I guess I should start from the beginning with Baby toys:
The main thing to keep in mind with baby toys is that they won’t be using them for very long. If you plan on having more than one child then you’ll be able to reuse the toys but don’t forget about storing them in between babies. With that being said here are some of our family’s top baby toy picks.
Play gym with hanging toys – Their perfect for immobile babies on their backs or on their tummies. Be sure to get a play mat with removable toys for when your baby is older so they can play with the toys on the go too. I have used the same play mat with all four of my kids and they have all loved it! These are usually pretty easy to find at local resale shops for not very much money. Make sure that the mat itself can be machine washed for easy spit-up removal and that it folds flat for easy storage.
I also highly recommend the Leka play mat from IKEA. It has lots of fun activities on it for babies who like to be on their tummies and it’s perfect to take to the park to have an entertaining place for baby to play. And the best part is . . . . .wait for it . . . . . IT’S MACHINE WASHABLE!!! Woo Hoo! Check it out at www.ikea.com/us product name Leka, or click on a link to it from the ’Tried and True Mommy Favorites’ section on my web page.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I could not have used better words . This is a area that is that matters to me and I thought you covered it perfectly. I only just started writing a blog as well but I’m not extremelyproficient at it yet. Would love to read more of your site and I’ll definitely return another time!
Hello,
Stumbled across your blog when I was searching for reviews for the IKEA LEKA play mat. Boy, am I glad! Love your blog!! As the first time mother of a three month old, I am absolutely loving your blog. Thanks for sharing so much wisdom.
Perhaps you could help me – I am planning to buy the play mat online. My only concern is that it doesnt look as padded as some of the other play mats out there (e.g. The Taf Playmat from ToysRUs). Could you pls let me know your experience – is it padded enough that the kids wont feel like they are lying on a hard surface. I will be using it on carpeted floor, but still want to make sure she gets enough padding. You can reach me on my email or I will check back if you reply to this comment ( I have subscribed to your blog now).
Thanks tons.
Surya
Hi Surya!
Thank you so much for reading my blog! I’m happy you like it. You’re so much a part of the reason I started writing it!
You’re right about the IKEA Leka play mat. There isn’t a whole lot of padding to it so I wouldn’t recommend it for use on a hard surface. There are non-skid rubber dots on the bottom of it so it won’t slide around on a slick floor, but I never really used it that way. In fact the best part about the rubber dots was that it kept my daughter entertained because she loved the feel of them when she rubbed her hand across them. The play mat really is perfect for use on carpet or on the grass. It’s nice and soft so that if, and when your baby scrubs their nose in it, it will be easy on their face. Each time I have used it on the grass the grass stains have washed right out in the washing machine with a little bit of stain stick remover on it. If you find that you are going to need to use it on a hard surface I would recommend putting a quilt or other thicker blanket underneith it.
I hope this helps! If there is anything I can help you with in the future please feel free to ask any time! Or if you have any ideas you would like to share that have worked for you I’d love to hear about them!
Thanks!
Sue
Thanks..:)