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AV Baby content is for information only. If you are at all worried about your baby, please seek the advice of your midwife, doctor or paediatrician.

Baby Gyms

Even before your baby enters the world, she is exercising and building her muscles. The kicks and jerks of your unborn baby are designed to help her develop and grow. Once she is born she will continue to kick and stretch, improving her co-ordination and her strength as she reaches out to explore her new world. 

Baby Gym Equipment

Many toy manufacturers have developed their own brands of Baby Gym to encourage your baby to learn and to have control over her movements. Made from either fabric, wood or plastic (or a combination of all three), Baby Gyms come in different colors and textures, with toys attached and interesting shapes for your baby to reach out to and focus on. And not a treadmill in sight! 

Your baby’s very own gym will usually be shaped like an arch, crossing over their heads as they lie on their favorite mat – some gyms have a mat built in. A good gym will have a variety of activities for your baby, designed for different stages of their development. As the toys and stimuli will usually be more than about twenty centimeters away from your baby’s head, it is unlikely that your very tiny baby will be able to get much out of her gym until she is a little older – although there is no harm in lying her under it to have a kick-about right from day one.

Sitting and Playing

Babies will enjoy their gyms most between the ages of around three to seven months. At this stage they can focus clearly on the shapes and colors, reach out and start to grab hold of the toys, but can’t yet sit up unaided to play. Once your baby can sit, the gym may be adaptable to place in front of them – try putting it just far enough away for your baby to have to stretch out and reach for the toys. Babies enjoy this more than having something placed in their hands, as they feel a sense of achievement (this is why they always want to play with whatever you are holding). 

If your baby can’t sit unaided but seems to be getting bored of play lying down, try sitting her in a Bumbo or bouncer under the gym. Again, position the gym so she can reach out for the toys. Baby Gyms which have detachable toys are great for babies as they get a little stronger – watch your baby’s face light up when she manages to pull the toy free! 

Tummy Time

Some gyms are also suitable for ‘tummy time’, with built-in mats which contain patterns and areas with sounds or textures for your baby to explore. Tummy time is recommended for babies to help them develop strength in their neck and backs; now that parents are advised to place babies to sleep on their backs this is often the only opportunity babies have to learn how to lift their heads.  

Give your baby a few minutes of tummy time every day – a good play gym makes this more fun for your baby. The mat should be fairly flat, however. If it is too padded it will be uncomfortable for your baby as she won’t be able to leverage herself off the floor. 

Once your baby has outgrown her gym, the toys can be detached and clipped on to her buggy or cot, and the mat used in her play pen if you have one. NB: Always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when assembling a Baby Gym.

More Things To Do With Your Baby

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Read our Diary Of A New Mum and discover what happens when Jessica-Ann comes home from the hospital and during her first year at home. This fun read is perfect for new mums and experienced mums alike! New episodes weekly.
Diary Of A New Mum

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