Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym Review: Is It Worth It in 2026?
- Published November 30, 2020
- Updated October 17, 2026
- 9 min read
The Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym is a kick-activated play mat with a water pat mat and tummy time bolster. Here is what works and what doesn’t.
The Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym is a newborn-safe (0 months+) play mat with a curved whale tail that sways four hanging sea toys when baby kicks it (Infantino product listing via Sam’s Club, 2026).
TL;DR: The Quick Answer
- The Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym is a newborn-safe (0 months+) play mat with a curved whale tail that sways four hanging sea toys when baby kicks it (Infantino product listing via Sam’s Club, 2026).
- It includes a plush play mat, a whale-shaped tummy time bolster, and a water-filled pat mat for sensory play.
- The most common complaint is a leaking water pat mat, which 15 Amazon reviewers specifically mention (Amazon customer reviews, 2026).
- Some parents report the tail flexing far enough during hard kicks that the hanging toys reach baby’s face, so supervision matters.
- Best for parents who want a simple, battery-free kick gym for the first 6 months; skip it if you want lights, music, or a mat that grows into toddler play.
- Is the Infantino Wonder Whale
- Infantino Wonder Whale Gym Key
- How the Wonder Whale Gym Works
- Toys Come With the Infantino
- Infantino Wonder Whale Gym Safe
- How the Wonder Whale Gym Helps With Tummy Time
- Pros and Cons of the Infantino
- Who Should Buy the Infantino Wonder Whale Gym
- Wonder Whale Gym vs. Other Kick Gyms
- Common Mistakes to Avoid With
- FAQ
- Final Verdict
What Is the Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym?
The Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym is an infant activity gym (also called a play gym) shaped like a whale. Baby lies on a soft mat, and a tall plastic whale tail curves overhead with four sea-creature toys hanging from it. When baby kicks the tail, the toys sway.
Infantino sells it as a "grow with me" gym with three play positions, model number 206-746 (Sam's Club product listing, 2026). It launched at a list price of $59.99 (BabyHaven product listing, 2026).
The idea behind it is cause and effect: baby kicks, something moves, and baby slowly learns that their own movement makes things happen. There are no batteries, lights, or sounds. All the action comes from baby's legs.
Infantino Wonder Whale Gym Key Features and Specs
The Wonder Whale gym has four main parts: a plush play mat, a whale tail arch with four linkable toys, a whale-shaped bolster pillow, and a water-filled pat mat. The table below lists the specs most parents ask about.
Key features
- Kick-activated whale tail. Baby's kicks make the tail bounce and the toys swing, which teaches cause and effect without any electronics.
- Four linkable toys. The sea toys clip onto the tail and can be unclipped and linked onto a stroller or car seat handle.
- Whale bolster pillow. The small whale pillow props baby's chest up during tummy time, so lifting the head takes less effort.
- Water pat mat. You fill this pouch with water, and baby can push the floating sea creatures around inside it during tummy time.
| Brand / model | Infantino, model 206-746 |
| Recommended age | 0 months and up |
| Play positions | 3 (lay and play, kick and play, tummy time) |
| Hanging toys | 4 linkable sea toys: octopus, starfish, rainbow fish, mirror fish |
| Tummy time support | Whale-shaped bolster pillow |
| Sensory extra | Water-filled pat mat with floating sea creatures |
| Power | None (no batteries, lights, or music) |
| Listed dimensions | 24 x 20.1 x 4.1 inches |
| Original list price | $59.99 |
| Amazon ASIN | B00DJPKA4Y |
How the Wonder Whale Gym Works: 3 Ways to Play
The Wonder Whale gym has three play positions, and you switch between them by turning baby around on the mat or adding the pillow. No tools or reassembly are needed.
- Lay and play. Baby lies on their back with their head toward the tail and looks up at the dangling octopus, starfish, and fish. This position works from the newborn weeks, when babies mostly watch and swat.
- Kick and play. Turn baby around so their feet face the tail. Each kick makes the tail bounce and the toys jiggle. This is the position the gym is named for, and it usually clicks around 3 to 4 months, when leg kicks get stronger and more deliberate.
- Tummy time. Place baby on their belly with the whale bolster under their chest and the water pat mat in front of them. The squishy mat and floating toys give baby something to look at and push while they practice lifting their head.
What Toys Come With the Infantino Wonder Whale Gym?
The Wonder Whale gym comes with four ocean-themed hanging toys: an octopus, a starfish, a rainbow fish, and a mirror fish (Play on Words, 2020). They attach to the whale tail with plastic links.
Most of the toys are soft fabric, but at least one has a hard plastic part. Our original 2020 review noted a fish with a fixed hard plastic ring that can't be removed. That hard piece is what worries parents when the tail bounces close to baby's face.
Is the Infantino Wonder Whale Gym Safe for Babies?
The Infantino Wonder Whale gym is rated for newborns and has no small detachable parts, but two real issues show up in parent reviews: the tail can flex toward baby's face, and the water pat mat can leak. Both are manageable with supervision.
Does the whale tail hit babies in the face?
Yes, it can happen with strong kickers. Amazon reviewers report the whale tail collapsing toward their babies, and some say the frame doesn't hold its shape over time (Amazon customer reviews, 2026). One used-gear reseller listed a returned unit with the note that the tail was warped and no longer stood up straight (GoodBuy Gear, 2026).
What to do about it:
- Stay within arm's reach during kick play, especially once baby is around 4 months and kicking hard.
- Remove the hard plastic fish toy if your baby kicks hard enough to bring the toys down to face level.
- Check the tail before each session. If it leans or no longer springs back, stop using it.
Does the water pat mat leak?
Leaking is the single most common complaint. On Amazon, 15 reviewers mention water leakage, and none of those mentions are positive (Amazon customer reviews, 2026). Several parents say it leaked on the very first use, even when the cap was closed properly.
What to do about it:
- Fill the pat mat over a sink first and squeeze it gently to test the seal before putting it on the play mat.
- Use it on a waterproof surface or a foam play mat, not directly on carpet or a nursery rug.
- Don't overfill it. A slightly underfilled pouch puts less pressure on the seams.
General activity gym safety rules
All activity gyms, including this one, are for awake, supervised play only. The NICHD Safe to Sleep campaign defines tummy time as placing baby on their stomach while they are awake and someone is watching them (NICHD Safe to Sleep, accessed 2026). Never let baby nap on the mat, and move baby to a crib or bassinet the moment they fall asleep.
How the Wonder Whale Gym Helps With Tummy Time
The Wonder Whale gym helps with tummy time mainly through its whale bolster and water pat mat, which give baby chest support and something interesting to look at while on their belly. Tummy time builds the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles babies need to roll, sit, and crawl.
Here is how much tummy time pediatric sources recommend:
| Baby's age | Recommended tummy time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First days after birth | 2 to 3 short sessions of 3 to 5 minutes each | NICHD Safe to Sleep, accessed 2026 |
| About 2 months | 15 to 30 minutes total per day | NICHD Safe to Sleep, accessed 2026 |
| About 3 months | About 1 hour total per day | Nemours KidsHealth, accessed 2026 |
Think of the bolster like training wheels. Lifting the head flat on the floor is hard work for a young baby, and the pillow under the chest gives them a head start, so sessions last longer before the fussing starts.
The water pat mat helps in a different way. Babies who hate tummy time often settle when there's something moving right in front of them. The floating sea creatures give baby a reason to keep their head up and reach forward.
Pros and Cons of the Infantino Wonder Whale Gym
The Wonder Whale gym's biggest strengths are its unique kick-to-play design and its tummy time extras, and its biggest weaknesses are the leak-prone water mat and a tail that can lose its shape.
Pros
- The whale tail rewards kicking with movement, which teaches cause and effect better than a static arch gym.
- It needs no batteries, so there's no ongoing cost and no noisy music on repeat.
- The plush mat is soft and well padded for back play.
- The whale bolster and water pat mat make tummy time more tolerable for fussy babies.
- The linkable toys work on strollers and car seats after baby outgrows the gym.
Cons
- The water pat mat is prone to leaking, sometimes from the first use (Amazon customer reviews, 2026).
- The tail can flex or collapse toward baby during hard kicks, and it may warp over time.
- One fish toy has a hard plastic ring that can't be removed from the toy.
- The mat is awkward to fold flat for travel because of the curved tail.
- Availability is spotty in 2026, so you may need to buy it used or from a third-party seller.
Who Should Buy the Infantino Wonder Whale Gym?
The Infantino Wonder Whale gym is a good fit for parents of babies from birth to about 6 months who want a simple, quiet kick gym with built-in tummy time help. It is a poor fit for families who want an all-in-one gym that lasts into the sitting and crawling stage.
Best for
- Parents who prefer battery-free toys without flashing lights or electronic songs.
- Babies who resist tummy time and need a bolster and something to look at.
- Families buying a second, smaller gym for grandma's house or a playroom.
Not ideal for
- Babies over 6 months who are sitting up and need a sit-and-play mode.
- Parents who want a gym that folds flat for travel.
- Homes with carpet where a leaking water mat would be a real problem.
Think it fits your family? Check today's price and reviews.
See price on AmazonWonder Whale Gym vs. Other Kick Gyms
The Wonder Whale gym is the simplest option in this group: no electronics, one curved arch, and a water mat. The alternatives below add music, extra activities, or longer age ranges, usually at a higher price.
| Gym | Age range | Kick feature | Electronics | Tummy time extra | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym | 0 months+ | Whale tail sways toys | None | Bolster + water pat mat | $59.99 list (BabyHaven, 2026) |
| Infantino Kick 'n Keys 7-in-1 Musical Piano Activity Gym | Marketed for 6 to 12 months | Kick piano | Music and sounds | Seat positioner | $59.99 (Walmart, 2026) |
| Tiny Love Tiny Mariners Developmental Gymini | 0 to 36 months | Musical whale kick pad | Music | 23 activities | $89.99 (Tiny Love retailers, 2026) |
| Baby Einstein Sea Floor Explorers 2-in-1 Water Mat | Check listing | None | None | Water mat | Check price on Amazon |
The Infantino Kick 'n Keys plays seven melodies and 21 sounds and offers seven play modes from lying to sitting (MacroBaby product listing, 2026). The Tiny Love Tiny Mariners Gymini has a take-along musical whale with a kick-and-tap pad and is rated from birth to 36 months (Tiny Love product listing, 2026).
Common Mistakes to Avoid With the Wonder Whale Gym
Most problems with the Wonder Whale gym come from the water mat and from leaving baby to kick unsupervised. These are the mistakes parents make most often.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Infantino Wonder Whale Gym
What age is the Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym for?
Infantino rates the Wonder Whale gym for babies from 0 months and up. In practice, most babies get the most use from it between birth and about 6 months, before they start sitting up and crawling away from the mat.
Does the Infantino Wonder Whale gym need batteries?
No. The Wonder Whale gym has no lights, music, or electronic parts. All of the movement comes from baby kicking the whale tail, which makes the hanging toys sway.
Does the Wonder Whale gym fold up for travel?
It folds, but not neatly. The plush mat bends easily, but the curved whale tail and the water pat mat make it bulkier than a flat-folding arch gym. Empty the water pat mat before packing it.
How do I stop the water pat mat from leaking?
Close the cap firmly, don’t overfill the pouch, and test it over a sink before each use. Many Amazon reviewers still report leaks even with the cap closed properly (Amazon customer reviews, 2026), so keep a towel or waterproof mat underneath.
Can I remove the hanging toys from the whale tail?
Yes. The four sea toys attach with plastic links, so you can unclip them. Some parents remove the hard plastic fish if their baby kicks hard enough to bring the toys toward their face.
Is the Wonder Whale gym good for tummy time?
Yes. The whale bolster supports baby’s chest, and the water pat mat gives them something to look at and push. Pediatric sources recommend working up to about 1 hour of total tummy time per day by 3 months (Nemours KidsHealth, accessed 2026), and the bolster makes those early sessions easier.
Is the Infantino Wonder Whale gym still available in 2026?
Availability is limited. The Amazon listing (ASIN B00DJPKA4Y) is still live, but stock and sellers change often, and some retailer listings no longer show an active price. Used units also sell secondhand, for example $18.04 at GoodBuy Gear (GoodBuy Gear, 2026).
Final Verdict: Is the Infantino Wonder Whale Gym Worth Buying?
The Infantino Wonder Whale Kicks and Giggles Gym is worth buying if you want a simple, battery-free kick gym for the first six months and you’re willing to supervise kick play and test the water mat before each use. The whale tail is more engaging than a plain arch, and the bolster makes tummy time easier.
If the leak reports and tail issues put you off, the Infantino Kick ‘n Keys 7-in-1 is the better pick from the same brand, since it lasts into the sitting stage. For a longer-lasting gym that goes from birth to toddler play, look at the Tiny Love Tiny Mariners Gymini.
Key takeaways:
- The Wonder Whale gym turns baby’s kicks into swaying toys, with no batteries or electronics.
- It includes a whale bolster and water pat mat for tummy time.
- Test the water pat mat for leaks and stay close during hard kicking.