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On test
Activity Playmats and Gyms
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Score: 25/30
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Score: 21/30
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Score: 23/30
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Score: 21/30
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Score: 23/30
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Score: 24/30
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Score: 18.5/30
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Consumer Editor
says
Lara
Thomas and Finn, Consumer Editor and Product Tester!
Activity playmats and gyms are one of those non-essential items that
you’re likely to end up using consistently throughout your child’s first
few months of life.
Playmats are generally designed with bright colours and contrasting textures
that provide a fun, comfortable and stimulating environment for young
babies. They have a multitude of uses – from providing a comfy surface
and hours of entertainment to shielding your baby’s bottom from a cold
floor!
Activity Gyms go one step further with an arch of hanging toys, music
and textured patterns that your baby will enjoy exploring until they move
on to more advanced toys.
A good quality activity mat/gym is designed to:
- Help your baby to exercise and build control over his muscles
- Provide a stimulating environment
- Boost hand-eye co-ordination skills
- Encourage your baby to explore the world around them
- Provide a soft and fun surface for tummy play
- Encourage them to reach up and grasp toys
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What do
I need to consider?
A versatile playmat or gym is key to providing longevity
for you and your baby. Look for models that you know will stand the test
of time with good accessories that you can move around to preserve your
baby’s interest. Good quality fabric that you can wipe clean is also important
- your baby is going to sleep, eat and dribble on that mat so a few spill-ups
now and again is likely. If you travel a lot, a portable mat or gym that
comes with its own bag will be beneficial.
Meet
our panel of parents
This month’s panel are from Surrey and met when their children
started school at Barnett Wood Infants. The mums found out they were pregnant
around the same time and enjoyed sharing tips and advice throughout their
9 months of pregnancy! Our panel have tested the mats and gyms for over
2 months – swapping them at the school playground and harnessing the help
of their other children to bring you detailed information on the latest
models on the market.
What we tested for
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Meet our parent panel
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- Design features
- Ease of use
- Versatility
- Comfort
- Portability
- Quality/value for money
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- Anne & Daniel, 5 months
- Anne’s husband Martin
- Maria & Michael, 4 months
- Maria’s husband, Andrew
- Sandrine & Matilda, 5months
- Lynne & Hebe, 4 months
- Catherine & Florence, 3 mths
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The panel hard at work!
  
  
Where to next:
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