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.
Play mats are often made of soft and durable material that is appropriate for young children. They are adorned with bright colors which excite baby and stimulate their visual senses. For the most part all of the play mats on the market are made using different and unique textures and patterns which helps aid development of their tactile senses. It's important to buy a play mat 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 it is expensive to outfit baby with great new toys, this is one of those instances where you can afford to spend a little extra. Because baby will spend so much time on the mat you should find a one that offers stimulation of the most senses possible. It's better to purchase one toy that does the job of many of them. While it may cost a little bit more you're certain to get the most out of baby's time on the mat, while saving money and space in the long run.
-Buy a name brand product. Again, don't skimp here. Name brand products usually make the best product and have a much more capable customer support department if the need to contact them arises.
-Keep it clean. Even though your baby is the only one who uses the play mat doesn't mean it doesn't need to be cleaned. Just like anything else that comes in contact with the ground and baby, it needs to be washed. We always used organic/non-toxic cleaners to wash the mat and I'd recommend you do too.
-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 often made of soft and durable material that is appropriate for young children. They are adorned with bright colors which excite baby and stimulate their visual senses. For the most part all of the play mats on the market are made using different and unique textures and patterns which helps aid development of their tactile senses. It's important to buy a play mat 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 it is expensive to outfit baby with great new toys, this is one of those instances where you can afford to spend a little extra. Because baby will spend so much time on the mat you should find a one that offers stimulation of the most senses possible. It's better to purchase one toy that does the job of many of them. While it may cost a little bit more you're certain to get the most out of baby's time on the mat, while saving money and space in the long run.
-Buy a name brand product. Again, don't skimp here. Name brand products usually make the best product and have a much more capable customer support department if the need to contact them arises.
-Keep it clean. Even though your baby is the only one who uses the play mat doesn't mean it doesn't need to be cleaned. Just like anything else that comes in contact with the ground and baby, it needs to be washed. We always used organic/non-toxic cleaners to wash the mat and I'd recommend you do too.
-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.
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