The Best Baby Play Mat

Buying Guide

In addition to being designed to keep your baby entertained, playmats are also created to assist with an infant’s development. There are a host of different types of play mats on the market, which may leave you feeling a little overwhelmed when you start your search. Use this guide to help narrow down the options, so you end up with the best baby play mat for your infant.

Start off examining the material the play mat is made out of. It is important to select one that has a non-toxic and phthalate-free surface. If your baby is sensitive, you’ll also need the mat to be hypoallergenic.

Determine how portable you need the baby play mat to be. This isn’t important for babies who spend the majority of their time at home, but infants that spend the day with grandma while mom works may benefit from having a playmat that easily rolls up so that it can be transported between houses. Some models even come with their own travel bag.

“Consider whether this will be a permanent fixture in your home or if you’d rather be able to store it or travel with it,” says mother and infant sleep-safe expert Kate Desmond. Desmond serves as marketing director for Charlie’s Kids Foundation, an organization that provides education about SIDS and safe sleep. “If the latter is more your style, consider one that easily folds or rolls up.”

Check the size of the play mat. Some models are as is as big as a queen-size blanket. That means your baby will have plenty of space when he or she is ready to start rolling over. The mat is also reversible. One side is decorative and ideal for infant tummy time, while the other has animals, letters and numbers for toddlers to practice on.

Look for any activities and attachments that may be included with the play mat. For example, some deluxe play mats have 18 developmental activities that help a baby with everything from cognition to fine and gross motor skills. There’s also the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym, which has a tiny piano with five keys that an infant can kick with their feet. Toddlers can transition to using their hands to make music with the keyboard. Musical attachments are always a great choice because they help a baby learn about cause and effect.

Examine the play mat attachments to see what benefits they offer your child. For example, a mirror helps with self-discovery, while crinkle toys provide important sensory input.

Consider a play mat that grows with your baby. There are foam puzzle mats that are made using a high-density EVA foam that is comfortable for infants to lay on when they need to have a little tummy time. They are also constructed of squares that have letters and numbers on them for toddlers to practice with. Older children can even take the squares and use them like a puzzle by turning them into cubes.

• Beware of baby play mats that are flame retardant, as they contain harmful chemicals that can enter through the child’s skin when he or she lays on the mat. If the chemicals enter the air, the little one can also breathe the chemicals in, so always opt for a non-toxic play mat. Just make sure you keep the playmat away from any heat sources or candles and that you supervise the baby while the playmat is in use.
• Make sure batteries are included along with the playmat if it is a model that utilizes sound and light. If not, you’ll want to check and see what type of batteries the mat needs and pick up a set before you put the mat together for your precious little one.
• Always check the product label before attempting to clean the play mat. Some mats are machine washable, while others, like those made of foam or those with a waterproof surface, should simply be wiped down with a little dish soap and water.
• Homes with hardwood floors would do well with a baby play mat that has both a non-slip grip underneath and extra padding on top.
• Simple baby play mats that are waterproof can double as changing pads when you’re away from home and out in the public. Just roll the play mat up and pack it in your diaper bag.

Waterproof mats provide another important benefit. “Babies are messy, so make sure the playmat you choose is either waterproof and wipeable, or machine washable,” Desmond adds.

• The price for baby play mats varies greatly depending on the material used to make the mat, how many features it has and how long the baby can use it. The Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym is made out of foam and is one of the lower-priced mats on the market. At the top of the price range are play mats which can be used from infancy all the way through Kindergarten.