We finally have a Good (affordable) Answer to a Good Question from last year about wood play gyms. Ikea has just released a simple, birch gym for about $25.
Like it's fabric counterpart, it's part of the Leka collection. We certainly think this fits the bill for its simplicity and attractiveness, but we're not entirely convinced it will hold the attention of a baby as well as some of the softer, fabric options out there. What do you think?
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Comments (3)
It looks beautiful in person, but I wasn't sure my babies could have reached the toys. As for keeping attention, the toys slide across the top a bit, so they make noise. Also, the two colored circles on the side spin.
I have this: http://www.baby-walz.com/SyEngine.php?Act=97554&Do=97713&_SSL=0&pBild=0&pVariante=0&pPassend=458547
(Imported for us from Germany by Omi and Opa.)
What I like is that I can use Sassy and Infantino toys that are designed for the infant car seat handle (with a velcro loop) and velcro them through the slits in the top (which the IKEA gym also has) for some variety in the toys.
I've noticed that when my 6-months-old son becomes disinterested in a particular toy, it helps to put it away for a few days, then reintroduce it. Absence etc. etc. :)
I have a similar wooden activity gym that my baby has been intrigued by since birth (she's presently almost a year old). At each stage of development it seems she discovers something new about the moving parts: twisting, sliding, jingling, etc. Now she pushes it around like a walker! Her soft Tiny Love gym lasted a month or two, but hasn't held her interest much. Plus, the wooden gyms look great anywhere in the house!