A padded floor mat with toys hanging overhead, for the months before crawling.
A baby play mat suits first time parents who want a soft place to put the baby down on the floor, and it earns its space from the early weeks. Check the padding, whether it has an overhead arch of toys, the size against the room, and whether the cover wipes clean or washes.
Gift ideas
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Bring music into every kick, tap and step. The Jolly Jumper Musical Mat is a soft, cushioned play mat that plays jolly tunes at your baby's touch to keep them engaged from head to toe. Use it on the floor for everyday play, or place it under the Jolly Jumper so baby can "make the music" with their feet while they bounce. With three fun music modes-Jolly Dance, Jolly Jungle and Jolly Silly-it's an easy way to add extra excitement to playtime.
Finding Nemo play gym with Mr. Ray's canopy that lights up, over 20 minutes of ocean-themed melodies and multi-sensory hanging toys, made for newborns and for parent and sibling play.
Create a comfortable space for your baby to kick, lay and play with the Bright Starts Palm Party Activity Gym. The play gym includes a toy bar with 4 detachable hanging toys: a plush monkey with jingle chimes, a mirror designed for baby play, a ring rattle with colourful beads and a textured toy. Each toy attaches with removable links, so you can reposition them around the mat or use them on the go. The soft floor mat features bright animal characters including a monkey, turtle and leopard. Toys are positioned in different directions to support reaching, kicking and your baby's developing motor skills. As your baby grows and becomes more active, the toy bar can be removed to create more space to move. The mat is machine washable for easy cleaning.
Tummy-time mat 89 x 75 cm with a polar bear that props baby up on a support pillow. Four detachable toys: mirror, rattle, textured toy and a plush with chimes. Machine washable and folds for travel.
A baby play mat suits parents who want somewhere soft to put the baby down on the floor. It is one of the most useful things a new family can be given, because a baby spends a lot of time on their back or on their tummy in the early months, looking up at something interesting.
It is a good gift for a baby shower, and it works for a second baby too, when the old mat has seen better days.
What to look for in a baby play mat
Padding. A soft, thick mat makes a comfortable spot. A thin one rolls up easily to take to a friend's place.
Overhead toys. Many have an arch with dangling toys for the baby to look at and bat. Look for one that detaches.
Tummy time. Some mats have a raised pillow or a different texture for floor time on the tummy.
Size. Measure the floor. A big mat suits a living room and a small one suits a flat.
Cleaning. A wipe-clean or machine-washable cover is easier to live with.
Folding. A mat that folds away leaves the room tidy once the baby is asleep.
When a baby play mat is the wrong gift
If the family has very little floor space, a large mat will be in the way. If they already have a mat they love, extra toys or a soft toy suit better. And if you don't know their taste, a plain, neutral colour is more likely to fit with the rest of the room.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a play mat and a play gym?
A play mat is the padded surface. A play gym adds an arch with toys that dangle above the baby. Many products are both, and the listing says whether the arch comes off, which is handy once the baby wants to roll and crawl.
What size play mat should I choose?
Measure the floor you would like it to cover. A large mat suits a living room, and a smaller or foldable one suits a flat or a bedroom. The listing gives the dimensions, so check them against the space.
How do you clean a baby play mat?
Many wipe clean with a damp cloth, and some covers go in the washing machine. Check the care label on the listing, because a mat that is quick to clean is the one that gets used every day.
