Shopping for the Best Playmats for Babies and Kids

Are you looking for a comfortable, soft surface for your children to play on? Playmats are a product that most parents find unnecessary, but those who have it swear it’s one of the best purchases ever. Let’s discover the best playmats for babies and kids while also learning what they are and how you can benefit from having them.

Rank	Product	Highlights
#1	Regalo Sensory & Learning My Play Mat CHECK PRICE	Price Range: $40 – $50 Materials: foam Available colors/patterns: 2
#2	Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick and Play Mat CHECK PRICE	Price Range: $30 – $40 Materials: plastic Available colors/patterns: 4
#3	Yay Mats Tummy Time Mat CHECK PRICE	Price Range: $80 – $90 Materials: foam Available colors/patterns: 6
#4	The Play Gym by Lovevery CHECK PRICE	Price Range: >$100 Materials: organic cotton, wood, non-toxic polyester Available colors/patterns: 1
#5	Baby Girl Play Mat CHECK PRICE	Price Range: $20 – $30 Materials: velboa  Available colors/patterns: 3
#6	Teytoy Baby Cotton Play Mat CHECK PRICE	Price Range: $30 – $40 Materials: cotton Available colors/patterns: 1
#7	Gentle Monster Baby Play Mat CHECK PRICE	Price Range: $40 – $50 Materials: foam Available colors/patterns: 2
#8	CUTE STONE Store Baby Play Mat CHECK PRICE	Price Range: $40 – $50 Materials: foam Available colors/patterns: 1

Best Playmats for Babies and Kids

1. Editor’s Choice: Regalo Sensory & Learning My Play Mat

Key Specs:

• Price Range: $40 – $50
• Materials: foam
• Available colors/patterns: 2

The Regalo My Play Mat is a portable, lightweight playmat that is great for use at home, outdoors or traveling. Ideal for safeguarding small hands and feet from harm by covering hard surfaces or creating a play area. It collapses in a matter of seconds and can be stored for later use.

This reversible playmat features an appealing alphabet pattern on one side and a gray chevron pattern on the reverse. It is 77″ x 71″ and is constructed of soft foam that is easily wipeable with a damp towel.

Pros	Cons
Foldable and easy to carry. Reversible design. Meets JPMA and ASTM standards.	Tears easily.

Who Should Buy It

If you’re looking for a playmat that you can easily fold, store, and transport, this might be the perfect choice for you. 

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2. Runner Up: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick and Play Mat

Key Specs:

• Price Range: $30 – $40
• Materials: plastic
• Available colors/patterns: 4

This is a great option for your baby’s kick and playing because it is small and lightweight. But the nicest thing about this device is that your infant may learn new things and methods on their own.

The melodic get-up piano keys and toy arch are guaranteed to please your kid and keep them occupied throughout playtime.

Since this mat grows with your child, it has a wide range of uses and a long lifespan.  This playmat is great for your baby’s tummy time in the future. As your child becomes older, they will be able to play the piano.

Pros	Cons
Good for babies even as they grow up. Plenty of activities included. Lightweight and portable.	Lights drain battery pretty fast.

Who Should Buy It

For parents looking for great playmats recommended by other parents, I strongly suggest checking out this little fellow by Fisher-Price.

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3. Most durable: Yay Mats Tummy Time Mat

Key Specs:

• Price Range: $80 – $90
• Materials: foam
• Available colors/patterns: 6

While the Yay mats aren’t exactly the epitome of fun designs, I chose to show them to you because they are very practical. Made up from squares, these mats allow you to connect multiple tiles and make a playmat as large as you want.

They have a waterproof construction, which makes cleaning a breeze. They are made with quality foam, and I expect they will outlast a bunch of other similar playmats found on the market.

Pros	Cons
Waterproof. Highly durable. Can connect multiple squares for a larger mat.	Feels pretty slippery.

Who Should Buy It

If if you value durability and ease of cleaning over other playmat aspects, you might want to take a look into what the Yay has to offer. 

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4. Best Organic: The Play Gym by Lovevery

Key Specs:

• Price Range: >$100
• Materials: organic cotton, wood, non-toxic polyester
• Available colors/patterns: 1

This product has been thoughtfully created to stimulate cognitive, visual, and motor development from baby to toddler. It was constructed using organic accessories, such as wood that has been responsibly obtained. Finishes are water-based and non-toxic.

This item is an absolute must-have for the first year and beyond; this item is designed to maintain your baby’s attention on having fun and learning throughout the year. It is divided into 5 development zones, can be folded and stored easily, and all baby accessories have been tested and are safe to use.

Pros	Cons
Made with organic and non-toxic materials. Can be folded and stored. Includes 5 development zones.	Wooden bars will not fold.

Who Should Buy It

If you don’t mind spending some extra money, this is an all-in-one playmat that will provide your child with learning and fun opportunities. 

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5. Best Budget: Baby Girl Play Mat

Key Specs:

• Price Range: $20 – $30
• Materials: velboa 
• Available colors/patterns: 3

This tummy time mat is large enough for the baby to lie down on and play on it comfortably. The microfiber polyfill cushioning provides comfort against a hard surface for newborns or toddlers. It has lots of useage options, as well as a decorative item in the nursery room, among others. 

If you ever have to travel, the soft material is very easy to fold and doesn’t take up that much space. It is constructed using anti-slip backing for more baby safety.

Pros	Cons
Anti-skid fabric. Easy to store and carry.  Can be used as a decorative item.	Feels pretty thin.

Who Should Buy It

When you’re short on cash and want a simple, soft, and cushioning mat for your baby, this might be one to look at. 

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6. Best for sensitive skin: Teytoy Baby Cotton Play Mat

Key Specs:

• Price Range: $30 – $40
• Materials: cotton
• Available colors/patterns: 1

From learning letters and numbers to getting acquainted with animals, this colorful playmat is a great investment for babies drawn to fun-looking things. Made from cotton, this non-toxic mat serves babies with sensitive skin. The fact that it doesn’t have any BPAs or odors helps. 

Measuring 0.6 cm in thickness and 59 x 41 overall, this product offers great protection and prevents kids from just sitting or crawling on the floor.

Pros	Cons
Made with soft cotton. No toxic dyes, no BPAs. Very educative and colorful design.	Requires more padding.

Who Should Buy It

If your baby has sensitive skin, loves bright colors, or you simply want a cotton playmat, the Teytoy is here to serve you. 

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7. Best Portable: Gentle Monster Baby Play Mat

Key Specs:

• Price Range: $40 – $50
• Materials: foam
• Available colors/patterns: 2

This playmat is a product that offers extremely great value for the money, so we wanted to bring it to your attention. It has a non-toxic construction, so your child will be safe crawling on it whenever it’s time to explore. It also has a waterproof construction, which means fewer headaches for you as a parent.

Thanks to its relatively lightweight construction, it’s also pretty easy to fold and carry around as needed. It measures 77 x 70 inches plus 0.4 inches in thickness, so I do feel it could be a little thicker.

Pros	Cons
Waterproof. Non-toxic. Lightweight.	Questionable long-term durability.

Who Should Buy It

Every parent looking for a “best value” playmat that’s easy to clean, safe to use by kids, and easy to store/transport should look at the Gentle Monster. 

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8. Easiest to clean: CUTE STONE Store Baby Play Mat

Key Specs:

• Price Range: $40 – $50
• Materials: foam
• Available colors/patterns: 1

This specifically created play mat is 100 percent free of BPA, lead, phthalates, and heavy metals, and it is also free of foam formamide, which is harmful to the environment. You’re basically getting a set of 16 square mats plus 16 fence mats and another 4 fan-shaped mats. It basically allows you to create a small playground for your little one. 

One of the best parts about this product is that it has a waterproof surface. That means that spills are super simple to clean, and all you’ll really need is a paper towel or a cloth.

Pros	Cons
You can create different shapes. You can assemble multiple sets together. Waterproof and easy to clean.	Doesn’t stand up as pictured.

Who Should Buy It

If you’re short on time and don’t have to worry about spills on a playmat, this fellow right here might just help you out. 

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You might want to check: Best Kids’ Rugs

What Is a Playmat for Babies?

Whether you refer to it as a playmat, activity gym, or play gym, the concept is the same: a vibrantly colored and engaging mat for your baby’s playtime. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. They give a secure, comfortable space for your child to play, relax, and develop different kinds of skills.

What Does a Playmat for Babies Include?

Different playmat models can include different items but, for the most part, the components include:

• A plush surface made up of foam, pillows, and soft materials.
• Diverse materials and textures inspire tactile exploration and interaction.
• A bar with dangling toys designed to assist infants in rolling over and reaching for and holding objects.

Some mats include other activities and objects, including mirrors, musical sounds, lights, and others. The bar that holds the dangling toys is usually removable, making it easy to fold the mat and store it as needed.

What Is a Playmat for Babies Made Of?

Foam or quilted playmats are an excellent choice for infants and young toddlers because they are constructed with a spongy and soft surface and are comfy enough for napping.
Fabric mats are preferable for older toddlers due to their sturdier substance, which does not crumple or move around the floor when a pro-active youngster uses them.

Recently, double-sided silicone playmats were introduced to the market. They are flexible and rollable, but equally robust. Go for an organic baby playmat composed of non-toxic, organic materials. They frequently have cotton covers and interiors made of plant-based foams.

A playmat should be devoid of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, PVC, BPA, PBS, formaldehyde, flame retardants, lead, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Bear in mind that some mats that claim to be non-toxic and eco-friendly include PVC, which is not considered to be non-toxic.

How Big Should a Playmat for Babies Be?

While your baby may be small now, it will develop and begin crawling soon, so it is critical to keep this in mind while selecting the appropriate mat size.

If you have the living space for a colossal mat, you should acquire one since not only will the infant have plenty of room to explore, but you can also join them.

Do not rely on retailers who display S, M, L, or XL markings, as these designations may change between providers. Verify the dimensions with the store.

The thickness of a space folder mat can be up to 42 mm, providing the highest security level. However, you may go lower without jeopardizing your safety. A mat with a thickness of 15 mm is considered standard.

The size and substance of the mat will also determine its weight. For example, a soft mat that is 40 mm thick weighs twice as much as a PVC mat that is 15 mm thick.

The Importance of Playtime and Tummy Time for Babies

Tummy time implies placing a baby on their tummy while awake and supervised. This can aid in the development of strong shoulder and neck muscles, as well as motor abilities in your baby. Tummy time can also help avoid developing flat areas on the back of your baby’s head.

When a baby’s head is held in the same posture for an extended time, the skull bone plates may migrate in such a way that a flat patch forms.

While it is suggested that you place your baby to sleep on their back to avoid the risk of SIDS (which is short for “sudden infant death syndrome”), this allows your baby to experience a new position. This can assist in reducing the likelihood of flat areas.

What to Look for in a Playmat for Babies and Kids

• Safety

First, research the many retailers from where you may get a playmat. Do they have a stellar track record with infant products?

Consider the evaluations left by prior purchasers regarding the product’s safety. Consult the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) of the United States for product recalls.

• Price Range

A playmat can cost anything from $20 to $200. The price is influenced by a series of characteristics, such as materials or extra features available.

For example, a playmat that only includes the mat can be bought for as cheap as $20. However, you can expect to pay more if you want more complex with more toys, trinkets, and activities.

However, you can get a really good playmat for 50 bucks.

• Colors

Colors are critical in the development of your child’s visual senses. Choosing bright colors will attract attention and are easier to comprehend for infants and toddlers. Select a playmat that incorporates at least one or two of these hues: red, yellow, green, blue, and purple are the primary colors.

• Ease to Use

Since the playmat will be used by a little kid, you want the activities to be easy. That means no toys stuck to things or no heavy items that can’t possibly be picked up. When you think about ease of use, it has to be easy to use by your child.

• Easy to Store

Considering that most playmats, even those equipped with activity bars, are foldable and lightweight, they should also be easy to store.

Consider purchasing a portable play mat if you enjoy organizing playdates or taking your children on road trips. Ensure that you buy a playmat that is easy to set up and take down. This is the best way to go to ensure that you and your child have a stress-free outing.

• Easy to Clean

Children’s immune system is weak, making them more vulnerable to disease. Playmats may be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Thus, it is important to maintain them clean and tidy.

Choose a mat that is easy to clean because you will need to do it frequently. Because moms already have a lot on their plates, seek baby floor mats that can be easily cleaned with a cloth and are waterproof. There is no need to worry about washing the mat if something spills.

Bottom Line

If you’re searching for the best playmats for babies and kids, make sure to check out the materials they’re made from. Not all mats that are advertised as being safe for kids actually are. Look for certifications and buy from brands that have good reviews and a good reputation in the industry. Check out our guide to the best kid’s mattresses for more awesome recommendations!

Photo credit: SergeBertasiusPhotography/Shutterstock;
Little_Desire/Shutterstock; Elena Stepanova/Shutterstock;
Anna Kraynova/Shutterstock