Within the six years I’ve been a mother, I’ve gone by my fair proportion of child play mats. This has included compact choices designed for tummy time and toddler kicks to larger ones that took over my lounge and are nonetheless going robust right now. A very good play mat ought to present a clear, safe spot for infants (or older youngsters) to lounge, be taught, and develop their gross motor expertise.
“In selecting a play mat, security must be paramount,” board-certified pediatrician Dr. Freda Singletary, M.D., tells Mother and father. “The mat must be agency sufficient to help your toddler’s gross motor improvement, like rolling over, crawling, and ultimately, strolling. Different issues embody age appropriateness, ease of cleansing the mat, and the mat’s adaptability to your kid’s evolving developmental levels.”
When in search of the right play space to help infants and toddlers as they meet these early developmental milestones, it’s best to contemplate the fabric, fashion, and security options, in addition to the scale and aesthetic of your house. We chosen the very best child play mats in a spread of costs, designs, and sizes, based mostly on suggestions from caregivers and pediatricians. Listed below are 16 child play mats dad and mom love.
Why We Like It
The Home of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat is a complicated choice that blends completely with most residing areas. The tiled, hand-illustrated mats can be found in a number of sizes and fabulous impartial shades with designs impressed by classic Moroccan rugs. The water resistant two-foot sq. tiles are made with protected, non-toxic foam, they usually’re straightforward to wash.
“I completely love the Home of Noa mat and may’t wait so as to add different merchandise,” raves way of life blogger and mother of three Lauren Diamantas. “It is such a luxurious mat for anybody—dad and mom, animals, youngsters, and infants. My youngest likes to crawl and stroll on it whereas I’m within the kitchen, and I may be comfy realizing if she falls, the mat has her protected.”
However Take Notice
Even the smallest dimensions (4 by six ft) is a splurge at almost $130.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: From 4 x 6 ft to 10 x 12 ft (24.8 x 24.8 x 0.47 inches per tile)
- Thickness: 0.47 inches
- Supplies: Non-toxic EVA foam
- Options: Convertible, hand illustrated, expandable, water-proof
- Cleansing directions: Spot clear with a dry fabric
Why We Like It
The ABC Foam Playmat from a Walmart in-house model has obtained a whole bunch of rave opinions from dad and mom who adore its vibrant colours and tender floor. Practical and straightforward to assemble, the extra-large studying play mat measures 28 sq. ft when absolutely assembled, making a terrific play house for toddlers and older youngsters.
The sturdy mat, designed for teenagers ages 3 and up (although youthful youngsters will do positive on it throughout supervised play), is ideal for playrooms and may be adjusted simply to suit smaller areas. Its tender, interlocking foam items create a non-slip floor protected for taking part in and tumbling as your kiddo will get greater. The big locking items are additionally improbable for creating motor expertise and the alphabet design may also help your little ones grasp their letters as they grow old.
However Take Notice
Not solely are you able to disassemble the tiles, however the person letters in every tile can be eliminated. Whereas this presents further play items for teenagers, it can be a ache to reassemble or clear all of the nooks and crannies on this set.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 84 x 48 inches
- Thickness: 0.5 inches
- Supplies: Foam
- Options: Detachable letters, convertible
- Cleansing directions: Wipe clear with cleaning soap and water
Why We Like It
When you’ve got a bigger room with extra out there flooring house, this textured foam play mat from JumpOff Jo offers loads of room in your baby to roam. The 70- by 59-inch tender floor is padded, making a cushion for falls as your toddler takes their first steps. “A bigger play mat permits your baby ample house to roll, crawl, and discover as they develop, selling their bodily improvement,” notes Dr. Singletary.
This fashionable waterproof fashion options 20 eye-catching and reversible sample choices designed particularly for infants 8 months and older. The stain-resistant floor ensures straightforward cleanup, whereas the foldable design permits for handy storage when not in use.
However Take Notice
When you’ve got a house with pets, bear in mind that this mat isn’t scratch-resistant. In analysis, we discovered that houses with pets usually complained about animals clawing the froth and inflicting chunks to interrupt off—creating a possible choking hazard.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 70 x 59 inches
- Thickness: 0.5 inches
- Supplies: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam
- Options: Foldable, double-sided, waterproof
- Cleansing directions: Wipe clear with cleaning soap and water
Why We Like It
Whether or not you’ve gotten a smaller house or don’t need child gear overtaking each room, this candy, quilted choice from Pehr packs a number of cuteness right into a small, spherical blanket. Select from six reversible prints to create a protected spot for infants to start tummy time, be taught to roll over, and begin sitting up.
One other bonus is the tender cotton cloth will not irritate infants’ pores and skin. “Realizing in case your baby has any sensitivity to supplies will show you how to determine which mat is correct for them,” says Dr. Singletary. As a result of it’s constructed from cloth, caregivers will recognize that it’s mechanically cleanable. It additionally folds up simply, making it a travel-friendly choice.
However Take Notice
Though cute, this play mat isn’t designed to develop along with your child. The utmost age score is 12 months previous. Additionally, although this mat is one inch thick, that’s because of polyester fill which may flatten with sustained use.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 40-inch diameter
- Thickness: 1 inch
- Supplies: Cotton shell, polyester fill
- Options: Mechanically cleanable, travel-friendly
- Cleansing directions: Machine wash chilly, tumble dry on low
Why We Like It
Curious cuties will love exploring this eco-friendly, cushioned play mat, which options visually stimulating sensory toys, crinkly sounds, and playful patterns. Designed with Montessori specialists, this pleasant child fitness center helps strengthen positive motor expertise as your child discovers their atmosphere. It presents three play modes—overhead play, tummy time, and seated play, and comes with a U-shaped pillow to assist stop flat head syndrome.
“As a first-time mom, this Skip Hop play fitness center took the guesswork out of developmentally acceptable actions to offer my child,” says trainer and new mother Meleah Campbell. “It consists of detailed info on Montessori actions to have interaction my daughter, which I recognize as a result of I prefer to know the ‘why’ behind the actions I do together with her.”
However Take Notice
This isn’t the most costly play mat in our information, but it surely’s up there. Some caregivers might really feel it’s a little bit of a critical funding for a product that their baby will age out of by 12 to 18 months.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 42 x 33.5 x 19 inches
- Thickness: Not shared
- Supplies: Oeko-Tex-certified polyester and FSC-certified wooden; PP and PVC
- Options: Play fitness center, convertible
- Cleansing directions: Wooden arches: wipe clear with damp fabric; Playmat, pillow and rainbow toy: machine wash chilly, tumble dry low
Why We Like It
I obtained this Skip Hop foam mat as a child present, however I didn’t put it up till my daughter grew to become extra cellular. Whereas I’ve a decent-sized lounge, I wasn’t able to have my daughter’s play space utterly take over the house. I appreciated the tremendous tender foam for little knees, the securely interlocking items, and the way I may create all types of designs relying on how I assembled the tiles.
“Designs with contrasting colours, various patterns, and totally different characters can have interaction your child’s consideration and stimulate their visible notion,” shares Dr. Singletary. “Nonetheless, a design overly crowded with parts might result in sensory overload.” With a 0.6-inch thickness, this is likely one of the thicker play mats on our checklist.
However Take Notice
The white parts of the mat stain simply, and since it’s constructed from porous foam, generally you’ll be able to’t do away with them. As your baby will get older (and extra curious) don’t be shocked after they pull up the tiles. Additionally, the fabric traps a number of mud and crumbs, that means you’ll wish to absolutely disassemble this mat often and clear the ground beneath it.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 56 x 70 inches
- Thickness: 0.6 inches
- Supplies: EVA foam
- Options: Convertible
- Cleansing directions: Spot clear with delicate detergent and a humid fabric
Why We Like It
When you’re in search of a high-contrast mat, this Little Bot Ofie Mat is a superb choice. The straightforward black-and-white sample is good for youthful infants whose eyesight remains to be creating. The mat can also be reversible, and with three kinds out there, you’ll be able to select one which has black-and-white patterns on either side.
The floor of a play mat “ought to present a stability of firmness and softness,” says Dr. Singletary. “The mat must be agency sufficient to help your toddler’s gross motor improvement, like rolling over, crawling, and, ultimately, strolling, and tender sufficient to guard them from potential falls.” This foam mat is on the agency aspect, so the model suggests utilizing a rug pad beneath should you’re utilizing it on arduous flooring.
However Take Notice
Some customers felt that the porous materials made it tougher to take away stains—particularly on the black-and-white aspect of the mat. Moreover, this is likely one of the costlier choices we reviewed.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 78 x 55 inches
- Thickness: 0.59 inches
- Supplies: Foam
- Options: Reversible
- Cleansing directions: Wipe clear with damp fabric
Why We Like It
When you’ve got a smaller house or restricted free house for play areas, a foldable mat that may simply be saved between makes use of is a lifesaver. The Nuby Reversible Child Ground Mat is fairly priced and is available in two enjoyable prints.
The froth mat measures 77 by 58 inches and is made from nonporous materials so you’ll be able to really mop it to maintain it clear and sanitized. You’ll additionally recognize that this comes with a journey bag so you’ll be able to take it with you when visiting family members or happening trip.
However Take Notice
At simply 0.25 inches thick, this is likely one of the thinnest choices we reviewed. Some customers talked about that the coated design makes it slippery so chances are you’ll have to pair it with a non-slip runner.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 77 x 58 inches
- Thickness: 0.25 inches
- Supplies: Foam
- Options: Reversible, folding
- Cleansing directions: Wipe clear with a humid fabric
Why We Like It
If ever there was a grow-with-your-baby play mat, it’s this one from Fisher-Worth. I began my daughter on this mat at a month previous and was reluctant to lastly pack it away by the point she was 2 years previous. The kick-activated piano and play fitness center toy bar give little ones one thing to occupy their time whereas additionally partaking a number of senses and motor expertise.
As my daughter gained neck and higher again management, I shifted the piano into horizontal mode and parked her in entrance of it with my Boppy nursing pillow behind her to maintain her upright. Ultimately, we simply used the piano by itself. The tender floor presents a protected, snug play space that grows along with your baby.
However Take Notice
Some dad and mom could also be involved in regards to the dangers of overstimulation from the piano function. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to simply flip it off, decrease the amount, or utterly take away it. The mat is fairly skinny so within the new child stage, I normally added an additional folded blanket beneath to offer cushioning. Lastly, the piano requires three AA batteries which aren’t included.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 36 x 27 x 17.9 inches
- Thickness: Not shared
- Supplies: Plastic
- Options: Play fitness center, music, further equipment included
- Cleansing directions: Mechanically cleanable mat, wipe clear plastic surfaces
Why We Like It
The Skip Hop Vibrant Village Double Play Reversible Playmat mat incorporates a colourful roadmap on the entrance to drive your baby’s creativeness and a fairly diamond-shaped sample on the flip aspect. For even greater imaginary journeys, one other model of this mat incorporates a map of the world.
This waterproof mat wipes clear simply and rolls up neatly for storage. It’s nice for greater infants and toddlers to make use of when enjoying and studying to crawl and stroll. “A play mat with a design is great,” says Dr. Purdy. “You possibly can add different toys for the child to play with and discover.” Caregivers will recognize that this can be a one-piece mat that may’t be disassembled.
However Take Notice
It’s on the costly finish for a play mat and meals crumbs simply get caught in grooves, whereas any lighter-hued elements generally tend to show yellow with time.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 86 x 52 inches
- Thickness: 0.4 inches
- Supplies: Polyurethane foam
- Options: Reversible, waterproof
- Cleansing directions: Wipe with a humid fabric
Why We Like It
This mat grows along with your baby or household. There’s a lot for infants to see and do on this tender, super-sized foam play mat, which measures 6 ft x 4 ft, providing an expanded house in your tot to play and discover. The scale of this extra-large mat can accommodate a number of youngsters and a number of other toys to maintain them completely entertained.
Though Dr. Singletary advises dad and mom to “keep in mind, a play mat is a wonderful software in your child’s improvement, but it surely must be complemented with a spread of different stimulating actions.”
However Take Notice
When you’ve ever had a tile play mat, you realize that these get magically disassembled when your again is turned. Some customers shared that in houses with pets, untimely harm from pet nails could also be an inevitability.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 72 x 48 inches
- Thickness: 0.5 inches
- Supplies: EVA foam
- Options: Convertible, waterproof
- Cleansing directions: Wipe with a humid fabric
Why We Like It
With two cute shade choices, this lovely tummy time water mat is the right solution to give just a little additional safety whereas serving to your baby achieve neck and higher physique power. The mat measures 26 by 20 inches and is a lightweight 9.5 ounces. You’ll recognize you could simply drain this mat between makes use of in order that it may be folded down for fast storage.
Together with the water which provides padding, this mat options an inflatable outer ring to stop infants from rolling off the perimeters. There are additionally lovely little toys contained in the water portion of the mat to create a extra interactive expertise in your child. Simply observe that this isn’t a “from beginning” mat because it’s rated from 3 to 12 months.
However Take Notice
This is likely one of the smaller mats we reviewed so it has a shorter shelf life. Fortunately, it’s not tremendous costly however your baby will age out of it round 12 months of age. Moreover, some folks did report that it’s arduous to really dry out the mat should you drain it between makes use of—which could encourage mould progress.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 26 x 20 inches
- Thickness: 2.5 inches when inflated
- Supplies: Plastic
- Options: Inflatable, water toy
- Cleansing directions: Wipe clear with damp fabric
Why We Like It
How becoming that Mr. Ray, the loveable sting ray trainer who chaperoned the younger fish in Discovering Nemo can also be caring in your little guppie. This multi-sensory play mat options music, lights, and toys for tots to take pleasure in from the new child stage and past. This multi-purpose play mat has a toy bar with removable toys together with a tender plush Dory determine, a Squirt and Pearl rattle, and a Nemo bead.
As soon as activated, the Mr. Ray cover lights up and may play over 25 minutes of lights and music. You can even swap to a white noise sound mode that performs choices like ocean waves. One of many nicest options although is that the material elements are mechanically cleanable.
However Take Notice
Some customers famous that meeting was troublesome as the pictures and directions within the information didn’t at all times add up. Moreover, this requires three AA batteries, which aren’t included. Others famous the audio system won’t maintain up below sustained use.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 32 x 36 x 18 inches
- Thickness: Not disclosed
- Supplies: Cloth
- Options: Removable toys, lights, music and sounds
Why We Like It
The Quokka Child Play Mat is available in 11 prints and incorporates a non-slip backing to stop infants from by chance shifting after they’re on it. Many of the designs are very colourful, however there are a number of monochromatic choices that are perfect for newborns. The mat is constructed from cotton, which suggests it is tender in your child’s pores and skin and machine-washable.
The 59- by 44-inch floor space is beneficiant and ultimate for many houses, and a tender topside presents additional padding for little knees and bums. It’s an reasonably priced choice for masking a large floor space for little ones to discover. A foldable design lets you make it compact for storage between makes use of.
However Take Notice
Though the model’s product description guarantees a half-inch thickness, real-world opinions present this is likely to be exaggerated.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 59 x 44 inches
- Thickness: 0.5 inches
- Supplies: Cloth
- Options: Foldable
- Cleansing directions: Mechanically cleanable
Why We Like It
A sturdy play mat is a must have, however many are cumbersome and unwieldy should you’re making an attempt to take them with you. The Skip Hop Child Tummy Time Playmat is extremely compact and tremendous plush to create a tender spot for little explorers on the go. A carry deal with additionally makes this a fantastic travel-friendly choice.
Designed to imitate a farmer’s market, this toy presents over 10 developmental actions to assist nurture your baby’s senses. They’ll love the beet rattle, carrot teether, crinkle bunny, watermelon mirror, peekaboo pockets, and blueberry squeaker. For tummy time, you’ll be able to roll up a part of the mat to create a supportive pillow. When messes occur, you’ll be able to toss this mat and soft-sided toys (however not the plastic toys) into the washer.
However Take Notice
This mat is small: With dimensions measuring 21.5 by 15 inches, it’s not meant for use past the primary yr. Moreover, it’s a bit skinny because it depends on polyester batting and a cotton shell versus the froth mats that preserve their form and thickness over time.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: 21.5 x 15 inches
- Thickness: 3 inches
- Supplies: Cloth shell, polyester fill
- Options: Moveable, consists of toys
- Cleansing directions: Mechanically cleanable
Why We Like It
I really like this Totter + Tumble mat: it’s at present the bottom of my daughter’s play space. It is available in quite a lot of double-sided prints and sizes to suit a mess of areas. You can even select spherical mats and smaller sizes to suit your wants. I selected a bigger commonplace measurement that measures 83 by 55 inches, and I like how the grey chevron print blends in with my impartial lounge decor.
It has reminiscence foam, which presents extra cushioning and retains its form higher than among the cheaper choices. I additionally recognize that this mat is simple to wash each with my Dyson V15 and my spin mop. Whereas this can be a particular splurge, I can attest that it doesn’t present stains as simply because the Skip Hop Tiles or different foam mats.
However Take Notice
Be ready to spend over $200.
The Particulars:
- Dimensions: from 70 x 25 inches
- Thickness: not shared
- Supplies: Coated reminiscence foam
- Options: Reversible
- Cleansing directions: Vacuum, wipe clear with damp fabric
Our Evaluation Course of
To seek out the very best child play mats, we consulted dad and mom and specialists, then carried out meticulous analysis to make sure we solely advocate the highest-quality choices. We prioritized the next standards.
- Supplies: Was the fabric protected towards a child’s pores and skin, sturdy, and thick, or did it simply collapse?
- Product Security: Have been there any small elements that pose choking hazards? Would the mat be protected for a house with pets?
- Sturdiness: Did the mat stain simply? Did it lose its thickness prematurely? Did it stand the take a look at of time and preserve its kind?
- Design: Did the mat are available in a number of colours, configurations, or sizes?
- Consolation: How thick was the mat? Was the feel tender or tough? Did the mat slide on slick surfaces?
- Academic Options: Did the play mat supply instructional options like a tummy time exercise or shade recognition—or was it only a mat?
- Upkeep: Is the mat mechanically cleanable? Can it get moist? Is it troublesome to wash?
- Worth: Is that this a budget-friendly mat or is it extra of a splurge buy?
- Portability: Is that this small or can turn into compact sufficient to take it on the street? Or is it supposed to be put in in a single location on a semi-permanent foundation?
Our Specialists
To information our choices, we consulted with prime specialists who offered enter on product security, sturdiness, design, and academic options:
- Freda Singletary, M.D., a North Carolina-based pediatrician
- Laura Purdy, M.D., a board-certified household medication doctor
- Lauren Diamantas, a way of life blogger and mother of three
Elements to Think about When Shopping for a Play Mat
There are a number of key elements to contemplate when shopping for the very best play mat in your child. In fact, security comes first, adopted by cushioning, help, measurement, and stimulating developmental options. Keep away from foam mats containing poisonous chemical compounds that may be harmful in your child’s well being. At all times store for play mats and exercise gyms that meet CPSC Requirements.
- Child-Pleasant Design: “For added stimulation, contemplate play mats that function removable toys, textured surfaces, or musical parts,” suggests Dr. Singletary. “These can increase sensory engagement, however guarantee they’re securely connected to stop choking hazards.”
- Ease of Storage: Play mats are available in a number of kinds together with fold-flat, roll-up, and journey case choices for simple transport. For smaller areas, contemplate a compact play mat slightly than a big tiled one to keep away from cluttering a tiny space with a number of items.
- Upkeep: The play mat’s floor will dictate your cleansing choices. Foam mats that lack a coating normally advocate spot cleansing and vacuuming. A coated foam mat may be mopped and vacuumed. Relying on the scale, cloth mats could also be mechanically cleanable. For greatest outcomes, comply with the care directions for every mat and wash it earlier than use. “It is very important give your mat a wipe-down to assist with germs,” recommends Dr. Purdy. “By no means stroll on the mat with sneakers after which let the child play on the mat.”
Find out how to Use Child Play Mats Safely
Mats are only the start of a child’s exploration of studying new expertise and having fun with playtime. Mother and father and caregivers should guarantee their baby stays protected by deciding on an age-appropriate mat freed from choking hazards. Child play mats must be used on a clear, flat flooring floor. By no means go away your baby unattended.
“You do not wish to go away them mendacity on their again for too lengthy or on their stomach unsupervised,” cautions Dr. Singletary. “It is also important to stability time on the mat with different actions to make sure a various vary of experiences.”
Keep away from potential choking or suffocation hazards—particularly throughout tummy time. This consists of having soft-sided toys, pillows, and blankets close by and any gadgets with free strings. Routinely clear your play mat to stop micro organism and germs. Whether or not you purchase the mat model new or obtain it as a hand-me-down, you should definitely verify for product remembers.
At What Age Ought to Infants Use Play Mats?
“From beginning, your child can start to make use of a play mat for temporary intervals, step by step growing the period as they develop,” notes Dr. Singletary.
Do Infants Want Mats for Tummy Time?
“Tummy time is the time the child is awake and on their abdomen,” explains Dr. Purdy. “A play mat is nice for this, however not crucial.”
Who We Are
Samantha McIntyre is an skilled author and PR skilled specializing within the parenting house. She’s additionally the self-proclaimed favourite auntie of two superb nephews and a niece, who’ve all saved her on prime of her sport with regards to discovering the very best merchandise and toys for infants and youngsters.
Dorian Smith-Garcia is a commerce, well being, and parenting author at Mother and father, and a mother of 1 6-year-old daughter. She’s gone by a number of play mats, together with many who had been listed right here. By far, her favourite is the Totter + Tumble which she nonetheless makes use of in her daughter’s play space right now.