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the power of playtime: baby activity gym

baby playing with activity gym

Your baby’s first year is an incredibly special + transformative time. So much is happening at an incredibly rapid pace. Did you know that your baby’s brain will literally double in size during year one?


It’s important to offer ongoing stimulation during their first year, as the brain + neuron connections being formed have a lasting impact into their early childhood + beyond.

tips to help hone 5 important skills during playtime

But no need to stress: simply bonding + playing with your babe is a perfect way to nurture their development.

  • Sensory: Sensory skills are just what they sound like - skills related to the five senses. You can help develop their sense of touch by offering different textures. Think fuzzy or crinkly fabrics + toys. For hearing, try different rattles, squeakers or even singing to your babe. (Bonus points: singing is also great for early language skills. Go ahead + channel your inner Beyonce!)
  • Fine motor: This refers to being able to move + control tiny muscles in small + precise ways. (Like using fingers to grasp or pinch.) We designed the aden + anais activity gym with lots of enticing toys they can practice reaching for, while getting a mini-muscle workout. Developing fine motor skills will help them to grab other small objects, including Cheerios + crayons.
  • Gross motor: You’ve probably heard this term before. It means being able to coordinate + control larger body movements. One great way to help littles with gross motor skills? Tummy time (aka baby’s first workout!) When on their belly, your babe is developing their neck + shoulder muscles, which will build the strength they need to roll, crawl, and eventually walk.
  • Cognitive: These are skills around their ability to think, understand, communicate and problem solve. Nourish their noggin by reading to them every day, singing (see above!) or reciting favorite nursery rhymes. Offer them different toys to pique their interest + encourage interaction.
  • Socio-emotional: These are skills relating to your babe’s awareness of themselves + others. How to strengthen them? Play peek-a-boo. Tickle their feet. Show them mirrors. Above all, spend time actively engaging with them (no phones allowed!) Both our activity gym and playmat are designed for parents to sit side-by-side with their little during playtime.

 

Other Playtime Pro-Tips?

  • Make time for playtime every day! Even better, invite your partner + other family members or friends to participate.
  • Play upbeat music to stimulate hearing + make playtime fun for everyone. Check out the playtime Spotify list we created with our friends at BuyBuyBaby, featuring over an hour of playtime tunes the whole family will love. (No baby shark on this one!)
  • Playtime should happen in a safe + comfortable space, preferably on the floor (+ not a raised location.) Remember to remove any small, sharp or unsafe objects. An Activity Gym or Playmat offer extra comfort + cushion, but in a pinch, a muslin swaddle or blanket works great too.
  • Always make sure to supervise your baby closely + never leave them unattended. 
  • And of course, have fun! It is playtime, after all. 

 

Aden + Anais Activity Gym

Made with eco-friendly, non-toxic fabrics + handcrafted birchwood arches, the gym features a breathable 100% cotton muslin mat, plus velboa + satin accessories that are soft against delicate skin. You can set it up in minutes + store it easily when you’re done. And since we know that life gets messy, we wouldn’t dream of designing a baby activity gym that’s not machine washable. Just remove the arches + toys, and close each of the hook + loops before tossing it in.

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