Melissa & Doug, a global toy company recognized for its commitment to open-ended play for over 35 years, has launched the Ocean Easy-Fold Play Gym. This new product is designed for infants up to nine months and incorporates innovative features aimed at supporting parents. It is the first play gym from the brand and is part of their existing range of infant and toddler toys that promote learning and skill development.
The design of the Ocean Easy-Fold Play Gym was informed by extensive research conducted by Melissa & Doug with parents to understand their needs and address common issues with existing play gyms. Sofia Dumery, Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug, emphasized the company’s meticulous attention to detail in creating a play gym that enhances functionality, developmental play, and parent-child interaction.
The play gym features wide wooden arches made from FSC Certified materials and includes a Quick-Close button with patent-pending technology for easy release and fold-to-flat design, making it convenient for storage and travel. The large openings between the three legs of the frame facilitate easy placement and interaction with the baby.
The reversible play mat is machine washable and includes sensory ribbons and a crinkling peek-a-boo clam shell. One side of the mat features high-contrast black-and-white graphics to stimulate early visual development, while the other side displays a colorful ocean scene to engage older babies as their vision develops.
The play gym also comes with five plush developmental toys designed to encourage skill-building and open-ended play:
- Wiggly Octopus (0-3 months) – A plush octopus with sensory tabs that encourages batting, grasping, and squeezing. It activates a vibration feature when the soft clam is pulled.
- High-Contrast Turtle (0-3 months) – A plush turtle with different textures, a chime, and a mirror for self-discovery.
- Sensory Sea Star (3-6 months) – A multi-textural sea star that is easy to grasp, toss, hug, and crinkle during tummy time.
- Manta Ray Kicker (3-6 months) – Encourages muscle strengthening as the baby kicks the large surface and listens to the rattle inside.
- Soft Crab (6-9 months) – Helps develop visual, auditory, tactile, and fine motor skills with a squeaker inside for grasping and squeezing.
The Ocean Easy-Fold Play Gym aims to provide a versatile and engaging play environment for infants while offering practical solutions for parents.