Get to Know Your Play Mat Options
Play mats range from large padded foam mats that last into the toddler years to soft activity mats with toys for the newborn months. Here's a quick look at 7 options in our collection, so you can see how their features, sizing and setup differ at a glance.
- The Muse Edition Large Foam Play Mat | Suitable stage: Newborn to toddler | Size (cm): L: 200, W: 140, 1.5cm thick | Weight: 4.7kg | Key features: Double-sided terrazzo and woven-arch designs, non-toxic PU, free from BPA and phthalates
- BabyCare Kids' Play Mat - Polar Bear and Friends | Suitable stage: Baby to toddler | Size (cm): L: 185, W: 125, 1.2cm thick | Material: non-toxic PVC | Key features: Waterproof, double-sided with an alphabet design
- BabyCare Milestone Playmat - Mono | Suitable stage: Baby to toddler | Size (cm): L: 140, W: 100, 0.8cm thick | Weight: 2kg | Key features: Milestone design for photos, waterproof and reversible
- Dwinguler Soft Playmat - Standard | Suitable stage: Baby to toddler | Size (cm): see listing | Use: indoor and outdoor | Key features: Reversible rug-style design, extra cushioning and non-slip on hard floors
- Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World Playmat & Gym | Suitable stage: Birth to approx. 5 months as a gym, then a floor mat | Size (cm): H: 57, W: 90, D: 90 | Washable: mat base | Key features: Super-soft faux fur mat, 2 removable arches and 4 hanging toys
- Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Gym | Suitable stage: Newborn, tummy time and seated play | Size (cm): see listing | Activities: 17+ | Key features: Plush mat, tummy time pillow, baby mirror and 5 hanging toys
- Done by Deer Activity Play Mat | Suitable stage: Newborn and infant | Size (cm): see listing | Includes: 2 bars, 5 toys | Key features: Quilted mat with removable Velcro arches and Red Dot design award
Use-Cases and Compatibility
The right play mat depends on your baby's age, your floors and how much space you have.
- For tummy time with a newborn
Soft activity mats with toys and mirrors encourage newborns to lift their heads. The Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World Playmat & Gym and Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Gym include a tummy time accessory. See more in our baby play gyms.
- For hard floors and crawling
Large padded foam mats cushion bumps as babies roll, sit and crawl. The Muse Edition Large Foam Play Mat and BabyCare Kids' Play Mat cover a big area and wipe clean.
- For milestone photos
The BabyCare Milestone Playmat has a milestone design for capturing your baby's monthly photos, then works as an everyday play mat.
- For a stylish living room
Reversible rug-style mats such as the Dwinguler Soft Playmat and The Muse Edition range blend into your home when playtime is over.
Looking After Your Play Mat
Regular cleaning keeps your play mat hygienic for little hands and mouths. Always check the care instructions for your specific mat.
Wipe clean daily - Most foam and PVC mats can be wiped with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dried.
Wash fabric mats as directed - Some fabric activity mats and gym bases are machine washable; check the label first.
Keep out of direct sun - Long periods in direct sunlight can fade or warp some foam mats.
Check for wear - Replace a mat if the surface starts to break up, as small pieces can be a choking risk.
What to Check Before You Buy:
- Size and thickness
Measure your floor space and choose a thicker mat if your baby will be learning to sit, crawl and stand on hard floors.
- Materials
Look for mats described as non-toxic and free from BPA and phthalates, and check whether the mat is waterproof.
- Age and activities
Newborns benefit from mats with toys and mirrors, while older babies need more space to roll and crawl.
- Supervised play
Play mats are for supervised floor play, so always stay with your baby during tummy time.
Looking for more options? Explore our wider range of baby play gyms, baby bouncers and baby toys.