We have a foam mat from Munchkin & Bear and would highly recommend it! We’ve spent so much time on the floor with our baby since the mat arrived – we’re much comfier! He’s just started to roll on it, but it will be amazing when he can sit etc." (Suggested by Mumsnet user Derbee) Our verdict

baby gym 2021: Ball pits, toys and music | The Independent Best baby gym 2021: Ball pits, toys and music | The Independent

Features: More doesn’t always mean better. Look for activity gyms with a good balance of interactive features, with space to add to or change it up. My son loved his Baby Einstein one. Spent up to 10 mins under there which was great for me. He loved the music box in the middle of the stanchions."(Brand recommended by Mumsnet user AlbusPercivalWulfricBrianSun) Our verdict Size: ‎82 x 82 x 51 cm | Material: Plastic | Batteries required: None | Suitable for: Can be used from birth | Skills: Best for hand/eye coordination and gross motor skills What we love Comfort: During the early years, the whole world feels like an adventure for little ones. 'A good sized, super squishy play mat allows your baby to explore the world without stress to their growing joints,' says Lilley. Budget: It is important to know how much you can or are willing to spend. Ensure you balance this consideration against its quality and features, as the last thing you want is an activity gym or play mat that breaks within months of owning it.Look for non-toxic materials, says Lilley. 'Your little one will have their mouth on it after all!' she explains. 'Definitely think about how easily you can clean it too – popping one in the washing machine is great, but frankly the washing pile is huge when you have a newborn and then it still has to dry before you can use it again.' Storage Your needs: If you travel frequently, a portable activity gym or play mat is better than a large clunkier option. Ditto, if you have a small or limited space.

Baby Einstein | Smyths Toys UK Baby Einstein | Smyths Toys UK

All baby mats, gyms and activity centres serve the same purpose. They offer an opportunity for your baby to explore the world around them in a safe, soft and stimulating environment. They also provide visual and sensory stimulation and are ideal for tummy time. Here are the skills your baby can develop, depending on the play mat or gym you opt for:

How long should a baby use a play mat or activity gym for?

IKEA's KLAPPA Play Mat for children is soft, interactive and under-the-sea themed. The Swedish homeware brand has truly outdone itself with this padded play mat that looks good enough to sleep on – no wonder parents love it and it holds a five-star rating from reviewers. If you opt for a baby gym with musical elements, prepare for some serious ear worm nursery rhymes - but we promise your baby’s smiles will make up for it. Read next: Keep your little one's nails groomed to avoid scratches when they play with the best baby nail clippers. Why are play mats and activity gyms good for babies? You can use a baby gym or play mat from day one under supervision, but babies between three to six months old get the most from this type of sensory development. During this stage, your little one starts to develop hand-eye coordination, so reaching for dangling toys and playing with crinkly fabrics can be a fun challenge.

Baby Einstein Playmats and gyms | Argos

Size: L66.86cm x W91.5cm x H45.7cm | Material: Not specified | Batteries required: Yes (3x AA) | Suitable for: 0 months+| Skills: Best for communication, language and numeracy skills What we love Size: H48.3 x W96.5 x D96.5cm | Material: Polyester, PP, mirrored PETG board, PU foam, fibre glass rod, EVA | Batteries required: Non-replaceable coin batteries (included) | Suitable for: 0 months+ | Skills: Best for motor skills What we love Sitting up: The simple act of sitting can also be a huge challenge during the early days. 'They can help to practice sitting without getting a bruise when they topple,' adds Lilley. Our process left us with this guide to the best play mats and activity gyms for babies, recommended by parents, trusted by experts, rated by previous customers and loved by babies. About the author Bought a Tiny Love play mat with my first son. Was invaluable until he started sitting as he LOVED batting at the huge array of stuff we attached to it (he still loves watching things spin)." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user yomellamoHelly)A baby needs love and three things – somewhere to sleep, a way to eat and somewhere to play!' says Sophie Lilley, Founder or Munchkin & Bear UK and The Baby Show exhibitor. 'A good play mat or baby gym creates a safe space to develop their muscles, learn how to move, practice balancing and have fun!' Size: L86.4cm x W86.4cm x H112cm | Material: Polyester | Batteries required: N/A | Suitable for: 0 months+ | Skills: Best for motor and language skills What we love Baby gyms can be used from birth,' says Lilley. 'They are at their most useful from around three months to three years when so much of their time exploring and developing is on the floor and you want to protect them from those inevitable topples!'

Best Baby Play Mats and Activity Gyms 2023 | Mumsnet 10 Best Baby Play Mats and Activity Gyms 2023 | Mumsnet

After a three-year stint on Gransnet's editorial team, Natasha joined Mumsnet in 2021, and has since carved out a specialism in all things home, lifestyle and baby. Why you should trust us We got this Tiny Love one for my daughter when she was about a week old. To start with, it was just somewhere to put her, but from about two weeks she'd quite happily stare at herself in the mirror for five or 10 minutes - just long enough for me to grab lunch . She's now seven months and is still getting use out of it."(Vetted by Mumsnet user Tangle) Our verdict

9. Best for style: Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Gym

A baby gym is a padded play mat with an activity arch that includes games and sensory elements to catch your baby’s attention. They often come with a selection of hanging toys for your little one to work on their mental and physical development too.