Play mats are a staple in many households with young children. They provide babies with a safe and comfortable space to play, explore, and develop their gross and fine motor skills. But with so many available options, choosing the right play mat for your baby can be tricky.
In this guide, we’ll discuss what to consider when buying a play mat for your little one. From materials and size to design and features, we’ll help you find the perfect play mat to keep your baby entertained and to help them reach important development milestones.
We’ll also share practical tips to help you get the most out of your new play mat. Let’s get started!
Table of contents
- What is a play mat for a baby?
- Benefits of using a play mat
- Types of play mats
- What to look for when buying a play mat
- Tips for using a play mat with your baby
What is a play mat for a baby?
A play mat is a soft, padded surface designed for babies to play on. It usually features bright colors, patterns, and interactive elements to entertain your little one while encouraging them to move and explore.
Play mats are often made from soft, non-toxic materials such as foam or cotton. They come in various shapes and sizes, with some designed for tummy time and others offering more space for crawling and rolling around.
Benefits of using a play mat
A play mat is a great investment. It offers multiple benefits for your baby’s physical, cognitive, and sensory development.
Here are a few of them:
- Encourages physical development: A play mat provides a fun place for your baby’s tummy time. This daily practice can help them strengthen their neck, arms, and back muscles. The bright colors and interactive features encourage reaching and pulling.
- Provides a safe space for exploration: Play mats offer a soft, cushioned surface for your baby to explore their surroundings safely. They also provide a barrier between your little one and the floor, protecting them from hard surfaces if they flop their heads down or fall.
- Stimulates sensory experiences: Your little one will have much to look at on their play mat. The different colors, patterns, and textures stimulate their senses and encourage visual tracking. Some play mats also feature toys with sounds or music.
- Promotes cognitive development: As your baby grows, they’ll interact more with the elements on the mat. They’ll reach for toys, explore textures, and learn how the different elements work. These activities promote hand-eye coordination and various developmental milestones.
Types of play mats
The term “play mat” is used for a wide range of baby products. Some of the most popular types include:
- Foam mat: These are usually made from foam material and offer a soft, cushioned surface for your baby to lay on.
- Fabric mat: This type of play mat is made from soft, plush material and offers a cozy surface for your little one. It often features detachable toys or sensory elements like crinkly fabric or squeakers.
- Activity mat: These play mats typically have an arch over the top that holds various interactive toys for your baby to reach for and play with. They’re usually larger and can provide entertainment for longer periods.
- Portable mat: Some play mats are easy to roll up and bring along on life’s adventures. They are typically smaller and very lightweight.
- Puzzle mat: Some foam play mats come in puzzle-like pieces that can be assembled in different formations, allowing for customizable shapes and sizes.
You’ll have to decide which type of play mat best suits your needs and your baby’s preferences.
What to look for when buying a play mat
With so many play mats on the market, you’ll want to narrow your options to avoid being overwhelmed. Here are some things to think about when making your decision.
Safety features
Your baby’s safety is your top priority. When purchasing a play mat, look for these safety features:
- Slip-resistant bottom: If your home has hard floors, your baby’s play mat may slip and slide around. To prevent this, look for one with a non-slip backing.
- No choking hazards: Babies chew on everything. Check your play mat for small pieces and remove anything that could be a choking hazard.
- Age-appropriate: Some play mats are designed for specific age ranges, so pick one appropriate for your baby’s current stage of development.
- Volume control: If the play mat plays music, look for one with volume controls. If it’s too loud, it can damage your little one’s hearing.
Stimulating colors and textures
Babies are naturally drawn to contrasting colors and textures. To keep your baby visually engaged, look for a mat that includes a variety of colors or patterns.
Non-toxic materials
Your baby will likely spend a lot of time on their mat. Choose one that’s made from non-toxic materials without chemical emissions. If you can find one that’s GREENGUARD Gold certified, that's even better!
Some safe material choices are:
- Natural rubber
- Organic cotton
- Foam that’s been tested to have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Size and portability
How much space do you have in your nursery? Will you need to move the play mat from room to room? Look at the dimensions of the one you’re considering and make sure it’ll fit in your home.
And if portability is important, consider a play mat that you can easily fold or roll up for travel.
Age range
What’s the recommended age range for the play mat? Some are very basic and more suitable for newborns, while others have interactive features that are more appropriate for older babies.
Before purchasing, consider how long your baby will be able to use it. If you want to use it longer, choose one that can grow with your baby.
Ease of cleaning
Let’s be real — babies are messy! Spit up, poop, and pee are all part of daily life with a little one, so it’s important to choose a play mat that’s easy to clean and maintain. Otherwise, it’ll quickly become unsanitary.
Look for one you can easily wipe down or put in the washing machine. Read the care directions so you know what you’re getting into.
Tips for using a play mat with your baby
Once you pick out a play mat, here are some tips to help you make the most of it.
Supervise playtime.
While most play mats provide a safe and comfortable place for your baby, it’s important to supervise them while using one. This will keep them safe while allowing you to interact with them during playtime!
Incorporate toys and activities.
A play mat is great on its own, but you can make it even more fun for your baby by adding toys and activities. This will help keep them from getting bored and give them more opportunities to practice their motor skills.
You can:
- Read a book aloud while they do tummy time on the play mat.
- Sing a few songs together.
- Position a couple of toys out of reach to encourage them to stretch and move.
- Place a baby-safe mirror on the mat so they can practice self-recognition and study different facial expressions.
Practice developmental milestones.
Play mats are great for practicing developmental milestones. Consider what babies are expected to do at different ages, and use your play mat to help them reach those milestones.
For example:
- Let your newborn have at least 15 minutes of tummy time each day.
- Talk to your two-month-old about all the features on the mat so they can hear your voice and understand more about the world around them.
- Get down at your baby’s level and cheer them on as they try rolling.
Have some alternatives.
Some babies are perfectly content to play on their special mat every day. Others may want a change of scenery once in a while. If your baby seems bored or fussy on the play mat, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Set your crib mattress on the floor and let them play on it (just watch to make sure they don’t roll off the edge!).
- Place a large blanket on the floor and spread some toys around.
- Let them play inside their Travel Crib & Play Yard — you can even take it outside to let your little one get some fresh air (see the video below)
By having some options, you can keep playtime exciting and fun!
Play well, little one!
A play mat is an excellent tool for your baby’s development and entertainment. With the tips in this buying guide, you can find the perfect play mat that suits your baby’s needs. Whether it’s a simple design or one with all the bells and whistles, your baby will have a great time playing!
So pick up a play mat and add it to your nursery alongside your collection of safe, innovative baby products from Newton. Your little one will thank you.
