A fun ocean-scene playmat with inspired toys that can be repositioned to stimulate your baby
An activity mat that looks fun, claims to be ‘where discovery begins’ and carries the name of one of the greatest minds of our time. Need any more reasons to buy the Baby Einstein Neptune Ocean Gym for your tot?
Designed specifically to teach babies about water, the Neptune mat features a vibrant under-sea scene with fun, peek-a-boo flaps. Combined with a prop-up-whale-pillow, this is a great space for quality tummy time. The gym is also musical, boasting gentle melodies and dancing lights. Said to encourage gross motor skills, music discovery and tactile stimulation, this is a lovely mat for play and development.
What we love
When it was obvious our little one Tippi needed more stimulation, I went in search of an activity mat and the Baby Einstein gym appealed immediately. With bold, vibrant colours it’s fantastic to look at and I liked the idea of her having fun while learning. I even found the Einstein name a rather attractive proposition!
When lying on her back on the mat Tippi looks up at two colourful arches with a host of marine characters hanging down offering great entertainment. These include a plush octopus toy, a rattle and a large baby-safe mirror. There is also an impressive 2-in-1 crib toy with dancing lights that plays continuously or at your baby’s signal. This toy is particularly fun - as anything with flashing lights seems to be a hit with Tippi.
The little toys are also inspired and have provided hours of fun. The best part is moving them round the mat on different loops, so when Tippi is tired of playing with one I can swap it with another. I have even attached substitute playthings to it! And, joy of joys, it folds up easily so I can move it out of the way quickly when necessary. Using the arches as handles, this mat has also accompanied Tippi and I on many trips and has been great value for money.
What to watch out for
Despite being promoted as a soft gym, in reality the mat isn’t very soft and if your baby rolls off the prop-up pillow onto a hard wooden floor there could be a few tears. Also, the mat is great from birth, but many babies can become frustrated lying down on their backs and fronts past 6 months, so I’m not sure it would last a year.
Who is the Baby Einstein Neptune Ocean Gym best for?
Tactile babies who crave stimulation and mums who like to take day trips with entertainment in tow.
A colourful, fun and useful mat to entertain your baby and help them learn. The toys are wonderful, and the ability to re-position them means hours of fun. With its easy foldaway and carry arches, it’s the perfect entertainment for travel. But, add a blanket underneath, as the mat certainly needs some padding.
