Do Babies Need Play Mats?
While play mats aren’t a requirement, they make a nice addition to your list of baby essentials. Play mats offer your little one a comfy and safe place for playtime.
Experts recommend tummy time to help build strength in your baby’s neck, arms, trunk, and shoulders. Strengthening these areas helps in their development and reaching milestones such as rolling, sitting, and crawling. (1)
Even if you have carpeted floors in your new baby’s playroom, nursery, or living room, a playmat provides them with their own comfy space.
Activity mats for babies can also help improve their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Other gym mats have an activity center with hanging toys in bright colors for added fun and stimulation.
Are Play Mats Safe For Babies?
Tummy time mats can be safe for babies, but it depends on the material. You’ll want to choose non-toxic options. The right mat will provide a soft and comfy play space.
Area rugs can also be a good option, but those with non-slip bottoms are preferable, so your baby doesn’t hurt themselves when they’re mobile.
Many kids’ play mats are made of soft foam or laminated plastic. Check the manufacturer’s product description for non-toxic foam materials and BPA-free* plastics.
*BPA (bisphenol-A) is a common material used for plastic manufacturing that can affect your child’s development, including their behavior. Additional research also suggests possible links between BPA exposure and an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. (2)
Our Top 7 Recommendations For The Best Baby Play Mats
- Lovevery The Play Gym ($140) – Non-toxic, organic cotton baby play mat with five Montessori-inspired development zones, an activity center and hanging toys, plus a play space cover to convert into a play fort for toddlers
- Little Bot Ofie Mat ($159.95) – Non-toxic, single-foam play mat with neutral colors and prints to suit nurseries for boys or girls; reversible mat with different designs on opposite sides
- Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat ($49.99) – Budget-friendly, easily portable baby play mat with bright prints and cartoons
- House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat (prices start at $119 for the 4 x 6 feet) – Water-resistant, premium cushioned, non-toxic EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam play mat with rug-like prints; expandable mats with puzzle-styled tiles to easily fit any floor space or size
- Bammax Play Mat ($99.99) – Colorful, foldable, and reversible play mat with two different patterns on each side; portable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Baby Einstein Neptune Under the Sea Play Mat ($69.99) – Baby play mat with a removable activity gym, hanging toys, and canopy; plays melodies from around the world, and some portions light up
- XdeModa Baby Play Mat ($74.99) – Hypoallergenic, waterproof, skid-proof, and reversible baby play mat with vibrant design on one side and modern contemporary prints on the other; portable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
Continue reading to learn more about each baby play mat.
Lovevery The Play Gym
Price
- $140
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Non-toxic, organic cotton baby play mat with an activity center and hanging toys, plus a play space cover to convert into a play fort for toddlers
- Capabilities: Features five Montessori-inspired development zones with different activities to encourage exploration and learning, with four detachable activity toys and four sets of cards
- Reversible: No
- Cleaning options: Machine-washable activity mat; wooden and plastic parts wiped-cleaned with a damp cloth
Includes the following:
- Organic cotton high-contrast ball
- Batting ring
- Organic cotton teether
- Silicone teething rings without PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- Black and white card set
- Mirror card set
- Common objects card set
- Faces card set
- Play guide
- Play space cover
- Card set clips
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Eco-friendly, sustainably sourced wood
- Safety: Free from fire retardants, PVC, and other toxic materials
- Play gym: Yes
- Other extra features: Mouthable pieces made of silicone, 100% organic cotton, and other non-toxic materials
Key Features
- No tools are required for assembly or takedown
- No batteries required
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 23.9 x 50 x 47 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: OEKO-TEX certified fabrics (testing for toxic and harmful substances) and FSC-certified*, sustainably sourced wood
*FSC means Forest Stewardship Council
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complained that the gym was “too boring” for their babies.
Little Bot Ofie Mat
Price
- $159.95
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Non-toxic, single-foam play mat with neutral colors and prints to suit nurseries for boys or girls
- Capabilities: Can be rolled up for storage
- Reversible: Yes
- Cleaning options: Vacuum-safe and wipeable with a damp cloth
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
- Safety: Free from heavy metals, BPA, formaldehyde, phthalate, formamide, fire retardants, PVC, or EVA foam
- Play gym: None
Key Features
- Reversible mat with different designs on opposite sides
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 6.5 ft x 4.5 ft x 1.5 cm
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: Third-party US-certified labs
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints on Amazon that this play mat easily stains and turns yellow
Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat
Price
- $49.99 (price on Amazon)
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Budget-friendly, easily portable baby play mat with bright prints and cartoons
- Capabilities: Promotes senses, fine and gross motor skills, imagination, and creativity
- Reversible: No
- Cleaning options: Machine washable
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Cloth
- Safety: BPA-free toys
- Play gym: None
Key Features
Includes the following:
- Peek-a-boo tree
- Mirror
- Tiny ring for attaching additional toys
- Crinkly fox tail
- Easy-grasp carrot teether
- Shiny satin ribbons
- Corduroy peek-a-boo pocket
- Large button and soft handle for easy carrying
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 59.06 x 39.37 x 0.79 inches
- Warranty: Not indicated
- Quality/safety certifications: ASTM standards (American Society for Testing and Materials), CFR (Code of Federal Regulations), and CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that the stitching unraveled after they washed this product in the washing machine
House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat
Price
- 4 x 6 feet: $119
- 4 x 8 feet: $169
- 6 x 8 feet: $229
- 8 x 8 feet: $299
- 8 x 10 feet: $349
- 8 x 10 feet: $399
- 10 x 12 feet: $499
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Water-resistant, premium cushioned EVA foam play mat with rug-like prints
- Capabilities: Expandable mats with puzzle-styled tiles to easily fit any floor space or size
- Reversible: No
- Cleaning options: Wipe clean spills with a dry cloth or wash with mild soap and water but make sure to dry completely before using again
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Premium quality, non-toxic EVA foam
- Safety: Free from phthalates, toxic dyes or inks, BPA, PFAS (per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), PVC, formaldehyde, latex, and heavy metals
- Play gym: None
Key Features
- Puzzle-style playmat available in different sizes (with the same tile sizes) for easy expansion
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 24.8” x 24.8” per tile (total product dimension depends on what you order)
- Warranty: 365-day limited warranty
- Quality/safety certifications: ASTM F963 (for US toy safety standards), EN71 for European Union toy Safety testing standards, CA65 Prop 65 (California), and CPSIA
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Limited options of where you can buy this product
- The puzzle edges must be set up properly to avoid tripping hazards.
Bammax Play Mat
Price
- $99.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Colorful, foldable, and reversible play mat with two different patterns on each side
- Capabilities: Portable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Reversible: Yes
- Cleaning options: Waterproof and can be easily wiped clean with a wet or damp cloth
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Non-toxic XPE (cross-linked polyethylene foam)
- Safety: Free from latex, BPA, phthalates, lead, and formamide
- Play gym: None
Key Features
- Thick (0.61 inches) for extra cushioning during tummy time
- Double-sided non-slip design for added safety
- Fun, educational prints for early learning
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 77.5 x 70 inches
- Warranty: 180-day warranty, with a 7-day money-back guarantee
- Quality/safety certifications: ASTM and CPSIA
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints about this product easily getting scratched or damaged
Baby Einstein Neptune Under the Sea Play Mat
Price
- $69.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Baby play mat with a removable activity gym, hanging toys, and canopy
- Capabilities: Plays melodies from around the world, and some portions light up (requires batteries)
- Reversible: No
- Cleaning options: Machine washable
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: 60% fabric and 40% plastic
- Safety: Meets and exceeds US safety standards
- Play gym: Yes
Includes the interactive toys following:
- Plush fish
- Ring rattle
- Sand dollar teether
- Shell mirror
- Crab bead chaser
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 19 x 32 x 32 inches
- Warranty: One year
- Quality/safety certifications: Independent and accredited third-party laboratories; meets or exceeds all applicable US and international safety standards
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints about the product being too flimsy to stay up after a couple of uses
XdeModa Baby Play Mat
Price
- $74.99
What Makes It Special?
- Best features: Hypoallergenic, waterproof, skid-proof, and reversible baby play mat with vibrant design on one side and modern contemporary prints on the other
- Capabilities: Portable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- Reversible: Yes
- Cleaning options: Wipe-clean with a damp cloth
Materials & Safety Features:
- Material: Hypoallergenic, odor-free XPE
- Safety: Free from phthalates, BPA, lead, and formaldehyde
- Play gym: None
- Other extra features: Portable and comes with a carrying case
Other Specifications & Special Features
- Dimensions: 77 x 70 x ½ inches
- Warranty: 100% money-back guarantee
- Quality/safety certifications: German TUV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) and American CPC (Children’s Product Certificate)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some complaints that this product tears or gets damaged easily
Summary & Recommendations
These baby play mats can be a fun-filled, safe space for your little one. They can be a nice addition to your baby’s nursery or provide a comfy spot for tummy time in your living room.
Here are our play mat recommendations to help you pick the best one for your baby:
Choose Lovevery The Play Gym ($140) if:
- You want a non-toxic, organic cotton baby play mat
- You prefer a baby play mat with five Montessori-inspired development zones
- You want one with an activity center and hanging toys
- You like the play space cover that converts the play mat into a play fort for toddlers
- You want a machine-washable play mat with organic fabrics
Choose Little Bot Ofie Mat ($159.95) if:
- You prefer a non-toxic, single-foam play mat with neutral colors and prints to suit nurseries for boys or girls
- You want a reversible mat with different designs on opposite sides
- You like that it’s vacuum-safe and wipeable with a damp cloth
Choose Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat ($49.99) if:
- You prefer a budget-friendly, easily portable baby play mat with bright prints and cartoons
- You want one that promotes senses, fine and gross motor skills, imagination, and creativity
- You like a machine-washable play mat
Choose House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat (prices start at $119 for the 4 x 6 feet) if:
- You want a water-resistant, premium cushioned EVA foam play mat with rug-like prints
- You prefer expandable mats with puzzle-styled tiles to easily fit any floor space or size (from 4x 6 feet to 10 x 12 feet or to any configuration)
- You don’t mind that this isn’t machine-washable
Choose Bammax Play Mat ($99.99) if:
- You want a colorful, foldable, and reversible play mat with two different patterns on each side
- You need a portable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- You like that it’s waterproof and can be easily wiped clean with a wet or damp cloth
Choose Baby Einstein Neptune Under the Sea Play Mat ($69.99) if:
- You prefer a baby play mat with a removable activity gym, hanging toys, and a canopy
- You like one that plays melodies from around the world and has some portions light up
- You want one that’s machine-washable
Choose XdeModa Baby Play Mat ($74.99) if:
- You prefer a hypoallergenic, waterproof, skid-proof, and reversible baby play mat with vibrant design on one side and modern contemporary prints on the other
- You need a portable and suitable for indoor or outdoor use
- You don’t mind that it isn’t machine-washable
Features To Look For In Choosing The Best Baby Play Mat
Safety (Check For Toxicity, Materials, Third-Party Testing, & Certifications)
Like other products that touch your baby’s skin or mouth (and potentially get licked or bitten), it’s best to choose non-toxic baby play mats.
If possible, choose those made of organic cotton or similar materials, and check that they’re free from harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC, heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalate, formamide, fire retardants, or toxic EVA foam.
Quality
Check product reviews on online shops and inspect the baby play mats. High-quality products can last longer and are generally safer for babies to use.
Design
Many baby gear manufacturers create products that match your baby’s nursery theme or style.
Cushion: How Thick Should My Baby’s Play Mat Be?
It’s good to pick a play mat at least half an inch thick to provide a comfy, safe cushion for your baby during play and tummy time.
Size
It depends on your needs or the size of your baby’s room. Many play mats provide just a small space around your baby, while others can be spread or expanded to fit your baby’s nursery floor.
Quick Clean Up
New parents might be surprised at how easy it is for babies to make a mess on their play mat. Be prepared for drools and spit-ups even if you have already burped your little one.
Have some burp cloths on hand to wipe their face and quickly dry up the mess.
What Type Of Play Mat Is Best For Your Baby?
It usually depends on your needs and preferences. Foam, puzzle-style play mats are usually cheap, soft, durable, and easy to clean, but some parents are worried that these can have undeclared toxic materials.
Organic cotton play mats are chemical-free, but they are more prone to easily getting dirty from messes (like drool and spit-ups) than those made from other materials.
Portability
If you love to go out with your baby, portable play mats are ideal. Bonus points if it’s outdoor friendly.
Storage
It’s also good to choose play mats that can be folded and stored if you don’t like them taking up space in your baby’s nursery or the living room.
FAQs
How Can I Make My Baby’s Tummy Time More Enjoyable?
Depending on your child’s age, you can make their tummy time more enjoyable by adding age-appropriate toys that they might find interesting.
A child-safe mirror is also engaging to babies.
If they have a favorite toy, consider putting this a little further away from their reach so they can try to reach for it. (1)
It also helps to vary the toys or interesting elements you place on their play mat during tummy time.
What Age Should My Baby Go On A Play Mat?
You can introduce your baby to tummy time the first day you bring them home from the hospital or birthing facility.
They can start slow at one or two minutes for around four to five times a day. You can slowly increase this to a few more minutes until they’re comfortable on their belly for 10 minutes, still at around four to five times a day. (1)
As their muscles develop and their strength increases, your baby will eventually enjoy up to 90 minutes a day when they turn four months old or older. (1)
Can My Newborn Use A Play Mat?
Yes. Newborns can rest on the play mat. They can also enjoy tummy time of around 1-2 minutes up to four to five times a day.
Also, always ensure they’re awake and supervised at all times.
How To Keep Play Mats Clean
It depends on the play mat’s material and the manufacturer’s cleaning suggestions. In general, cloth or fabric play mats might be machine-washable or hand-washed, while foam and similar materials can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth.
Always clean up spills and messes to avoid spreading them on the play mat and damaging the material.
Should I Let My Baby Crawl On The Hardwood Floor?
Babies can safely crawl on the hardwood floor if they can control their heads and movement.
However, it might be best to use baby play mats or other soft materials such as an area rug to protect their head, mouth, and other body parts from injury.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2015/09/the-importance-of-tummy-time
(2) https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331
