TOMY launched its new play gym, the Pooh and Friends Grow With Me Play Gym, in Summer 2009, offering a product that grows with a child during their first year.
As my 13-week-old son Cormac is just starting to really enjoy his environment, I was keen to see what he made of the gym.
For younger babies, the arch and detachable dangling toys should keep them entertained. Slightly older babies can use the tummy-time cushion to improve core strength. The inflatable cushion will safely support sitting-up babies.
What we love
Cormac enjoyed swiping at Tigger and Eyeore once we Velcroed them together so he could reach them. The Velcro toy fixings allow the toys to be positioned just where your baby needs them. Cormac also liked kicking the sensory patches on the big cushion.
Being a generous soul Cormac let his cousins have a go, too. Six-month-old Gregor really enjoyed sitting up and playing with the toys and Charlie, 17 months, spent a surprising amount of time sitting on the inflatable cushion talking to the characters at his eye level.
The tummy time cushion is a great idea and reminded me to give Cormac his workout.
The whole thing folds up and fastens together fairly securely even when the cushion is still inflated. And for someone as dribbly as Cormac, the fact it’s washable is a bonus.
What to watch out for
After a couple of days the toy arch developed a disappointing droop. Even when I corrected them, its plastic feet twisted round and let the arch fall over.
The Disney colours are, perhaps, a little bit tame compared with some of the more zingy alternatives and some mums might prefer a baby gym that offers flashing lights and music, though other will be thrilled to avoid these.
Also with the cushion inflated the whole thing takes up quite a bit of space.
Who is the TOMY Pooh and Friends Grow With Me Play Gym best for?
Pooh-loving mums after a value-for-money play gym their baby won’t quickly outgrow.
The TOMY Pooh and Friends Grow With Me Play Gym is a great idea: a versatile play gym that works on different levels, but it’s let down by the fact the toy arch doesn’t stand up properly. The traditional Pooh colours and styling are a great antidote to the more lurid alternatives, though some children might get a little bored.
