A good playmat is simply a padded rectangle with brightly coloured patterns - often in primary colours, which helps develop a new baby's eyesight. Some have different textures to invite exploration and stimulate a baby's sense of touch and hearing. Baby gyms are simply a mat with the added bonus of criss-cross arches from which tempting finger toys dangle, so that when a baby of four to five months begins to reach out and clasp, they can make contact with the toy.

Watch any baby in a baby gym and its wonderful to see how excited they become. A baby gym is an excellent way of making the most of waking time. It can help in physical development by strengthening muscles as the baby tries to gradually lift the head, turn over, kick and reach for objects. Also with mental development, such as when presenting a child with cause and effect. The baby soon works out that when you press a certain place, a noise occurs.

The range of play mats and gyms is quite large, with some well-known brand names having occupied the popular ground for many years. Chicco and Baby Dan offer simple playmats with vibrant colours ideal for newborns, and the retail price is less than half that of a top end baby gym so for about £25 a baby can enjoy a stimulating and clean environment where their parents can see them. But for around double this Tiny Love and Tomy offer exciting inflatable ringed gyms with little danger of a young baby escaping, and Fisher Price provide muscial accompaniment. Parents who are currently very careful where they spend, are unlikley to want to part with the additional money, howver the gift market for baby gyms is strong and so there is still a strong argument to have them prominently displayed in store.

When advising parents on playmats or gyms, think practically. It's vital that the mat part at least is washable or at least wipeable. Often on th4e more expensive gyms toys are detachable, and can be moved and changed around for new interest. A folding mat that can quickly and easily be tucked into a baby change bag or its own travel bag is a bonus. But most importantly good quality fabrics are key. A baby is going to sleep, eat and dribble on that mat and spend much of his or her first few months on it.

For parents who like things natural a lambswool mat is a versatile accessory with hidden benefits. It can be used to cushion a pushchair, or cot or on the floor after a bath. The natural temperature-adjusting properties of natural wool, makes these ideal for young babies.

A wooden baby gym tripod such as that by Holz or Heimess will appeal to the more eco-friendly parent. Aesthetically pleasing and robust, this offers an exciting array of visual delights overhead, but does not come with a playmat.