While testing, I looked at each play gym's design, durability, and entertainment value. Each gym was provided as an editorial review sample by its manufacturer. I then tested nine different options with my 7-month-old son over the course of more than a month. To find out what to consider when shopping for a baby gym, I spoke to Heffron. Others may be too small, don't hold up to a baby's constant tugs, or don't encourage enough developmentally appropriate movement. With the first one that I bought my oldest, he managed to pull the entire rack of toys down on top of himself. 'Playing on the floor in various positions builds strength, promotes visual motor skills, and generally helps babies get a feel for how their bodies work,' said Claire Heffron, a pediatric occupational therapist who writes for The Inspired Treehouse. 'Activity gyms can act as a target object for babies to focus on, reach for, and roll toward.'īut all infant activity gyms are not created equal.
Instead of squats and push-ups, activity gyms encourage reaching, rolling, grasping, and more. By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from InsiderĪs well as other partner offers and accept ourīaby activity gyms may not include any barbells, but the popular toy mats play an important role in building the muscles necessary to hit developmental milestones.
