How to Choose the Right Baby Play Mat For Your Baby?

Do You Need a Baby Play Mat For Babies?

Certainly Yes. Baby play mats ensure a safe environment for your little ones. Further, they also provide the following benefits.

• Playmats support tummy time which helps in strengthening muscles.
• They provide the right conditions for the baby to play around without hurting themselves
• Finally, play mats give the freedom of free play for babies without parents getting worried. Free play is extremely important for the development of various skills in babies such as cognitive development, hand-eye coordination etc.

List of Top 5 Different Types of Baby Play Mats Available For Babies

Different playmats are available in the market – each one specializes in different aspects that help develop the little one.

1. Tummy Time Mats

Tummy time is an essential play for newborns and infants around 3 months. Supervised tummy time is an important routine that contributes largely to the proper growth and development of the baby. Tummy time mats help provide safe and comfortable tummy play for your little one.

[Read : Tummy Time For Babies- A Must Do]

2. Puzzle Mats

Puzzle mats are the ones that have different textured pieces, which give the little ones a safe and interactive environment to play. This is best suitable for infants and toddlers who have started exploring their environment and have just begun their walking journey.

3. Activity Gym

The activity gym resembles the tummy time mats and some toys arching and hanging over a small tube. The baby finds the hanging toys attractive and begins to march their legs to the ground to get hold of the toys.

4. Ball Pits

The ball pits are suitable for infants and toddlers. A small pit is created with balls rolling over them. This enhances the sensory stimulation and cognition of toddlers.

5. Teepees

Teepees have been very common with toddlers in recent years. It is a multi-functional mat with a gym, arching toys, and music. They help develop reaching out abilities and have fun tummy time. Once your little one begins to crawl, you can fold them, form a tunnel, and encourage a good range of activities.

How to Choose a Baby Play Mat For Your Baby?

There are different types of baby mats available in the market. You need to know whether the one you choose is the best for your little one. The following are some features you have to look out for in a baby play mat.

1. Is it Newborn-Friendly?

The baby play mats are essential for newborns. Ensure that the baby mat that you choose is newborn-friendly. The time that your little one spends on the mat should be entertaining and support the baby’s growth and development. Especially with the newborn at home, you need to give them tummy time. Make sure the mat supports tummy time and fun playtime. The materials should be breathable, hypoallergenic, and easy to clean and maintain.

2. How Easy is it to Use it?

Purchasing a baby play mat is not where it all ends. It is essential to maintain and use them properly. You need to check if it is easy to use. Simple and easy-to-use mats are better than mats with complex features. We might end up not utilizing the total capacity of the mats.

3. Where Will You Use it?

You need to determine where you can take the mats with you. In simple words, check on the portability of the baby play mats. You cannot keep your baby inside the house for a long time. You need to take them out and socialize with others. Choose a mat that is easy to carry along to different places. Your little one will also find a comfortable play zone even in a new environment.

4. Washable Fabric

The mats must be washed regularly to provide a clean play area for your children. Always choose the mats that can go easy on scrubbing or washing under the water. Choosing a suitable fabric keeps you unworried about spillage.

5. Safety Features

This is the essential feature to be considered while purchasing baby mats. Two types of safety are associated with baby play mats-physical and fabric safety.

The baby play mats are available in both thick and thin layers. There are no clear conclusions about the best, but the decision depends upon the baby’s age. During the initial days, the babies spend most of the time lying down with a few minutes of tummy time. Then, they begin to crawl and fall most of the time. To support all this, a thick-layer baby mat would be the best to support all.

If your little one is older enough and has a better body balance, you may choose thin layered baby play mats. Similarly, most parents choose mats that are easy to handle and wash. Always remember that your trim will spend most of their time in mats. It is essential to keep them safe and non-toxic.

The easy-to-wash mats are made with with polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. Those are the top toxic materials in the world. Though they seem easy to handle, it is not safe to use them for your little one.

6. Longevity

When you invest your money in playmats, it is very natural for you to expect them to last longer. Ensure that the mat comes with a durable quality that can assist the infant age and a short period of toddler-age of your little one.

When to Start and Stop Using the Baby Play Mat For Babies?

You can start offering play mats once your little one is comfortable lying on their back. Initially, they might not interact with the mat, but gradually they will. Try offering a few minutes of tummy time, which will help them roll over by three months. The hanging toys will help them reach and sit up by 6 months.

In most cases, the baby moves out of the play mat when they begin to crawl. Crawling is a phase where the babies tend to explore the environment. They will be least interested in the play mats and eventually quit.

[Read :  Baby Milestones : Crawling]

Pros and Cons of a Baby Play Mat

Play mats have both pros and cons. Let us discuss them in detail.

Pros

• A Portable play mat helps you to carry them at your convenience. You can keep your little one busy even in part of a friend’s house.
• Tummy time can be safe, comfortable, and exciting for babies.
• Improves the hand-eye coordination and motor skills of the babies.
• The play mats give them an independent space and encourage them to move along.
• Bold-colored play mats can help your little ones to improve visual development.
• Gym play mats can help the kids to develop auditory skills and sensory stimulation.
• Boosts and enhances cognitive development.

Cons

• Different play mats are available and choosing one from the lot is difficult.
• Some play can be expensive, depending upon the size and texture.
• The mats can become very dirty. You need to ensure that the corners of the mat are clean before keeping them back to use.
• When left unused, the mats occupy a lot of space.

[Read : Motor & Cognitive Skills Development Of A Baby]

Top 10 Popular Baby Play Mats For Babies in India

There is a wide range of play mats available in India. We shall discuss the top ten baby mats in India.

1. Tormeti Double-Sided Reversible Baby Play Mat

The Double-sided Reversible play mat is a durable baby play mat that is long and lightweight. It can be used as a play mat and a standard mat. The thick design gives a smooth texture to your little one. It is a reversible play mat, which means you can use both sides of the mat.

Pros

• Thicker and larger
• Lightweight
• Easy to carry
• Made of BPA Free material
• Easily foldable
• Convenient to store
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
• Water-proof and easy to clean

Cons

• Ensure not to place heavy objects on the mat. The mat could tear up easily.
• Polyethylene Material could be harmful to children.

2. Rylan Double Sided Baby Play Mat

The Playmat is double-sided – both sides of the mat can be used. It comes with vibrant colors and 3D textures, which helps the babies to improve their sensory and cognitive skills. They are water-resistant and easy to clean. It is easy to carry them to the park, beach, etc. It is made of foam and can be used on indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Pros

• Water-resistant and easy to clean.
• Provides a new way of learning to the children by touching the 3D textures.
• Easily foldable and portable.
• Can also be used as a yoga mat.
• Thick, lightweight, soft, and comfortable.
• Affordable.

Cons

• The mat has to be used with care, or else the mat might begin to tear.

3. AYSIS Double-Sided Waterproof Baby Play Mat

As the name suggests, the double-sided baby mat is waterproof and easy to clean. It can also be used double-sided. This mat is is foldable and easy to carry. It has a cushioned surface that ensures safety while the baby crawls. This play mat is the ideal one for outdoor camping.

Pros

• Portable
• Soft-cushioned surface ensures safety
• Suitable for newborn to school-going children
• Flexible and soft
• Easy to clean
• Suitable for picnic and camping.
• Provides Insulation

Cons

• The water-resistant fabric might make the mat slippery.
• The prints on the mat might peel off when the water is not absorbed.

4. Skylofts Waterproof Double Side Play Mat

The Double side plays mat is waterproof and slip-resistant. It provides adequate grip to the babies, even on hard surfaces. This mat is made of foam and is best suitable for outdoor activities. It is easy to clean and maintain. The mat comes with vibrant colors and educational prints, which help improve the visual cognition of the babies.

Pros

• Soft and easy to clean
• Available in vibrant colors and exciting prints
• Durable
• Lightweight and portable
• Suitable for parents who travel often

Cons

• The layer covering the foam is thin and is not durable
• High price.

5. Vic Kid® Baby Play Mat

The baby play mat comes with a water-repellent material and is easy to clean. It is suitable for babies from crawling stage to just sitting up and playing stage. The mat provides insulation to the babies and gives them warmth. It is soft and flexible. Reduces the sound when your little one falls.

Pros

• Safe and Hygienic
• Water-resistant
• Provides Insulation
• Soft and flexible material
• Easy to fold and store
• Portable

Cons

• The quality of the water-proof sheet is not durable.

6. Ehomekart – EVA Kid’s Interlocking Play Mat

The Interlocking Play mat is non-toxic and high-density foam and helps protect the spine, knees, hips, and elbows even on a hard floor. Each tile in the mat is 4 square feet and 12mm thick. Each tile can be interlocked and put back easily. It can be used as a play mat for your little one and a yoga mat for you. It provides insulation and is moisture-resistant.

Pros

• Easy washable
• Durable
• Non-toxic and safe
• Slip-resistant
• It can be used even on the most complex surface
• Easy to carry and suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Cons

• Does not absorb water, so the chances of slipping are very high.

7. EASY SHOPE Baby Folding Play Mat

The baby folding mat can be folded into a small package and be carried to different places very quickly. It is BPA free and non-toxic – it helps in protecting the health of your baby. The mat is waterproof and prevents slipping. It is made of high-density foam and reduces the sound of falling.

Pros

• They can be folded easily and do not occupy much of our space.
• It is tested and certified as safe to use by the CPSIA – a third-party testing agency to meet the USA safety standards.
• Soft and comfortable surface.
• Lightweight and portable.

Cons

• Parental supervision is a must.
• The foam’s soft layer can easily tear off if babies dig their fingers hard.

8. SILENCIO Double Sided Water Proof Baby Play Mat

The Double-sided waterproof baby mat ensures a soft and comfortable floor for the babies to crawl and play. It is suitable for both infants and toddlers from birth to the school-going phase. The comfortable cushion ensures that the babies are safe while rolling and tumbling. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Pros

• Flexible
• Safe and hygienic
• Strong and durable
• Portable
• Easy to fold
• Contains educational prints
• Light-weight
• Noise reduction

Cons

• The foam’s soft surface quickly tears off if more pressure is applied.

9. ZOSOE Double-Sided Water Proof Baby Play Mat

The Double-sided play mat gives a safer environment to your little one as they are free from toxic and BPA material. They are made of eco-friendly XPE material. It is reversible and can be used as a play and yoga mat. The 3D print gives a new way of learning for our little ones. They are water resistant and easy to clean. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Pros

• PHS Free, non-toxic, and BPA-free.
• It is easily foldable and does not occupy much of the storage space.
• Easy to clean and not worry about stains.
• High-density foam
• Noise reduction
• Soft and comfortable
• Thick and lightweight.

Cons

• The foam’s outer surface is soft and must be used carefully under parental supervision. If kids dig it hard, they can easily peel off.

10. Ozoy Baby Crawl Play Mats

The Baby Crawl Mats provides a safe and hygienic environment for your little one. It is made of 100 per cent eco-friendly recyclable material to ensure the safety of your little one and our ecosystem. The mat has long and provides adequate space for your little one to sit, stand, roll and tumble. It is double-sided and comes with a soft and thick material.

Pros

• Non-toxic, BPA Free, EVA Free, Mercury Free, Lead-Free, and Phthalate Free.
• They are certified as Safe to use by the USA safety standards.
• Flexible and soft.
• Easy to carry
• Come in vibrant colors.
• Easy to wash and maintain.
• Suitable for both indoor and outdoor activities.

Cons

• The soft outer cover might peel off if the baby digs in hard or any heavy objects are placed on top.

Baby Play Mats are increasingly becoming an essential item for babies. While most parents ignore the required features to look into, it is essential to do primary research before buying one. Most of the mats come with a soft cushion. Ensure that you don’t leave your little one alone while on the mat. They can dig up the mat and peel the cover. Keep your eyes on them. Ensure they make the best use of the play mat and have a happy tummy time. Happy parenting!

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