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Baby Play Mats & Playmats

A baby play mat gives your little one a soft, clean space for tummy time, rolling, crawling and play, and protects them from hard floors. Explore baby play mats, foam playmats and activity mats from Dwinguler, BabyCare, The Muse Edition, Done by Deer, Skip Hop, Mamas & Papas and Little Dutch, designed for newborns through to toddlers.

Why Choose a Baby Play Mat?

A baby play mat is a cushioned, wipe-clean mat that creates a safe floor space for your baby to play, practise tummy time and later crawl and toddle. Foam playmats such as the Dwinguler and BabyCare mats add shock-absorbing padding over tiles or floorboards, while activity mats and play gyms from Mamas & Papas, Skip Hop and Done by Deer add hanging toys, mirrors and textures for newborns. Many foam play mats are reversible, so one side can match your living room while the other is made for play.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best play mat for a newborn?

For a newborn, a soft activity mat or play gym with hanging toys and a mirror is ideal for tummy time and looking up at toys. The Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World Playmat & Gym and Skip Hop Celestial Dreams Activity Gym are suitable from birth. As your baby starts to roll and crawl, a larger padded foam mat gives more space.

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What size play mat do I need?

Choose a play mat that gives your baby room to roll and crawl, such as the BabyCare Kids' Play Mat at 185 x 125cm or The Muse Edition Large Foam Play Mat at 200 x 140cm. Smaller mats like the BabyCare Milestone Playmat at 140 x 100cm suit smaller spaces.

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Are foam play mats safe for babies?

Foam play mats are safe for supervised floor play when they are made from non-toxic materials. Look for mats described as free from BPA, phthalates and formaldehyde, such as The Muse Edition and BabyCare mats, and replace any mat that is starting to break apart.

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When should I start tummy time on a play mat?

You can start short, supervised tummy time sessions from the first weeks, on a firm flat surface like a play mat. Start with a few minutes at a time when your baby is awake and alert, and build up as they get stronger.

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Play mat or play gym: what is the difference?

A play mat is a flat cushioned mat for floor play, while a play gym adds arches with hanging toys for babies lying on their back. Many play gyms, such as the Mamas & Papas Welcome to the World, become a regular floor mat once the arches are removed.

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How do I clean a baby play mat?

Wipe foam and PVC play mats with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let them dry. Fabric mats and play gym bases may be machine washable, so always check the care label first.