Baby Play Mat - A Great Infant Toy
There are many names for them such as baby activity mat, play gym, play mat, etc., but they essentially consist of a soft mat with overhanging beams where toys are attached.
Tiny Love Activity Gym
Baby Einstein Activity Gym
Fisher Price Play Gym
I got one for my newborn girl (who’s now almost 3 months) and it has been, by far, her favorite toy. We play on it every morning and it still gets her excited and smiling every time. While there are many toys attached to it, the ladybug in the center is definitely her favorite. Since she also has some other favorite toys, I didn’t just go with all the standard toys that came with the mat. Some of those were removed in favor of her favorite chimes, rattle, musical sheep, and others. That’s the best part of these mats… when your baby gets bored with one of the toys or finds a new favorite, just switch them out for an ever-changing environment. Attach some new plush animals, chimes, rattles, pictures, bells, lighted toys, squeaky toys, and anything else your baby enjoys. Just make sure whichever mat you buy has toys that can be easily changed to others that are not necessarily from the same manufacturer. That way, your baby will never be bored with the same activities, and the play mat can be adapted to meet your baby’s current developmental skills and age. Overall, this is a great toy that your baby should enjoy for many months.