A baby gym is one of those items that I think is a bit of a baby essential, even if it just so you have somewhere to lay your baby for 5 minutes so you can make a cup of tea or answer the phone. We were recently sent the Fisher Price Newborn to Toddler Gym to try out with Eliza – and Max as it turned out!
The Fisher Price Newborn to Toddler gym has a decent sized mat for your baby to lie on, without it being so big it takes over your living room. There is plenty of space for Eliza to grow, and although it isn’t a padded surface she seems comfortable enough and will happily play for 10-20 minutes at a time. There are 3 hanging toys which play music and sounds when she hits or kicks them – this alone holds her attention well. There are also some flashing lights which are activated in the same way, and the toys are easy to remove and change about if you want to mix it up a bit. This is the ‘Lay and Play’ stage, suitable from newborn.
The large zebra and giraffe side panels contain a selection of small balls which can be rolled across the main bar and down into the bottom section. This is for the ‘Sit and Play’ and ‘Stand and Play’ stages, where an older baby can sit or stand to play with the balls, and see the toys from a different angle. You can set the music to a 20 minute continuous play mode or have it on baby activated to encourage wriggling and movement. The mat can be converted for seated play, and there are pockets to store the balls. For standing play, the mat can be removed completely.
Max is 2, and enjoys playing with this almost every day. It offers a longer term option than most play gyms, making it great value for money – it will easily provide a play space from newborn right through to toddler.
There isn’t much I would change about this play gym. It requires 3 AAA batteries, but this is pretty standard for baby toys, and we always have a supply. The mat itself could be a little more padded – we use it on a carpet or rug so it isn’t an issue, but I think it would be a bit too thin for use on a harder floor. The zebra and giraffe side panels have an arched base – I have been aware on a few occasions that Eliza’s head can fit underneath so I do keep a close eye – if she wriggled sideways she could potentially scratch her head on these. A solid, flat base might be better here. Other than that, we love it – and will certainly be making the most of all the various modes of play in the years to come.
I love that this grows with the baby, so many things only get used for a few months then put away. I’ll definitely consider this for when our second arrives x
Mummy’s Blog recently posted…Pregnancy Diary – Week 9: dizzy spells
Ooh we have this to review for when the baby comes. It does look a lot of fun and looks like it lasts a very long time!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…Delicious cakes I would love to eat!
Looks like she’s enjoying it. The baby days seem such s long time ago SOB
Beth @ Twinderelmo recently posted…[Giveaway] SlumberSac Sleeping Bag
This looks much better than the gym we went for which has been a bit of a disappointment really. You can’t beat Fisher-Price.
Pippa Ainsworth recently posted…All New Bob the Builder Twitter Frenzy on 1st September
What a fab play gym! Looks great and ideal for your two youngest Kate!
Jo @sitstillmonkeys recently posted…The Ugglys Pet Shop Pet Store – Review
I do like this gym and it’s great that it is entertaining even for a toddler too. My only issue is that it seems quite big and we just wouldn’t have the space for it!
Sarah recently posted…Review: Bambino’s Tidy Table Tray
This looks really good for those who have a toddler and a new born. Two of my friends have just had babies (and they both have toddlers) so I may recommend this to them. #TriedTested
Emily aka Twin Mummy recently posted…Obsessions I’ve developed since becoming a mum
Awwwww! I want to be a small baby again! This looks so colourful and fun! Plenty of stimulation 🙂 #TriedTested
Baby ISABELLA recently posted…My mummy’s birthday week
Ah I remember my little ones falling asleep under their baby gyms too. So cute!
North East Family Fun recently posted…Our top Christmas Recommendations for children in the North East
Ah bless her, she looks so peaceful underneath it asleep! I think a baby gym is a great thing to have for a baby. Gives them something different to look at and listen to.
Stephanie recently posted…Project 365 – our 2015 in photos – Week 35
This looks like a fantastic little product – I love that it enables seated play too as our 8 month old will not sit still lying on the floor. Thanks for sharing #TriedTested
Mum in Brum recently posted…Preparing your nursery
I am a big fan of Fisher Price and once again, they’ve made a fantastic product that grows with your child! I love the bright colours of this playmat and I would definitely buy it if I were to have another baby.
Laura x x x
That looks good – I love it when more than one child enjoys playing with a toy #TriedTested
Mummy Fever recently posted…Back to school: part three
We have this gym for Aria and she loves it, she prefers it if I sit her up to play with it rather than her lying on the floor and playing with it.
#TriedTested
Leanne Cornelius recently posted…What My Baby Wore #5
Wow this looks like an all singing, all dancing baby gym! It’s been such a long time since I bought anything like this as my boy is 9 now but my brother and his girlfriend are expecting so I’m looking forward to buying baby things again!! x #triedtested
This looks brilliant, I love how it can be used from newborn and then grows with the child into toddlerhood. Fisher price products are fab we are huge fans, I have the giant playmat for my son and it takes up the whole room but he loves it xx #TriedTested
Lindsay @ Newcastle Family Life recently posted…Things We liked In August
We’ve found our baby gym to be worth its weight in gold in our first month of being parents, but this one looks far snazzier than ours. When the little man can actually reach up and grab the things on his play gym we might have to look for an all singing, all dancing alternative like this!
#TriedTested
Aww! That is very cute…..So bright and colourful!
Kim Carberry recently posted…Laser Pegs 12 in 1 Indy Car Construction Set – Review!!
I love that this can be used with older children too. Our toddler tries to get in the baby’s gym but she just ends up getting tangled as she’s too big!
This looks great!! I love the idea of the balls that are on the side, good idea.
#TriedTested
helen gandy recently posted…A Family Day Out – Thetford