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.
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Give your baby the cosiest spot to stretch out and play. The Ingenuity Cozy Spot features a patent-pending duvet design that's so soft it'll feel like your baby is playing on a cloud. You can create a comfy and safe spot for your little one even on hard floor surfaces! The natural wooden toy bar and reversible print choices are designed to blend beautifully with your home decor. The whimsical activity toys and tummy time pillow are removable for easy storage and travel for playtime on the go. When it's time to pack up, the toy bar features a SlimFold design and the whole mat folds in two with handles to transform into a self-storage bag.
Newborn to 6 months: SensesThe gym's contrasting black and white colours, textures and sounds engage baby's senses from day one. Hang the soft mobile approx. 25cm from baby's face and let them explore the simple geometric shapes designed with high-contrast elements suitable for newborns. Newborn to 2 months: Bonding and communicationMove the adjustable arches into the open position and enjoy quality time together. Show baby the different activities, talk about the characters in simple sentences (Here's Marie the hedgehog!) and share eye contact as you connect. 2 to 4 months: Gross motor skills - tummy timePlace the soft book in front of baby during tummy time. The contrasting graphics are designed to capture attention and may help keep baby engaged while they build strength. 3 to 5 months: Fine motor skillsA mix of textures invites sensory exploration and grasping practice. Satin ribbons, a plush cloud and crinkly flaps offer plenty of opportunities to reach and hold. 4 to 6 months: Cognition - understanding cause and effectAs baby grows, they begin to notice how their actions create responses. The musical hedgehog toy encourages cause-and-effect play as they tap to activate the music.
Penguin's flippers gently cover baby's belly while the soft contemporary colour palette and cosy nest design of the mat promote a sense of warmth and security. Four detachable rattle and teether toys encourage baby to reach, grasp and visually track movement, and an adjustable penguin mirror reflects baby's image promoting self-awareness. Features removable gym arms for sit and play activities and an adorable seal pillow for soft and comfortable tummy time support. As baby's core strength and coordination develops, textured materials and ribbons provide incentive for baby to move, reach and touch, practising fine and gross motor skills. Includes a convenient machine washable mat. Penguin and his adorable friends will keep baby comfortable and entertained from birth.
This soft, padded activity gym includes a tummy-time prop pillow to help support baby as they build neck strength and enjoy comfortable floor play. Five detachable toys hang from the removable toy bar, including a Sheppy plush toy, wood ring with sensory fabric, silicone toy, mirror with ribbon tags and bead rattle to encourage sensory exploration. The Sheppy plush toy is easy to pop into a nappy bag for outings, while the mat's gentle colour palette suits a range of nursery styles from colourful to neutral. When playtime is over, simply remove the toy bar for easy storage or transport. Suitable for newborn +.
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.
