Baby play mats have made their way full force onto the market in the last few years, and for good reason. Early childhood development studies show that it's never too soon to babies to be exposed to a physically and mentally stimulating environment. If you're a parent like me, you'll also appreciate the fact that play mats offer a clean and comfortable area for baby to be on the floor.
Play mats are usually constructed of soft yet durable material that is ideal for young children. They have bright vibrant colors that attract baby and stimulate their visual senses. Most play mats are also created to have different textures and make unique sounds to appeal to baby's attention and help aid development of their tactile senses. When shopping for these items, try to find one that incorporates stimulation of as many of their senses as possible.
It helps to know that it when you do put baby down that you can relax knowing baby is in a safe environment but as any parent will tell you it's not easy to get used to that idea. Many first time parents have a tough time dealing with the guilt of putting their baby down for a while. It was comforting for me and my wife knowing when we did put our children on the play mat, it was a healthy place for them. You must realize that it is just as important for babies to spend some time moving on their own instead of being tied to their parent's hips. Don't worry if you feel this way, know that it is a good for baby as it is for you to spend some time rolling and playing on the ground. These activities will help baby gain the strength and coordination they'll need as they become more mobile.
Advice for choosing and using a play mat:
-Don't skimp. While price may be an important determiner for your purchase, you should find a play mat that offers stimulation of the most senses possible. It may cost a little more, but you'll get the most out of baby's time on the mat, and you'll save money and space.
-Buy a name brand product. Again, my advice is to go name brand here and not skimp. Name brand products usually are of better quality and have better phone customer support if you need to call them for whatever reason.
-Clean/wash your play mat routinely. Usually baby is the only one using the mat, but just like your floor, it will eventually become dirty and dusty, and needs to be washed. Try to use organic and non-toxic cleaners when you do to limit the chances of a skin reaction to baby.
-Alternate baby's time on the mat. When baby is on the mat, it's a good idea to alternate between having them on their stomach and on their back. Our son and first child, wanted nothing to do with being on his stomach and would spend most of the time on his back while on the mat. Because babies' skulls are still forming, too much time on their backs can cause a flattened skull as your baby grows. While the problem almost always corrects itself (it did for us), it was a period of stress as first time parents.
Play mats are usually constructed of soft yet durable material that is ideal for young children. They have bright vibrant colors that attract baby and stimulate their visual senses. Most play mats are also created to have different textures and make unique sounds to appeal to baby's attention and help aid development of their tactile senses. When shopping for these items, try to find one that incorporates stimulation of as many of their senses as possible.
It helps to know that it when you do put baby down that you can relax knowing baby is in a safe environment but as any parent will tell you it's not easy to get used to that idea. Many first time parents have a tough time dealing with the guilt of putting their baby down for a while. It was comforting for me and my wife knowing when we did put our children on the play mat, it was a healthy place for them. You must realize that it is just as important for babies to spend some time moving on their own instead of being tied to their parent's hips. Don't worry if you feel this way, know that it is a good for baby as it is for you to spend some time rolling and playing on the ground. These activities will help baby gain the strength and coordination they'll need as they become more mobile.
Advice for choosing and using a play mat:
-Don't skimp. While price may be an important determiner for your purchase, you should find a play mat that offers stimulation of the most senses possible. It may cost a little more, but you'll get the most out of baby's time on the mat, and you'll save money and space.
-Buy a name brand product. Again, my advice is to go name brand here and not skimp. Name brand products usually are of better quality and have better phone customer support if you need to call them for whatever reason.
-Clean/wash your play mat routinely. Usually baby is the only one using the mat, but just like your floor, it will eventually become dirty and dusty, and needs to be washed. Try to use organic and non-toxic cleaners when you do to limit the chances of a skin reaction to baby.
-Alternate baby's time on the mat. When baby is on the mat, it's a good idea to alternate between having them on their stomach and on their back. Our son and first child, wanted nothing to do with being on his stomach and would spend most of the time on his back while on the mat. Because babies' skulls are still forming, too much time on their backs can cause a flattened skull as your baby grows. While the problem almost always corrects itself (it did for us), it was a period of stress as first time parents.
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Before you head out to get anything for your child, take a minute to peruse your options of baby gym and play gym here at the Baby Gym Marketplace.