Bubble Gym
Rory is now seven weeks old and we are constantly amazed at the leaps and bounds out little miracle makes. He is very alert, so needs great stimulation to stay happy – the Chicco Bubble Gym has proven to be the best thing for this so far.
Work hard, play hard
Rory recently had his ‘six week growth spurt’, so we were very busy with milk, milk and more milk (and quite a few nappy changes)…but we still make time for play. I kept the Bubble Gym next to where we feed, so it was easy to lay him down for some important activity time after burping.
Rory’s first smiles
Rory’s smiles really developed over this period, which was an absolute delight to watch. We experienced some of his first smiles as he played with the Gym – particularly when I crinkled the circular toy with the puppy blowing bubbles (it contains a material which sounds like sweetie wrappers when you scrunch it).
Great to help babies develop their senses with lights, colours, fabrics and sounds.
Sensory development
The Chicco gym is great to help babies develop their senses. Our health visitor recently commented on how alert Rory was, then looking at the Chicco toys on the floor and particularly the gym she added that it would be down to the level of stimulation we were giving him. The gym has lovely colours, objects, lights, sounds and fabrics that really help Rory to discover the joys of sight, sound and touch. I can see the gym continuing to be a vital tool in Rory’s continued development.
Music that doesn’t drive you mad
Although the Gym has its own standard music box music, you can also plug in your own mp3 player to add variety (and to avoid being driven mad by the repetition of the same song playing over and over again which so many baby toys can do). We love our indie-rock music so it’s a great opportunity to introduce Rory to this too. He enjoys some of the calmer tunes (and the odd disco type pop tune that’s sneaked into our iPod too).
Exercise
It may be my imagination, but I swear Rory started dancing to the music on the gym. Even if this is wishful thinking, the gym certainly provided a great spot for Rory to practice moving his legs and arms. One of the best moments was when Rory realised he could move the toys on the gym himself. He can’t quite reach them all yet, but he did manage to move those lower down the arm and his eyes lit up with excitement when he did.
Gives Rory chance to practice moving his arms and legs.
Tummytime
The mat, and small cushion that comes with it, will be great to support Rory’s tummytime as he grows and strengthens his ability to hold his own head up.
Socialising and learning to share
The gym is also great for a spot of socialising. This is where Rory met his friend Emma for the first time. Plenty of room on the mat for two babies to lie alongside each other and lots of toys hanging from the gym for them to share.
It’s good for him to learn to share as soon as possible, so he can be happy when others come to play and he can make lots of friends as he grows up…
Did it make us smile?
So far our overall verdict of the Bubble Gym is a very positive one. It has already brought us some of our happiest moments together and I am sure there will be many more to come.
