publication date: Jul 13, 2010
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author/source: Anne Coates
Although
tempting to want to cuddle a
new born baby in your arms all the time, you soon realise that you need your
hands free for other things and
baby needs somewhere comfortable and
safe to play.
I remember the
baby gym I had for Olivia – all hard plastic that could easily be
knocked over with about three
toys dangling from the crossbar. Today's variations are much more
baby-friendly and fun!
As soon as baby
Harriet was placed on the
Silver Cross quilted
playmat with the
toy arch above her, her little face lit up. Three
interactive toys hang from the
arch: one contains a
rattle, one a squeaker, and another a
bell and textured
teether. All are
detachable so you can hook them onto a
buggy or cot.
The
cushioned surround has a soft carrot
rattle and a butterfly with
crinkly wings and a
squeaking beetroot which also incorporates a
baby-safe mirror. Harriet loves chatting away to her
mirror image and is getting the hang of
rattles and
squeaks!
Everything can be hand-washed and the
playmat has a
waterproof base so can be used
outside.
The
Homegrown Playmat & Gym helps the development of
key skills:
- Touch: textures which encourage baby to touch.
- Visual: colours and movement which encourage baby to look.
- Sound: noise effects which encourage baby to listen.
- Thinking and understanding: develops concentration and promotes problem solving.
- Physical agility: encourages movement and baby’s physical development.
- Hand-eye co-ordination: involves precise movement, encouraging concentration and physical development.
The
Silver Cross Homegrown Playmat & Gym (£60) is
excellent value as it is designed to be used through
three stages:- soft quilted playmat (0 to three months);
- add cushioned surround and interactive toy arch for a stimulating baby gym(two to 12 months;
- when baby is sitting unaided the toy arch is moved forward to become a toy bar (ten to 18 months).
For
stockists ring 01756 702 412 or visit www.silvercross.co.uk
