Baby Gyms

[Amethyst Rose]

What do you think?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/health/dietfitness.html?in_article_id=493363&in_page_id=1798

My first impression is OMG that's a lot of money to spend on a 4 month old go to go a gym!! I only spend $25 a month on myself for a gym membership....

My second impression is....it's a 4 months old! She/he gets enough exercise during tummy time learning how to roll over and hold their chest up, and in a bouncer like a jumperoo... do they really need this?

[Brightshores]

It sounds like more of that "My baby is better than your baby" crap. I think it's a combination of the current paranoia against being overweight and ambitious/overeager mommies trying to jumpstart their kids to be "the best" at everything as soon as possible. I think these parents are trying to do the right thing but don't realize how ridiculous this is. £300/$600 for a baby gym class that he or she probably won't even benefit from? Insane.

[RainInanna]

I think it's also "if I spend enough money on whatever newfangled crap I can feel like I'm a better mother".

Actually the push on babies and small children to have them "get ahead" bothers me. What happened to having fun and playing with your child, letting them enjoy exploring the world and building a strong relationship, rather then buying every new thing you can throw money at in an effort to make them smarter/faster/better? IMO this is just one more way for people to make money off mommys' insecurities.