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Tummy time is the time the baby is awake and on their stomach," explains Dr. Purdy. "Tummy time can be on a parent's chest or lap, on a baby pillow, or even in a carrier. A play mat is great for this but not necessary." Who We Are Find something your baby likes and that you will use as a parent," suggests family medicine doctor Laura Purdy, M.D. "A baby play gym often comes with activities and things attached for the baby to look at. Make sure all of the attachments are secure, and if the baby can get to them, they are safe with no choking hazards."
Bright Starts, Disney Baby, Finding Nemo Ocean Lights Baby
It takes a village to raise a child, including this Skip Hop "Vibrant Village" Double Play Reversible Playmat mat featuring a colorful roadmap on the front to drive your little one's imagination and a pretty diamond-shaped pattern on the flip side. For even bigger imaginary journeys, another version of this mat features a map of the world. This textured foam play mat from JumpOff Jo provides plenty of room for your little one to roam. The soft surface also creates a cushion for falls as your toddler takes their first steps. "A larger play mat allows your child sufficient space to roll, crawl, and explore as they grow, promoting their physical development," notes Dr. Singletary. "The mat should be firm enough to support your infant's gross motor development, like rolling over, crawling, and eventually, walking." For added stimulation, consider play mats that feature detachable toys, textured surfaces, or musical elements,” suggests Dr. Singletary. “These can augment sensory engagement, but ensure they are securely attached to prevent choking hazards." Ease of Storage Play mats come in several styles, with many designed to fold flat, roll up, and/or fit in convenient carrying case for easy transport. If you have limited space, consider opting for a compact play mat rather than a large tiled one to avoid cluttering a tiny area with multiple pieces. Ease of Cleaning
Curriculum
Why We Like It: We love Skip Hop’s patterns that encourage little ones to explore a whole new world. Why We Like It: This well-crafted, eco-friendly activity gym is amazing for building a baby's sensory development.
Bright Starts Disney Baby Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym
Why We Like It: It’s a great size for traveling or small spaces, and the beautiful design makes it a lovely gift. Parents should note that the surface of a play mat for babies “should provide a balance of firmness and softness, according to Dr. Singletary. "The mat should be firm enough to support your infant's gross motor development, like rolling over, crawling, and, eventually, walking. Simultaneously, it should be soft enough to protect them from potential falls." This foam mat is on the firm side, so the brand suggests using a rug pad underneath if you’re using it on hard flooring.Once your munchkin is on the move, you’ll be able to keep them busy scooting about on this fun, foldable play mat, which provides a portable cushioned playscape that can be used indoors or out. Curious little cuties will love exploring on this eco-friendly, cushioned play mat, which features visually stimulating sensory toys, crinkly sounds, and playful patterns. Designed with Montessori experts (meaning it relies on a child’s internal motivation to learn) this delightful baby gym helps to strengthen fine motor skills as your baby begins to discover their new environment. I absolutely love the House of Noa mat and can't wait to add other products," raves lifestyle blogger and mom of three Lauren Diamantas. "It's such a plush mat for anyone—parents, fur animals, children, and infants. My youngest loves to crawl and walk on it while I am in the kitchen, and I can be at ease knowing if she falls, the mat has her protected."
The Best Baby Play Mats and Gyms for Tummy Time, Crawling
As a first-time mother, this Skip Hop play gym took the guesswork out of developmentally appropriate activities to provide my baby," says teacher and new mom Meleah Campbell. "This play gym includes detailed information on Montessori activities to engage my daughter, which I appreciate because I like to know the ‘why’ behind the activities I do with her. As an educator, I was familiar with Montessori-style learning but didn't know it could be incorporated with babies." Why We Like It: This highly recommended mat is made of durable, baby-friendly materials that provide fantastic support. Mats and baby gyms are just the beginning of a baby's exploration of learning new skills and enjoying playtime. Parents and caregivers must ensure their little one stays safe by selecting an age-appropriate mat free from choking hazards. From birth, your baby can begin to use a play mat for brief periods, gradually increasing the duration as they grow," notes Dr. Singletary. Most play mats are machine washable or have a foam surface that can be wiped clean. Follow the specific care instructions for each mat and wash it before the initial use.Designs with contrasting colors, varied patterns, and different characters can engage your baby's attention and stimulate their visual perception," shares Dr. Singletary. "However, a design overly crowded with elements may lead to sensory overload. You want to make sure as your child grows and evolves, so does their play mat. Finding ones that are age and development appropriate is important too." This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items.
Finding Nemo Sea of Activities Bright Starts Disney Baby Finding Nemo Sea of Activities
Looking for a play mat that blends perfectly with your living space? Search no further than this House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat. The tiled, hand-illustrated mats are available in several sizes and five fabulous neutral shades with designs inspired by vintage Moroccan rugs. The water-resistant 2 x 2 feet tiles are made with safe, non-toxic foam, and they’re easy to clean. This change of mind return policy is in addition to, and does not affect your rights under the Australian Consumer Law including any rights you may have in respect of faulty items. To return faulty items see our Returning Faulty Items policy. This water-resistant mat wipes clean easily and rolls up neatly for storage. It’s great for bigger babes and toddlers to use when playing and learning to crawl and walk. "A play mat with a design is wonderful," says Dr. Purdy. "You can add other toys on the mat for the baby to play with and explore." Why We Like It: With plenty of room to wander, this spacious, padded play mat provides an ample playscape as your baby transitions from tummy time to crawling and walking. I recommend large mats, so babies have space to roam and are less likely to move off the edges, risking injury," shares Dr. Purdy. Whether traveling to grandma's house or heading out on the road for a vacation, this fab water-resistant, folding floor mat provides a welcoming space to play. We also love that it comes with a convenient carrying case. Parklon makes mats with a variety of prints and sizes, so if one is sold out, keep shopping for something equally cute and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
In choosing a play mat, safety should be paramount," board-certified pediatrician Dr. Freda Singletary, M.D., tells Parents. "Other considerations include age appropriateness, ease of cleaning the mat, and the mat's adaptability to your child's evolving developmental stages." When shopping for a play mat, Dr. Singletary shares, "Fisher-Price, Baby Einstein, and Lovevery are all reputable brands known for their adherence to safety standards, and they offer a range of play mats designed to stimulate a child's senses and motor skills throughout various stages of development." There are several key factors to consider when buying the best play mat for your baby. Of course, safety comes first, followed by cushioning, support, size, and stimulating developmental features. Avoid foam mats containing toxic chemicals which are dangerous for your baby's health. Always shop for play mats and activity gyms that meet CPSC Standards. Baby-Friendly Design Why We Like It: The lightweight design and convenient carrying case make this a great cushioned play mat for when your baby begins crawling. Why We Like It: Its neutral tones that add a trendy touch to the nursery while providing a comfy place to play. But Take Note: While this sturdy wooden activity gym is constructed to last, it also comes with a pretty hefty price point.
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