It was bound to happen eventually - our Celtic Tiger cubs have finally earned their stripes. Baby gyms have arrived in Dublin, brought by three "boom wives", as they call themselves: American women married to Irish men who have returned to make the most of the new economy.

While the idea of taking a newborn to the "gym" sounds like typical American excess to many Irish people, it's not about pumping iron. Gymboree Play & Music has existed in the US for 25 years, fostering the healthy development of children through play and music. Programmes are run for newborns through to four-year olds. Parental participation, under the guidance of enthusiastic teachers, is essential.

"Not only are physical developmental issues addressed, but social and emotional ones as well, such as building self esteem, confidence, and bonds of love and trust formed between adult and child," says Susan Gilmore, president and chief executive. Susan, a mother of two, was a "Gymboree Mom" in the US and decided to start the business here when she learned that Irish parents and children had yet to experience the phenomenon.

The membership fee of £100 includes a 10-week "semester" of age- and developmentally appropriate structured play classes, plus 10 hours of gym time per week.

The gym has 1,000 square feet of equipment designed by developmental play specialists.

Gymboree Play & Music can be found at Stillorgan Plaza (tel: (01) 278 9069) and Swords Plaza (tel: (01) 890 1147).