Though a play mat is one of those accessories you buy for your infant that doesn’t last more than a year, I still find it to be a good purchase. Babies need to be stimulated in an age appropriate fashion with different textures; things that move and opportunities to explore.The more ways that your child can interact with a play mat the better and it sure beats being propped up in a bouncer all day long!

When I shop for a play mat or activity center, I look for a wide variety of ways that it can be used, so I really like this Ocean Wonders Kick & Crawl Aquarium Gym. Because it can be used several different ways - to lay on and stare at; for “tummy time” and then a little later as a crawl and climb center. It includes hanging toys and a mirror, a beach ball to kick at to develop leg strength…something not found on many play mats, and a quilt with attachment toys to promote that all important pincer grasp.

I like the fact that it can be converted to a crawl through gym, extending the life of this toy to at least a year or so