassemble, The Starry Sky Playmat Sets Up In An Instant In The Nursery, The Playroom, Or Anywhere You Want
#8 Best Versatile: Skip Hop Farmstand Grow & Play
The Skip Hop baby gym is a comprehensive piece of baby gear. It includes five toys and a well-designed mat with different symbols for plants, animals, numbers and bright colors.
Therefore, once the kiddo overgrows the toys and the arches, you can keep the carpet to teach your child about fruits and vegetables and animal names.
Moreover, one arch of the Skip Hop Farmstand Grow & Play serves as a growth meter when you disassemble it.
The included bunny toy plays music at squeak, which encourages children and your baby to make different hand movements. Also, there is a pocket for the toy carrot, which is practical to help babies improve precise movement.
- 3 Ways to Play: Suitable for ages 0+, our Activity Gym offers three ways to play: overhead, tummy time, and seated play. As your baby grows, the removable arches transform into a growth chart, making it a long-lasting addition to your child's play area
- 17+ Developmental Activities: The soft playmat has fold-up sides to create an enclosed play space, perfect for tummy time. The play mat includes a pocket for popping a carrot in and out and various textures for tactile exploration
- Stimulates Baby's Senses: Our tummy time mat features vibrant farm graphics, cheerful numbers, and a variety of textures and sounds that engage and stimulate your baby's senses, encouraging exploration and sensory development
#9 Best for Tummy Time: Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo Activity Gym
The Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo Activity Gym features an interesting mat, with structured pieces, and a built-in baby-safe mirror in the mat. It can promote baby tummy time and provides encouragement for your baby to crawl.
Further reading: Alternatives to Tummy Time
The mat is moderately comfortable, and the toys are excellent. There are five toys in different colors, patterns, and materials, and a small pillow. All toys are soft, and the mat allows you to customize toys and attach new ones.
Overall, the Skip Hop mat gives a lot of opportunities to customize and entertain your baby.
Pros:
- Quilted mat for comfort
- Excellent for tummy time
- Impressive toy selection
- Includes different patterns
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Expensive
- Animals hang low, so babies may overgrow the mat soon
- Arches can be a bit flimsy
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#10 Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym
The Fisher-Price Rainforest Music & Lights Deluxe Gym really is “deluxe” in the world of best baby play gym.
The setup of this play gym is pretty standard, a square base with two suspension poles, but it also has over ten toys. One is a large light-up toucan that plays sounds and is removable so you can take it along with you!
There are many ways to use this mat – thanks to the fact that it provides a lot, from lights and sounds to textures. This is quite a colorful baby gym which your little one will likely love.
Pros:
- Each toy has an interactive component
- Multiple loops against the bar so toys can be high or low
- Keeps your little one entertained
- Easy access for babies
- Unisex attractive colors
Cons:
- Can be difficult to store when not in use, poles don’t detach from one another
- Toucan on top is can be heavy, causing the structure to lean
- Deluxe newborn gym with 10+ toys and activities and a removable, take-along toucan with music and dancing lights
- Three ways to play: Lay & play, tummy time and take-along
- Responds to baby’s movement with music and lights in short-play setting
#11 Infantino 4-in-1 Twist & Fold Activity Gym & Play Mat
The Infantino 4-in-1 Twist & Fold Activity Gym & Play Mat is an awesome mat and possible the best baby gym for families who are always on the go! The twist and fold technology makes storage and transport a breeze.
By rotating a lock at the top, the poles fold and become streamline so that you can tuck it under your arm and head out! The toys can even be removed and attached to a car seat or stroller.
Like other gyms, this one has many ways to play at each stage, but its portability can’t be surpassed. I feel like I need to also mention how I personally adore how it is convertible to an enclosed ball pit for some indoor play time!
Pros:
- Includes a bolster for tummy time
- Very lightweight
- Decent mat padding for bare floors
- Soft fabrics for your baby’s sensitive skin
- Keeps babies entertained and comfortable
- Convertible to an enclosed ball pit that can be used to keep baby entertained
Cons:
- Shows stains easily
- Music doesn’t play for very long
- 4 ways to play: This tropical activity gym helps baby grow from newborn to active toddler with tummy time mat, bolster pillow, peek-a-boo mirror, linkable toys, and musical monkey for endless fun
- Engage and explore: This mat helps baby engage head and neck muscles through tummy time play as well as visual tracking, grabbing and reaching with a variety of hanging toys to refine motor skills
- Take the fun anywhere: Twist & Fold mechanics makes folding easy so you can take play space with you wherever you go; the mirror, pillow, and linking toys can be used with the play gym or stroller
How to Choose The Right Baby Gym?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking for the best baby play gym.
Comfort
The mat is ideally required to be padded enough to provide the necessary comfort and warmth for the kiddo while laying on their back or tummy.
Size/Foldability
If you live in a small apartment, get a compact mat and ensure distance from furniture so your little one can safely explore the surroundings once he or she starts to crawl.
Customizable Toy Selection and Colors
Check what kind of hanging toys are included and if there is a way to switch toys or remove them for cleaning. Play mats in bright colors might be more interesting in babies’ world of senses. [2]
Sensory Areas
Modern activity mats include sensory areas of different textures that can play sounds or flap. They are a great sensory stimulation.
Simple Maintenance
Because babies are messy, choose a play mat for quick and easy maintenance and washing (especially when your may experience frequent removal of milk spits and dirt).
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A Baby Gym That Goes Beyond the Baby Stage
The competition was fierce, but Lovevery Play Gym is a tad better than the competitors. The materials used for the mat are gentle, and the toys and design of the mat guarantees endless playtime, development, and education.
Designed by child development experts, this play gym is well-rounded with a foldable design, simple maintenance and plenty of ways to use it. I like the colors, the patterns, individual toys and cards. Therefore, you are likely to use it long after your little one overgrows the infant toys!
Which baby gym seems most appealing to you? Do you prefer plastic or wood arches? Share your thoughts about my list in the comments, and state which baby gym your little one loves!
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Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API