Fisher Price newborn to toddler play gym: a review

We have a new gym bunny in the house! Elsie is LOVING her Fisher Price newborn to toddler gym so much! For the first time ever she is really engaging in toys, lights and sounds, and is happy to lie there kicking and gurgling for longer periods of time! We’ve been so lucky to have this sent to us to review- this is what we think.

What it is

The newborn to toddler baby gym is a play mat with an interactive arch that holds toys and plays music with lights. It operates on two settings- one has up to 20 minutes of lively songs, and one is a rather nifty baby initiated setting- so every time Elsie grabs, bats or kicks one of the colourful toys she is greeted with a sound, giggle or jingle. The arch leads down to two bright and fun characters ( a zebra and a giraffe) and these house a ball run that the older kids absolutely love!

The idea is that when Elsie is a little older, she will sit up and play with the gym, and be able to roll the balls down the chutes herself. And when standing she can play a little more upright still. I am sure, judging from how much The Preschooler loves the toy, she will be enjoying it just as much then too!

Set up

It’s a shame batteries are not included! The set up is so easy to do. From box to play time in under five minutes.

Little vid to show how easy it was to set up the #FisherPrice newborn to toddler play gym. Less than 5 minutes and she was playing happily 🙂 @sammydkhan

A video posted by @ghostwritermummy on Feb 28, 2015 at 4:08am PST

The best bits Elsie rolled over on this mat. She was so desperate to get to the toys and to experience the gym in all it’s glory that she rolled back to front within days of us setting it up.

And each time she plays under the gym now she is delighted to be able to grab and kick the hanging toys.The gym is just wonderful for encouraging her development!

 

Elsie loves the music! It might become a little tiresome to us, but who cares? She is almost mesmerised by the jolly tunes, and when on the baby initiated setting the giggles bring the hugest smiles to her face. I’m sure she will laugh properly soon!

The bright colours are age appropriate and such fun. I love the little woodland creatures. 

I wonder how much babies move in an average day? If she could walk, how many miles would those little legs cover?   A video posted by @ghostwritermummy on Mar 2, 2015 at 7:45am PST

The mat is light and easy to clean- it detaches easily from the plastic arch and can be wiped or popped into the machine easily. It dries in less than 20 minutes.

The gym is easy to transport from home to Nanna’s- we don’t leave the house without it these days as it’s guaranteed to entertain her!

The toys are easily removed from the play arch so that Elsie can take her favourite (the racoon) wherever she goes!

As she grows older the play gym will be great for fine and gross motor skills and counting. I cannot wait for this toy to grow with her.

The not so great bits

As already mentioned, batteries are not included- but this gym only takes 3 AAA batteries so it’s not so bad.

On the long play setting, the music can be a little *whispers* annoying. And the quietest setting is actually quite loud. But the kids love it so who am I to argue?!

The verdict

Elsie loves it, so we love it. Another Fisher Price toy that has been well researched and well made for babies. I love that the toy stimulates the senses and has already encouraged Elsie to reach out, grab and interact with toys. It retails from around £50-70 and lasts from newborn to toddler, so you really get your money’s worth. Highly recommended!

We were sent one Fisher Price newborn to toddler play gym to review. No other payment was received and all opinions are my own.