Floor play: The best way for your little one to develop their skills is to get down on the floor with them! 'Baby gyms also allows space for the whole family or some friends to join them and for everyone to be comfortable on the floor together.' We got this Tiny Love one for my daughter when she was about a week old. To start with, it was just somewhere to put her, but from about two weeks she'd quite happily stare at herself in the mirror for five or 10 minutes - just long enough for me to grab lunch . She's now seven months and is still getting use out of it."(Vetted by Mumsnet user Tangle) Our verdict

Fisher-Price products usually come highly rated by Mumsnet users and its Musical Rainforest Infant Activity Gym is no exception. Highly recommended by many parents, it's colourful and appealing to babies, and is comparatively cheaper than other brands. With its foldable sides that can be used to create low walls, this product creates a place for little ones to play in, which Pampers Parents loved. However, some Pampers Parents said they found the sides were a little on the low side, as their babies could climb over and escape easily. Baby Einstein’s Neptune Discover Reef Play Activity Gym doesn’t compete against the larger, more expensive models for features, but it does beat them on portability. Small, compact and travel ready, you can remove the bar and fit it into your infant carrier for baby-centred entertainment on the go. Not going anywhere? The mat can be removed and used for tummy time, and the toys can be unclipped and stored in the nappy bag for when you really need it. Oh, and it is much, much cheaper than some alternatives too!Munchkin & Bear’s Large Melbourne MOD Play Mat is a simple but effective concept. It is a practical, one-piece, easy-to-clean, large-scale carpet that protects your baby and your flooring. Although it is expensive, industry experts highly rate it. In 2022 alone, it won the Gold award from Made For Mums, Baby Project and Mother&Baby. We love that it's an indestructible solution for anyone who doesn’t like all-singing, all-dancing baby activity gyms or has limited storage space. Bought a Tiny Love play mat with my first son. Was invaluable until he started sitting as he LOVED batting at the huge array of stuff we attached to it (he still loves watching things spin)." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user yomellamoHelly)

The toys hang from soft “wooden” poles, and you can set the height of the toys as your baby grows using the added loops. A play gym can help a baby enjoy and look forward to time spent playing on the floor. There are infant activity gyms in dozens of styles and colors with all sorts of different toys and features, so choosing the best one for your child might seem challenging. Knowing what characteristics are the most educational and entertaining might make it easier to make the best selection. Pampers Parents loved that this baby mat was soft and cute, with lots of textures that their little ones could touch and play with. They also found it easy to clean.

How we chose our recommendations

This large, one-piece baby mat offers a comfortable place for your baby to practice tummy time, but will also work as a spot for your toddler or even preschooler to play or read comfortably later on. Pampers Parents liked the size — which is comparable to a queen-size mattress — and its softness. Tummy time: This is a crucial exercise for baby's motor, visual, and sensory development, but more on that below. Features: More doesn’t always mean better. Look for activity gyms with a good balance of interactive features, with space to add to or change it up. Read next: Keep your little one's nails groomed to avoid scratches when they play with the best baby nail clippers. Why are play mats and activity gyms good for babies? All baby mats, gyms and activity centres serve the same purpose. They offer an opportunity for your baby to explore the world around them in a safe, soft and stimulating environment. They also provide visual and sensory stimulation and are ideal for tummy time. Here are the skills your baby can develop, depending on the play mat or gym you opt for:

Cheerful elephant toy lights up and plays 20+ minutes of music (and detaches for on-the-go fun). As baby grows up, he can practice motor skills by dropping the balls himself!A baby needs love and three things – somewhere to sleep, a way to eat and somewhere to play!' says Sophie Lilley, Founder or Munchkin & Bear UK and The Baby Show exhibitor. 'A good play mat or baby gym creates a safe space to develop their muscles, learn how to move, practice balancing and have fun!' Size: L66.86cm x W91.5cm x H45.7cm | Material: Not specified | Batteries required: Yes (3x AA) | Suitable for: 0 months+| Skills: Best for communication, language and numeracy skills What we love As baby grows up, she can practice motor skills by dropping the balls herself! For younger babies, the jumbo playmat lays flat for tummy time (psst, we even added in a tummy time prop pillow). The cheerful elephant toy plays music and lights up to catch and keep baby’s attention. You’ll love the Rainbow Tropics fashion complete with colourful confetti patterns, unicorn pals and more. Playtime is all around with 6 additional toys: bead chaser, unicorn crinkle toy, baby-safe mirror, flash cards, hanging leaf toy and bead rattle. Who’s ready to have a ball with Bright Starts.

While personal taste is always the deciding factor, consider the following tips before purchasing your baby gym: Comfort is key Easy to store. Many Pampers Parents wanted a mat or a gym that was easy to store when not using, or that was easy to take with them on a vacation or day out. Playing with your baby is a wonderful way to teach them about the world while bonding. Point out interesting parts of the play gym. Say the names of objects and describe them, such as, “Look at the yellow sun. The sun keeps us warm and helps things grow.” Although your little one might not understand everything you say, doing so helps their brain develop. It also teaches about important subjects such as social skills, vocabulary and body language.

Expert Reviews

Choose a play gym that is appropriate for your baby’s current age and activity level but will also continue to be enjoyable as your little one develops. For a plaything to contribute to your baby’s development, it must engage and entertain them now and be flexible enough to continue interesting and challenging them as they learn and grow.