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In a nutshell

This is a flexible play mat and gym that offers different experiences for different stages, so can still be used as your baby develops

What we tested

  • Play value
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Ease of cleaning
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Portability
    A star rating of 3.5 out of 5.
  • Design
    A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
  • Durability
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
  • Worth the money
    A star rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Overall Rating
A star rating of 4.1 out of 5.

Pros

  • Looks great, can be played with in several ways, Velcro toy fixings a good idea, versatile, washable mat

Cons

  • Toy arch doesn’t stand up very well, some children might find it a bit dull, toys not particularly interesting

The TOMY Pooh and Friends Grow With Me Play Gym is designed to grow with your baby, from when he’s on his back, to tummy time and sitting up.

Play gyms are fantastic bits of kit – they’re a safe place to pop your baby while you get on with a chore or deal with your other children. But now, according to TOMY, they can offer more than that.

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.

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MadeForMums verdict

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.

Product Specifications

Product
BrandTomy
ModelPooh and Friends Grow With Me Play Gym
Price£39.99
Dimensions & Weight
DimensionsH:51cm W:87cm D:105cm
Dimensions (folded)H:18cm W:87cm D:53cm
Features
Washing instructionsMachine washable and wipe clean
Features
  • Inflatable curved support
  • removable Winnie the Pooh toys
  • tummy time support
  • mirror
  • crinkly bits
  • can fold away
Accessories
Accessories includedToys, tummy time support, inflatable curve with cover
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