play gym

Putting newborns on their stomachs for tummy time can rank as high as washing out the diaper pail on a mama's list of activities because lil ones fuss. Creating a stimulating environment for tots to work their neck and shoulder muscles is a nice distraction. We've rounded up a handful of fun ones.

Clockwise from top left: Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym ($75, available mid-October), Mamas and Papas Lotty Ladybird Deluxe Playmat & Gym ($100), Infantino Surfboard Tummy Time Mat ($20), Giggle Organic Jungle Play Mat ($80), Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym ($40).

Reach and stretch! Even before a baby can sit or stand, she will begin stretching for objects in eyesight. Play mats and gyms provide lil ones with colorful objects to reach for while encouraging them to lift their heads and kick their feet. In doing so, tots also learn about cause and effect – seeing the dangling objects move as a result of their actions.

Simple: Ikea's Leka play gym ($25) is made from molded birch plywood and features three distinct wood and plastic hanging objects to entice tots to play.
Swank: The Hess Wooden Triangle Baby Gym ($75) features a simple wooden frame with dangling colored beads and rattles for infants to grab and swat at as they begin to experiment with hand-eye coordination.

Which do you prefer?