Tuesday

The Original Gymini from Tiny Love celebrates 15 years!

Tiny Love is founded on the belief that "newborns possess the ability to communicate with and be stimulated by their environment." Their mission is to provide safe, innovative and top quality soft developmental toys that enhance a baby's developing senses. Tiny Love toys are designed by a team of experts including physicians, developmental specialists, birth educators and parents. Their success lies in their ability to match skill level with the various physical stages of baby's development. Through reaching, grasping, watching and listening, your baby learns more about his world by interacting with Tiny Love Toys. Consult the Baby Development Booklet from Tiny Love Toys, to learn more about your baby's development.

Tiny Love produces many award winning toys. In celebration of Gymini's 15th year Anniversary, we will be reviewing the Gymini Activity Gym today. The Gymini is a top quality soft mat with arches for playtime which allows baby to build gross motor skills and develop eye-hand coordination. The first Gymini to be developed is the Gymini 3-D Activity Gym Black, White, & Red. This Gymini is designed in high contrast to attract newborns and young infants. The soft padded mat features interesting black and white designs which are framed with a bright red border. Two arches attach to the mat and have holes which allow rings to suspend toys. It comes with a mirror, a classic bead rattle and a soft musical flower. Parents can purchase additional toys from Tiny Love as baby grows, to add variety. This is the simplest of all the Gymini models and is perfectly suited for young babies who can so easily become overwhelmed and overloaded by sensory stimuli. This play gym folds flat for easy storage and comes with a carrying case which is perfect for travel.

By month 3 or 4, baby is ready to tackle more advanced and colorful toys, and you may want to introduce one of the colorful Gymini Models. Consider the ActiviTot Developmental Gym Tropic Isle which features 17 fun developmental activities and includes a specially designed tummy-time pillow. The NEW Gymini Monkey Island boasts 18 developmental activities and a take-along monkey. NEW for 2008, Tiny Love will launch their newest Gymini, the Gymini Musical Kick and Discover (pictured to the left) which features a portable kick pad that can be taken anywhere. Experts all agree that babies are spending far too long in "containers" where they sit passively, which rob baby of the opportunity to exercise his muscles actively. For optimal physical development, remove baby from his container (bouncer, swing, etc) and place him on his Gymini mat regularly for some good old fashioned floor time. In the supine (on his back) position, baby will first swipe and then reach for the toys. Add some additional rings (purchased separately) to lower the toys to a level where baby can reach them. Place your baby on his tummy for supervised tummy time sessions which will allow baby to strengthen his neck, back and shoulders and reduce the risk of developing plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). As baby learns to sit independently, remove the arches and allow baby to continue using the mat during play time.

The Tiny Love website is very well designed and offers a wealth of information about your baby's development. You will find a detailed explanation of each product for sale, as well as the developmental benefits in terms of the senses, gross and fine motor skills, cognition and emotional intelligence. Parents will now be able to see at a glance what each toy offers before purchasing. Tiny Love produces wonderful tips for using a toy at various age ranges, to maximize baby's development.

Purchase a Gymini at a store near you or directly from the Tiny Love Online Store.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

LOVE the Gymini. I received a Gymini at my baby shower and it has become the most used gift! I now buy them for baby showers and they are equally well received.

Anonymous said...

The Monkey Island Gymini looks fantastic. I really like how the Monkey attaches so that baby can keep him near, wherever he goes.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for highlighting these models. I can't decide between the last two :-) I love the bright, vibrant colors and how versatile these play gyms are.

Anonymous said...

The Kick and Discover Gymini looks awesome. Can't wait for it to make its debut!

Anonymous said...

It is SO true that our kids are spending far too much time in "containers." Back in our parents and grandparents day, very few "containers" existed and as a result, babies would have ample opportunity for floor time. The Gymini mats allows babies to exercise and build his muscles, and I am so thankful for this product! Happy Anniversary Gymini!

Anonymous said...

Great article. The new gymini models look great. I am expecting my 2nd baby and will definitely be adding one to my registry.

Anonymous said...

Great article. I look forward to reading more articles about free play!

Anonymous said...

I am a huge fan of this brand. Thank for the link to their website. I haven't visited it before and it is PACKED with great info