The company's first-ever infant play gym is
expertly crafted with new Quick-Close™ technology and playful
elements that support early developmental milestones
WILTON,
Conn., July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Melissa
& Doug, the global toy company known for its more than
35-year commitment to open-ended play, has launched its all-new
Ocean Easy-Fold Play Gym™ designed for infants up to nine months
with innovative solutions for parents. Expertly crafted with child
development in mind, the brand's first-ever play gym is the latest
addition to its existing collection of infant and toddler toys that
inspire learning and skill-building at every stage. Melissa &
Doug conducted extensive research with parents to understand their
needs and solve for pain points they encountered with existing play
gyms.
"We challenged ourselves to create a truly original,
game-changing play gym — one that would optimize the experience not
just for babies, but also for parents and caregivers," said Sofia
Dumery, Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug. "At
Melissa & Doug, meticulous attention to detail defines our
approach. From the expansive wooden arches of the frame to the
convenience of the Quick-Close™ button to the versatile, dual-sided
mat made from easy-to-clean material, we've integrated every
feature to best enhance functionality, enrich developmental play,
and support both parent and baby through those vital first 9
months. Plus, we included a simple-to-use guide of play ideas and
set-up options for getting the most out of the five included
developmental toys at each stage. We're immensely proud of this
product."
The Ocean Easy-Fold Play Gym features
FSC® Certified (FSC® C-156584) wide
wooden arches and a Quick-Close™ button with patent-pending
technology that allows for easy release and fold-to-flat design
made for storage and travel. The generously sized openings between
the three legs of the frame make it easy to gently place baby on
the mat, play and interact, and pick them up after playtime.
The machine washable, reversible play mat includes sensory
ribbons and a crinkling peek-a-boo clam shell that fits perfectly
in any nursery or living room. One side features high-contrast
black-and-white graphics for early visual stimulation, while the
other includes a full-color ocean scene to keep older babies
engaged as vision develops.
Included plush developmental toys can be introduced and attached
to the play gym's frame for ongoing skill-building and open-ended
play, inspiring baby to explore their world.
- Wiggly Octopus (0-3 months) – A plush octopus with
sensory tabs that encourages batting, grasping, and squeezing as
baby pulls the soft clam to activate the vibration feature.
- High-Contrast Turtle (0-3 months) – A high-contrast
plush turtle includes different textures, a chime, and a mirror for
baby to discover themselves.
- Sensory Sea Star (3-6 months) – A multi-textural
sensory sea star is easy to grasp, toss, hug, and crinkle while
baby is building strength during tummy time.
- Manta Ray Kicker (3-6
months) – The manta ray kicker encourages baby to
strengthen their muscles as they kick the large surface and listen
to the rattle inside.
- Soft Crab (6-9 months) – A soft crab helps with
visual, auditory, tactile, and fine motor skills as baby grasps and
squeezes the squeaker inside.
Melissa & Doug developed a Play Guide for Every Stage™ that
is included with the play gym to offer tips on how to best utilize
it for physical, cognitive, and social development. The guide is
part of Skills at Play!™ a new initiative designed by Melissa
& Doug to help caregivers easily identify which skills the
company's toys can help develop. Look out for color-coded icons and
benefit callouts on product packaging and on
MelissaAndDoug.com.
Learn more about the importance of open-ended, screen-free play
and access free resources, like print-and-play activities, blog
posts, and more, at MelissaAndDoug.com.
About Melissa & Doug
Timeless Toys. Endless Possibilities.
From classic wooden toys to crafts and pretend play, Melissa
& Doug products provide a launch pad to ignite imagination
and a sense of wonder in all children so they can discover their
passions and their purpose. Recognized by parents as the #1
preschool brand for wooden and sustainable toys, Melissa & Doug
is committed to its vision of making timeless, sustainable
toys for a thriving and inclusive world. Melissa & Doug is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Spin Master Corp. (TSX: TOY), a leading
global children's entertainment company.
Press Contact
Rosalie
Sellman
rsellman@currentglobal.com
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SOURCE Melissa & Doug
