Baby play mats have taken the market by storm over the last few years, and for good reason. Studies show that it's never too soon for babies to be exposed to a very stimulating environment. I am a father of two, and if you're like me you'll also enjoy the fact that many play mats offer a clean and comfortable area for your baby to play on the ground.
Most if not all play mats are produced using soft and durable materials that is good for babies. As you'll find they all have vibrant colors which stimulate baby's visual senses. Another great feature is that play mats us many different textures and materials that make noises. This helps their development of tactile senses. Note: it's important to purchase a play mat that stimulates as many of your baby's 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 parents 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. It sounds a bit snobby, but they usually make the best products and in the off-chance you need to contact the companies support department, they usually have the best policies and are more responsive to consumers.
-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. It's a very good idea to switch between having baby on their tummy and on his back. Our son and first child, hated being on his tummy and as a result would spend most of his time on the mat being on his back. Though because babies skulls are still forming and growing, spending too much time on their backs can cause a flattened head as your baby skull bones are not sealed together. While the problem almost always corrects itself (as in our case), it was very stressful period for us as first time parents.
Most if not all play mats are produced using soft and durable materials that is good for babies. As you'll find they all have vibrant colors which stimulate baby's visual senses. Another great feature is that play mats us many different textures and materials that make noises. This helps their development of tactile senses. Note: it's important to purchase a play mat that stimulates as many of your baby's 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 parents 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. It sounds a bit snobby, but they usually make the best products and in the off-chance you need to contact the companies support department, they usually have the best policies and are more responsive to consumers.
-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. It's a very good idea to switch between having baby on their tummy and on his back. Our son and first child, hated being on his tummy and as a result would spend most of his time on the mat being on his back. Though because babies skulls are still forming and growing, spending too much time on their backs can cause a flattened head as your baby skull bones are not sealed together. While the problem almost always corrects itself (as in our case), it was very stressful period for us 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 Activity Gym here at the Baby Gym Marketplace.
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