The best baby play mats are perfect for creating a play area exclusively for your baby. These interactive mats from trusted brands come with various educational features, and have different designs and colors. If your baby has begun rolling onto their tummy, a play mat is a baby care essential that you should consider bringing home.
Here, we present a list of some tried-and-tested baby play mats trusted by moms and das and give you some tips on choosing the right mat. Pick one that best suits your child’s needs.
Top Picks
15 Best Baby Play Mats And Gyms In 2024 With Safety Tips
1. Best Organized:Fisher-Price Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 43,553 Amazon shoppers have left good reviews about this product, citing its quality features and benefits.
Why It’s Worth Buying:The 43,553 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to the quality and reliability of this trusted product.
Bring home a fun and creative way for children to play with this piano gym from Fisher-Price. The beautiful baby-friendly playmat includes five activity toys, including a piano that plays real music. The five activity toys include a baby-safe mirror and an adorable hippo-shaped teether. The teether can come in handy if your baby is already teething. You can also detach the piano from the playmat and use it as a separate toy. Learn more about this activity gym with a play mat in this product testing video.
Batteries: 3 AA batteries required | Item Weight: 3.8 pounds | Product Dimensions: 27.01 x 36.02 x 17.99 inches.
Pros
- Mat is soft and comfortable even when the baby lies on it for a long time
- Keys play music each time the baby kicks the piano with their tiny feet
- Parents can control the volume of the piano
- Simple to set the piano to play short or long music tones
- Toy arch helps keep the toys organized
Cons
- Might have a smaller surface area than expected
- Assembly might be challenging
[ Read : Fisher Price Musical Play Gym Review ]
2. Best Soft And Comfortable: Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 2,159 positive customer reviews on Amazon are a testament to its quality and reliability.
Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 2,159 reviewers on Amazon have said the tried-and-tested product lives up to the hype.
The entertainment hub for children allows you to pick from three designs, each with a different pattern on the playmat. Four interactive toys are attached to the arch that supports the playmat. The giraffe rattles and the elephants make clicking sounds when shaken. There is also a monkey with a teether at its base. Take a look at this video to learn more about this interactive play mat and gym.
Material: Polyester, Cotton | Color: Tropical | Item Weight: 3.35 pounds | Product Dimensions: 24 x 3.5 x 18.5 inches.
Pros
- Made entirely of polyester and soft enough for extended tummy time
- Plush pillow keeps the baby safe and protected
- Comes with a baby-safe mirror that can be carried by the baby while seated
- Collapsible, compact, and easy to fold and store
- Has a beautiful design
Cons
- Might shrink slightly in the dryer
- Top layer might bunch up after playing
3. Best Developmental: Tiny Love Boho Chic Gymini
Tiny Love brings you the stylish and versatile Boho Chic Gymini to provide endless hours of entertainment for your little one. It features a stand-alone wooden arch, a built-in mirror, a crinkle flower, and a soft rattle to develop your child’s motor, sensory, cognitive, and emotional abilities. Designed with boho-style premium fabric, this mom-approved developmental playmat and gym can be used from birth to 12 months, providing a long-lasting activity center for babies.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of textures and patterns
- Promotes communication
- Machine washable
- Plays melodies
- Stylish and visually appealing
Cons
- Toys attached to the arch may not be secure enough
- Mat may not be adequately padded
Fisher-Price Kick 'n Play Piano Gym Best Organized | Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym Best Soft And Comfortable | Tiny Love Boho Chic Gymini Best Developmental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Batteries | 3 AA batteries required | - | - |
| Weight | 3.8 pounds | 3.35 pounds | - |
| Dimensions | 27.01 x 36.02 x 17.99 inche | 24 x 3.5 x 18.5 inches | - |
| Material | - | Polyester, Cotton | - |
| Color | - | Tropical | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 43,553 | 2,159 | - |
| Price | $39.88 | $49.99 | $109.99 |
4. Best Multipurpose:Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym
Designed to be immersive for your little one, this mat can be used in five ways, depending on the age-group of the baby. In short, this playmat grows with your baby. You get 12 toys, including electronic toys, that can play light and sound for 20 straight minutes. The baby-friendly activity gym includes 35 plastic balls for older infants and toddlers to play with by converting the playmat into a mini ball pit.
Item Weight: 1.93 pounds | Batteries: 3 AA batteries required | Product Dimensions: 17.9 x 12.53 x 10 inches.
Pros
- Corners can be folded both to the inside and outside, making it extendable
- Helps with motor development
- Folding corners inwards creates a sandbox-like play area for older babies
- Fabric of the playmat is machine-washable
Cons
- Might not be sturdy
- Assembly might be challenging
Did you know?5. Best With Wooden Frame: B. Toys By Battat Activity Mat
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 419 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
This comfy mat for your little one can be ideal for them to lie on while playing. Made from high-quality wood, this tried-and-tested play gym is durable and safe for your baby. The wooden frame is adorned with colorful and engaging hanging toys, including a bird, a butterfly, and a ladybug, that will keep your baby entertained and help promote hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. In addition, this gender-neutral play mat and gym is ideal for both baby boys and girls.
Item Weight: 2.2 pounds | Product Dimensions: 24 x 20 x 20.5 inches.
Pros
- Mat is travel-friendly, making it convenient for you to take it along on the go
- You can easily assemble and disassemble the mat based on your requirements
- You can also disassemble the mat and store it away conveniently
- When dirty, the mat can be machine-washed
Cons
- Toys may not hang securely on the wooden frame
- Wooden frame is not height-adjustable, making it difficult for some babies to reach the toys
6. Best Multi-Sensory: Skip Hop Baby Play Gym, Treetop Friends
The play gym, measuring 36x19in, is quite popular among children for its interactive features and friendly faces. This stimulating play mat and gym, trusted by moms and das, is made of soft linen and patterned arches and includes a soft pillow for tummy time. Five fun multi-sensory toys hang from the arches to keep the child engaged for long and promote their motor and sensory development. Your child can enjoy the 17 developmental activities for babies that promote growth and learning.
Item Weight: 3 pounds | Batteries: 2 LR44 batteries required | Product Dimensions: 36 x 19 x 36 inches.
Pros
- Includes 13 easy-to-hang loops and a mirror
- Built-in sounds and textures
- Oversized round mat
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May be thinner than expected
- Colors may be slightly pale
Quick tip7. Best For Toddlers: The Play Gym by Lovevery
Aptly named The Play Gym, this baby-friendly activity center comes with five play zones. Each zone provides stimulation as per the age of the baby. You can conceal any given zone until the baby is old enough to play with that. The wooden arch of the playmat features dangling toys to keep your little one focused and smiling. A cover goes over the toy arches to convert the playmat into a play tent, which is useful for older toddlers.
Item Weight: 7.6 pounds | Product Dimensions: 43 x 38 x 24 inches.
Pros
- Includes high contrast patterns, shapes, and images
- One toy is made from wood while another is made from organic cotton
- Arches are made from baby-safe wood sourced sustainably
- Silicone parts are free from BPA and phthalates
- Water-based inks are used
Cons
- Fabric might attract some lint
- Mat might be slightly thin and hard
8. Best For Tummy-Time: Sassy Stages STEM Developmental Play Gym
The Sassy Stages STEM Developmental Play Gym is an innovative play gym that encourages STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning through play.Your baby will learn through various interactive and colorful toys, developmental features, and activities for babies while having fun. The portable play mat and gym includes a soft cushioned mat and toys, such as a mirror, rattle, and squeaker, for self-discovery and take-along play.
Pros
- Arches fold down to convert into a tummy time play mat and gym
- Suitable for introducing the baby to textures, colors, and shapes
- Six developmental play zones
- Washable fabric
- Compact and portable
- Detailed instruction manual
Cons
- Might be slightly slippery
- Mat might be bulky
9. Best For Stimulating The Senses: Taf Toys Music and Light All Around Me Baby Activity Gym
Taf Toys 4-in-1 Music and Light All Around Me Baby Activity Gym is the ultimate entertainment and development center for your little one. This mommy-approved sensory play mat and gym features four modes to keep your baby engaged and stimulated as they grow and develop. It includes a unique double-sided crinkling “Sensi-Center,” and hanging toys that allow the baby to explore various textures, patterns, and colors while encouraging them to lie in four different poses.
Item Weight: 1.66 pounds | Product Dimensions: 33.07 x 19.69 x 39.37 inches.
Pros
- Adjustable positioning
- Beautiful design
- Durable and easy to clean
- Thickly padded soft mat
- Detachable music and toy feature
- Helps with sensory development
Cons
- May not be easy to maintain
- Assembly can be time-consuming
Do remember10. Best Color Contrast: Yookidoo Baby Gym and Play Mat
If you’re looking for something to catch your baby’s eye and keep them engaged for hours, this baby-friendly play mat will do the trick. There is a high-contrast color pattern across the playmat that ships with four toys including a baby-safe mirror and a rattle. There are three different stages of playing: stage one is for newborns who lie on their back, the second stage is when they have a lot of tummy time, and the third stage is playing while seated. In addition, this play mat and gym with hanging toys also has a small groove-like track that goes over the toy arch, while a battery-operated roller sways an attached toy in either direction.
Batteries: 3 AAA batteries required | Item Weight: 3 pounds | Product Dimensions: 40 x 37 x 19 inches.
Pros
- Comes with a tummy time pillow
- Bound to capture baby’s attention and work as visual stimulus
- Track is detachable so that you can place it on the playmat itself
- Watching the toy move from side to side can be exciting for the baby
- Easy to fold and carry with the attached handles
Cons
- Car might not function seamlessly
- May not come with extra rings
11. Best Waterproof: JumpOff Jo Large Waterproof Foam Padded Play Mat
The JumpOff Jo Large Waterproof Foam Padded Play Mat is the perfect solution for parents who want to provide a safe and comfortable play area for their little ones. This soft and padded large-sized play mat and gym is made of durable and waterproof foam, which makes it easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, the stylish design of this soft foam play mat can complement any room in your home.
Item Weight: 1.85 pounds | Product Dimensions: 70 x 59 x 0.3 inches.
Pros
- Reversible playmat
- Lightweight foam play mat
- Waterproof material
- BPA-free
- Foldable for easy and compact storage
Cons
- Not machine washable
- Limited design options
12. Best Colorful Gym: VTech Baby Lil’ Critters Musical Glow Gym
This baby-friendly playmat from the trusted brand VTech uses bright colors, patterns, and sounds to stimulate your baby’s imagination. An activity panel contains a tree-shaped background with a piano at its base. This musical play mat and gym also asks simple questions and reads out words to attract the attention of older babies and toddlers.
Batteries: 2 AA batteries required | Item Weight: 3.75 pounds | Product Dimensions: 37.2 x 29.13 x 16.93 inches.
Pros
- Removing the toy arches creates extra space
- Turning the piano horizontal makes it easily accessible to babies who can sit
- Dangling toys for babies are removable
- Includes a baby-safe mirror, rattle, and a toy that works as a teether
- You can remove the mat from the frame of the gym to wash it
Cons
- Pad might not have enough cushioning
- Arch might not be sturdy enough
13. Best For Tummy Time: aden + anais Play And Discover Baby Activity Gym
The aden + anais Play and Discover Baby Activity Gym is a versatile and engaging play space for babies. It features a soft, padded mat with various interactive toys for babies and hanging elements, including a musical elephant and a large, adjustable mirror. The mat is washable, and the toys can be easily detached for cleaning. This tried-and-tested multi-functional playmat and gym comes with a removable prop pillow for added support and comfort during tummy time, and its neutral color scheme and modern design complement any nursery or playroom.
Item Weight: 2 Kilograms | Number of Items: 3 | Product Dimensions: 32″L x 32″W | Color: Rising Star | Material: Fabric.
Pros
- Helps stimulate your baby’s senses
- Helps improve motor skills
- High-quality material
- Multifunctional
- Machine-washable
- Portable and lightweight design
Cons
- Requires assembly
- Limited color options
14. Best Finding Nemo Themed: Disney Baby Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym
The delightful activity gym follows a sea theme all around, with sea blue colors and even a sea anemone-shaped pillow for the infant’s tummy time. The canopy of the baby-friendly playmat is shaped like a stingray. This colorful play mat and gym features tiny lights within the canopy that can be turned on to make the mat more exciting.
Material: Polyester | Color: Finding Nemo | Batteries: 3 AA batteries required | Item Weight: 2.58 pounds | Product Dimensions: 32 x 36 x 18 inches.
Material: Polyester | Color: Finding Nemo | Batteries: 3 AA batteries required | Item Weight: 2.58 pounds | Product Dimensions: 32 x 36 x 18 inches.
Pros
- Toys for babies are shaped like popular Disney characters
- Includes a teether, rattle, and a hand puppet that parents can use for interactive play
- Electronic module can play 20 minutes of ocean-themed melodies
- Made of polyester
Cons
- Does not come with batteries
- Velcro strip might not be attached well
15. Best Environment-Friendly: Funny Supply Wood Play Gym
Use your own imagination to create the perfect turf for your little one to stretch out. This play gym frame gives you all the tools and accessories you need to convert any flat surface into a playmat for your active baby. The wooden frame of this foldable play mat and gym is sanded by hand to remove any rough edges, so children can roll around without worry.
Item Weight: 3.74 pounds
Pros
- No tools required for assembly
- Simple A-shaped frame holds itself stable and is safe for infants
- Hanging wooden beads and toys keep babies entertained
- Paint used on the beads is environmentally friendly
- Foldable design makes it convenient to carry and store
Cons
- Assembly might be time-consuming
- Children may find it difficult to pull the toys towards themselves
What Is A Playmat?
A playmat is an interactive mat made from soft materials to create an exclusive play zone for a baby. The mat is usually bright-colored, has playful illustrations, and may come attached with several toys for babies such as rattles, baby-safe mirrors, and danglers. Play mats for babies are also called activity mats, play gyms, and activity gyms.
When Can A Baby Use A Playmat?
While playmats can be used even for newborns, they are ideal for older, active babies capable of rolling onto their tummies. The mat can be used for six-month-old babies who tend to roll from back to tummy and tummy to back (1).
A six-month-old will also be more curious about objects and will reach out to grab them. So get a playmat if you think your baby is six-months-old and is ready for it.
How To Choose The Right Playmat?
Consider the following features in a playmat before buying one.
- Easy portability: Pick a playmat with a lightweight design that is easy to roll or fold so that you can move it anywhere in the house. Easy portability is essential if you tend to carry your baby’s toys, including playmats, during trips.
- Toys and accessories: A mat that comes with free toys and other accessories, such as tummy time pillow, is certainly a bonus.
- Multiple uses: Babies eventually outgrow their toys. Therefore, pick a playmat that can serve even when your baby is older. Several playmats have removable toy arches or expandable play areas that are suitable for older toddlers.
Playmats are an excellent pastime for babies that begin rolling or reaching out to objects. You also find that the baby is more engrossed than when placed on a normal surface. The playmat is indeed an essential baby-development tool!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are gym mats good for my baby?
A soft gym mat with interactive elements can be good for your baby’s overall development. A gym mat can also be a safe play space to keep your baby occupied and entertained for hours.
2. Does my baby need a play gym?
A play gym can be a safe play space for your baby to experiment with different sensory inputs. Its bright colors, interactive toys, and developmental features can encourage movement and motor skills development in babies.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have put together the above list of baby play mats after going through various customer reviews and considering the safety requirements of a baby who has just begun to roll. They are well-cushioned, thereby providing their gentle tummies something soft to rest upon. With interactive features and toys, your baby would be interested in moving and learning new movements. These are tried-and-tested interactive mats from trusted brands that would calm your baby and are easy to maintain. We have also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
The best play mats and gyms are multifunctional, as they help create a safe space for toddlers to have fun and stay active by stimulating their senses. When choosing one, ensure it is BPA-free, colorful, and features exciting patterns and prints. Further, choosing one that fits your available play space, is machine-washable, well-cushioned, and odorless can also help ensure your child’s safety. You can also pick a play mat that both younger and older toddlers can use, especially when they can roll onto their tummies. Our top recommendations include the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym, which has adjustable volume and a teether; the Infantino Twist And Fold Activity Gym, with a collapsible and compact design; and the Skip Hop Baby Play Gym Treetop Friends for its effective sensory stimulation.
Infographic: Buying Guide For Playmat And Gym For Babies
Playmats and gyms enable the baby’s early development as they help babies with sensory stimulation and growth. So, if you’re planning to invest in a playmat or gym for your baby, check out our infographic below for a buying guide to help you choose the right one.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
1. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Six Months, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Babies Need Tummy Time!
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