What is a baby gym? 6 benefits and what the effect is on your baby

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 23, 2023

Baby gym, what is that? A baby gym is a piece of play equipment for babies to play and discover. It stimulates the mobility and coordination of the child.

In this article I will tell you all about baby gyms and how you can make the best use of them.

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What is a baby gym?

A baby gym is play equipment for babies from about four months old. It's a form of toys that is placed or hung on the floor and where your baby can lie or sit under to play. Baby gyms are available in different shapes, sizes, colors and materials, such as wooden and plastic models.

The purpose of a baby gym is to let your little one discover and play. The playset usually contains colorful toys and sounds that grab your baby's attention and encourage him or her to move and grasp. This teaches your baby to develop and coordinate his or her motor skills.

When do you start with a baby gym?

You can start with a baby gym as soon as your little one is four months old and starts to move more and more. It is useful to place the baby gym on the floor or on a rug so that your baby can safe and can play and discover. Try not to let your baby lie on the baby gym for too long, a maximum of 10-15 minutes at a time, to avoid overstimulation.

Types of baby gyms

There are different types of baby gyms available, from simple models with an arch and some toys to interactive baby gyms with sounds and moving parts. Some baby gyms are equipped with natural materials, such as wood, while other models are made entirely of plastic.

User Tips

• Place the baby gym in a safe place on the floor or on a rug.
• Do not leave your baby on the baby gym for too long to avoid overstimulation.
• Always stay close to your baby when he or she is playing on the baby gym.
• Repeat playing on the baby gym regularly to stimulate your baby's development.
• Stop playing when your baby starts crying or has had enough.

Expert child safety

When purchasing a baby gym, pay attention to the safety of the product. Check that the baby gym is stable and does not contain any loose parts that your baby could swallow. It is also important to look at the materials used and whether they are safe for your baby.

What types of baby gyms are there?

A plastic baby gym is another option to consider. These baby gyms are often equipped with fun toys and sounds that will entertain your little one. Some models even have interactive features that can help your little one learn new things. Plastic baby gyms are useful because they are easy to clean and often adjustable in different heights. This allows you to adjust the baby gym to the needs of your child.

Hanging baby gyms

A hanging baby gym is a baby gym that hangs from an arch and lies on the floor or on a play mat. These baby gyms are available in different colors and shapes and offer your little one the opportunity to explore and play. Hanging baby gyms are convenient as they take up little space and allow your little one to move around and get exercise. In addition, they offer the advantage that your little one can sit down later and grab the toys.

Interactive baby gyms

An interactive baby gym is a baby gym that is equipped with sounds and movements. These baby gyms are available in different colors and shapes and offer your little one the opportunity to explore and play. Interactive baby gyms are useful as they can entertain your little one and help them learn new things. In addition, they offer the advantage that your little one can sit down later and grab the toys.

What are the benefits of a baby gym?

A baby gym is a great tool to stimulate your child's motor skills. Babies can move from birth and a baby gym invites them to grab, reach and move. This stimulates your child's coordination and physical activity. By starting early with a baby gym, the development of motor skills can be higher later in life.

Stimulates cognitive development

A baby gym with toys can challenge your child to discover and learn. For example, by watching the movement of the toys or trying to grab them, your child can learn about cause and effect. This can contribute to the cognitive development of your child.

Let your baby cry less

A baby gym can also help your baby cry less. By letting your child move and play, it can entertain itself and distract from any aches or discomforts.

Brings variety to the daily routine

A baby gym can also provide variation in your child's daily routine. By occasionally playing with the baby gym, your child can be stimulated and can entertain itself while you can do something else for example.

Stimulates creativity

A baby gym can also stimulate your child's creativity. For example, by hanging different toys on the baby gym, your child can be stimulated to discover and play in his own way.

Stimulates the senses

A baby gym can also contribute to the development of the senses of your baby. For example, by using different colors and textures, your child can be stimulated to feel and discover.

Stimulates gross and fine motor skills

A baby gym can stimulate both the gross and fine motor skills of your child. For example, by hanging toys at different heights, your child can be stimulated to reach and move. Grabbing toys can also contribute to the development of fine motor skills.

In short, a baby gym is a great tool to stimulate the development of your child in various areas. By playing and moving with the help of a baby gym, your child can entertain himself and develop himself in a fun and playful way.

What does a baby gym do for your little one?

A baby gym is not only good for the development of your child, but also for physical development. The different toys and the arch they hang from stimulate your child to move. This makes the muscles in the legs and arms stronger and your child will be able to sit and move independently more quickly. It is also good for the gross motor skills of your baby.

Interactive playground equipment

A baby gym is not just a playground equipment, it is an interactive playground equipment. The toys on the baby gym are designed in such a way that your child can play with them even at a young age. The different toys and sounds stimulate your child to play and discover. As a result, your child learns new things in a playful way and develops his or her senses.

Quiet and nice environment

A baby gym offers your child a quiet and fun environment to play. It is a place where your child feels safe and where it can concentrate on playing. This allows your child to develop better and it will have more fun playing with the baby gym.

Suitable for different phases

A baby gym is suitable for different phases in the development of your child. In the first period, your child cannot yet sit and will mainly lie on his or her back and look at the toys. After this, your child will try to grab and move the toys. If your child can sit independently, he or she can grab the toys and play with them. This allows your child to continue using the baby gym until it is about a year old.

Extra advantages

A baby gym has an additional advantage. It gives parents the opportunity to have their hands free while their child can play safely and fun. You can safely put your child under the baby gym while you do something else in the area, for example. This way your child can enjoy himself while you have enough time to do other things.

Our Verdict

A baby gym is a very suitable playground equipment for your little one. It stimulates development, promotes physical activity and provides a calm and fun environment for play. In addition, it is also useful for parents. It is important to look at the needs of your child and to see which types of baby gyms suit your little one best.

When do you start using a baby gym?

It is advisable to start with a baby gym from the moment your little one starts to move. This can be from the first weeks after birth. It is important to look at your child's development and determine when he or she is ready.

How long can your child play on a baby gym?

It is important not to let your child play on the baby gym for too long. Start with a few minutes a day and build up slowly. Stop when your baby starts to cry or when he or she has had enough. It is also important to remember that a baby gym is not a substitute for parental attention and interaction.

How can you encourage your child to play with the baby gym?

You can encourage your child to play with the baby gym by playing with the toys yourself and showing how it works. Encourage your child to try to grab and move the toys. Repeat this regularly and encourage your child to keep playing and exploring. It is also important to remember that every child is different and that some children need more time to get used to the baby gym than others.

Useful tips when buying a baby gym

When buying a baby gym, safety is the most important aspect to keep in mind. Make sure that the baby gym is stable and cannot easily fall over. Choose a wide base and check whether the baby gym is not too high for your child. Also pay attention to sharp edges or parts that could hurt your child.

Material and parts

Baby gyms are available in different materials, such as wooden or plastic toys. Wooden baby gyms are more durable and often have a classic look, while plastic baby gyms often have more extra functions, such as sounds and moving parts. Check that the baby gym meets safety standards and that all parts are securely fastened.

Age and motor skills

When buying a baby gym (reviewed here the best models) it is important to look at the age and motor development of your child. For younger babies it is nice if the baby gym is low to the ground, so that they can easily reach it. An elevated baby gym is more fun for older babies, because they can stand up and tilt the toys. Choose a baby gym with toys that match your child's developmental phase and that stimulate motor skills.

Additional features and capabilities

Some baby gyms have extra functions, such as sounds or lights, while other baby gyms are simple and only have toys. Think about what you and your child would like and choose a baby gym that suits you. In addition, there are baby gyms that you can put on a table or hang on the door, which can be useful if you don't have much space.

Buy second-hand or new

A baby gym is a purchase that you can enjoy for a long time, but it does not necessarily have to be new. Second-hand baby gyms are often cheaper and can still be in good condition. Always check whether the baby gym is still safe and whether there is no damage.

Try it out and ask questions

If you have found a suitable baby gym, try it out in the store. See if your child likes it and if it fits your wishes. Feel free to ask the seller questions if you are unsure about anything. After all, it's all about the safety and fun of your little one.

Baby gym usage tips

Always check the instructions before you start assembling the baby gym. Try doing it with someone else so you have an extra pair of hands. Make sure that the parts are firmly attached and that the baby gym cannot move during play.

How can I best guide my child while playing under the baby gym?

Let your child play under the baby gym and stay close by. It is good to encourage your child to move from time to time, for example by offering a toy or gently rocking the baby gym back and forth. In addition, it is important to look at the reaction of your child and see what he or she likes.

How can I best use the baby gym when my child gets older?

When your child gets older, he or she can also play sitting under the baby gym. Make sure that the baby gym is stable and that your child cannot reach the parts that he or she is not yet allowed to use. You can also place other toys next to the baby gym, so that your child can alternate.

Is a baby gym handy to take with you in the diaper bag?

A baby gym is often too big and too solid to carry in the diaper bag. Fortunately, there are variants that are foldable or that you can easily take apart. These are more convenient to take with you when you go on a visit, for example.

What are other useful tips?

• Make sure the baby gym is on a soft surface, such as a rug or a play mat.
• Do not let your child play under the baby gym for too long, a maximum of 20 minutes per turn.
• Advise your child to also play on his or her stomach under the baby gym, this is good for the development of the back muscles.
• If your child does not like to lie under the baby gym, try a different variant or a different type of toy.
• It is important to regularly check the baby gym for loose parts or damage.

Baby gym: do you choose wood or plastic?

As a parent you want the best for your little one. When choosing a baby gym, it is important to take into account the needs and development of your child. A baby gym is an activity that helps your child to discover and learn. But which material is best for your little one: wood or plastic?

The characteristics of wooden baby gyms

Wooden baby gyms are very popular nowadays. They are natural, durable and fit well into any interior. Wooden baby gyms are available in different types, colors and sizes. A wooden baby gym is easy to assemble and can last a long time. It is a good choice if you are looking for a baby gym that matches the design of your home.

A wooden baby gym stimulates your little one's senses. The wood feels natural and can make different sounds when toys are attached to it. Wooden baby gyms are also safe and hygienic. You can easily clean the separate parts and put the baby gym on the floor without having to worry about harmful substances.

Conclusion

A baby gym is play equipment for babies to stimulate discovery and play. It is a good way to develop their motor skills and stimulate their cognitive abilities. It is important to choose the right baby gym and choose the right sizes and materials to ensure safety.

If you apply these tips, you can be sure that you are making the right choice for your baby gym.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.