Baby Gym

Nine years ago my darling nephew was born and my husband and I chose to buy him a baby gym as his welcome to the world gift. He loved it and spent many a happy hour laid on the colourful mat, playing with the toys in the arched toy bar. Naturally, then, I hoped our little girl would appreciate such a product too.

As soon as I saw this gym I thought it looked perfect. The arched dome had a number of toys for Lily to look at and eventually play with and I felt sure that the colourful Lion mat, which also had crinkly elements in the paws and Lion's head, would appeal to Lily's eyes and fingers!

When my hubbie put the gym together one thing struck us; it took up quite a lot of floor space. I convinced myself that that didn't matter though because it would be in constant use. Sadly I was wrong. The first time we laid Lily under the arch she cried. On the second attempt my husband crawled under the arches with Lily (not an easy feat!) and while Lily seemed a little happier she seemed so only because Daddy was playing alongside her. We decided that perhaps the gym was a little overwhelming for such a small bubba so disassembled the arches and folded the mat up to put out another time.

Fast forward a couple of months to the point when Lily was showing much more interest in little toys and we thought we would give the gym another go. By now, the toys were hanging a little closer to Lily's face. Perhaps too close!! I don't think she really appreciated them being in her face. As there was no way of shortening the length they were hanging from, I tried removing them and seeing if the mat itself could get some use. Sadly, Lily was not so impressed with it. She'd lie on it for a little while exploring the tactile elements but would eventually tire of it.

I have to conclude that the baby gym got a big fat thumbs down from Lily. It's sat in the corner of her nursery for 9 months now and will shortly be making its way to the local car boot sale. A lesson learnt I guess. Babies don't always like the same things!!