Skip Hop is a nice brand if you want something that has a bit of an adult aesthetic to it." (Brand recommended by Mumsnet user EssentialHummus) Our verdict

After a three-year stint on Gransnet's editorial team, Natasha joined Mumsnet in 2021, and has since carved out a specialism in all things home, lifestyle and baby. Why you should trust us If you’d like to add to it, Fisher-Price also offers low-cost, additional toys which you can clip onto the arches, which is a huge plus because it expands the lifespan of the gym. Although some reviewers noted that the price point was a little high for the limited size and features, this can be a great option for on-the-go or smaller homes or flats. We got this Tiny Love one for my daughter when she was about a week old. To start with, it was just somewhere to put her, but from about two weeks she'd quite happily stare at herself in the mirror for five or 10 minutes - just long enough for me to grab lunch . She's now seven months and is still getting use out of it."(Vetted by Mumsnet user Tangle) Our verdict Fisher-Price products usually come highly rated by Mumsnet users and its Musical Rainforest Infant Activity Gym is no exception. Highly recommended by many parents, it's colourful and appealing to babies, and is comparatively cheaper than other brands.Bought a Tiny Love play mat with my first son. Was invaluable until he started sitting as he LOVED batting at the huge array of stuff we attached to it (he still loves watching things spin)." (Tried and tested by Mumsnet user yomellamoHelly)

We had the Fisher-Price one, very bright but baby loved it and it was still in use until just before nine months when crawling round the floor was more appealing."(Tried and tested by Mumsnet user Laaalaaaa) Our verdict Your needs: If you travel frequently, a portable activity gym or play mat is better than a large clunkier option. Ditto, if you have a small or limited space. Size: ‎82 x 82 x 51 cm | Material: Plastic | Batteries required: None | Suitable for: Can be used from birth | Skills: Best for hand/eye coordination and gross motor skills What we love My son loved his Baby Einstein one. Spent up to 10 mins under there which was great for me. He loved the music box in the middle of the stanchions."(Brand recommended by Mumsnet user AlbusPercivalWulfricBrianSun) Our verdict

How long should a baby use a play mat or activity gym for?

Your baby can use an activity gym or play mat from day one, but it is best to wait until they’re at least two to three months old before you expect them to engage. How long should a baby use a play mat or activity gym for? Munchkin & Bear’s Large Melbourne MOD Play Mat is a simple but effective concept. It is a practical, one-piece, easy-to-clean, large-scale carpet that protects your baby and your flooring. Although it is expensive, industry experts highly rate it. In 2022 alone, it won the Gold award from Made For Mums, Baby Project and Mother&Baby. We love that it's an indestructible solution for anyone who doesn’t like all-singing, all-dancing baby activity gyms or has limited storage space.

We have a foam mat from Munchkin & Bear and would highly recommend it! We’ve spent so much time on the floor with our baby since the mat arrived – we’re much comfier! He’s just started to roll on it, but it will be amazing when he can sit etc." (Suggested by Mumsnet user Derbee) Our verdict Read next: Keep your little one's nails groomed to avoid scratches when they play with the best baby nail clippers. Why are play mats and activity gyms good for babies? While we understand that being without your pram is inconvenient, we do not have any capacity to provide a pushchair or pram lending service. Little Angels Prams act only as a go-between, your warranty is with the brand who manufactures your pushchair.Most of our prams and pushchairs include a manufacturer’s warranty. This means that for the time period of the warranty, if something goes wrong you are entitled to request a repair. Size: H41cm x W50cm x D81cm | Material: Plastic | Batteries required: Yes (2x AA) | Suitable for: 0 - 12 months| Skills: Best for motor and communication skills What we love