Image: MomJunction Design Team
The best baby foam play mat can help you create a safe space for your child to play. Playmats come in various shapes and sizes. Some are tile-shaped, while others come in a foldable variety that can collapse into a single piece. These mats are also made of high-quality foam that is long-lasting and ensures the perfectly cushioned space for your child to play.
Playmats are smartly designed to nurture your baby’s creativity and help them learn and explore shapes, alphabets, and colors. Here are some best play mats that can help you create a safe spot for your baby’s playtime so they can enjoy playing without injuries.
Top Picks
13 Best Baby Foam Play Mats To Sit And Crawl In 2024
1. Best For Learning While Playing: Tadpoles ABC Playmat
Tadpoles’ playmat is made of high-quality imported EVA foam that is non-toxic and safe for children. This is a one-of-a-kind fun playmat with educational features that will help your child learn while playing. The high-density foam creates a soft base for your child’s comfort, making it a trusted choice. This 36-piece alphabet play mat with 24 border pieces can be easily interlocked, and each piece fits precisely.
The grooved surface prevents the child from slipping, and the mat does not contain harmful chemicals, phthalates, and lead, making it baby-friendly. It is easy to maintain and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and soap.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Water-resistant
- Long-lasting
- Stackable for convenient storage
Cons
- May attract dirt
- May be thinner than expected
"This mat fits nicely on my hard floors with its decent size. The pieces fit together neatly, and the educational elements, such as the letters and numbers, appeal to me."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 11,313 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
2. Best Textured: ProSource Kids Floor Play Mat
Create a colorful play area for your little one with the 36-piece colorful play mat. It provides a fun and safe environment for your child to crawl, play with toys, and enhance their motor development. Each block is made of textured material to keep your child from slipping or sliding. This mommy-approved mat is made of high-density, long-lasting EVA foam to provide cushioned comfort for your child, and the floor mat has a large surface and provides ample coverage.
This interlocking puzzle mat is lightweight and straightforward to put together. The bright colors stimulate your child’s brain, which aids in early learning.
Pros
- Aids visual stimulation
- Non-slip textured surface
- Free of phthalates
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Some pieces may not snap together
- Corners may be slightly flimsy
"These interlocking foam tiles are an ideal multipurpose solution for play areas, crafting, or lining storage areas. I like that they fit together easily, and my child seems to like the vivid colors."
Quick Fact3. Best Collapsible Design: Gupamiga Baby Folding mat
The Gupamiga baby folding mat creates protective flooring for your child’s delicate body. This tried-and-tested mat is made of high-density XPE material that is durable and soft for your child’s comfort. The lightweight mat features a collapsible design that makes it simple to transport from one location to another. Its bright colors can make your living space more lively and the waterproof material can be easily cleaned with a damp and soft cloth.
Pros
- Extra-large play area
- Leaves no food residue or milk stains
- Orderless
- Animal-themed play mat
- Reversible mat
- Beautiful design
- Convenient to store
Cons
- May not be tear-resistant
- May not be dog-proof
"I found this mat to be a portable and adaptable option. Though not thick, it provides adequate cushioning to protect my children. Its foldability and ease of cleaning contribute to its convenience."
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 4,718 positive reviews on Amazon.
Tadpoles ABC Playmat Best For Learning While Playing | ProSource Kids Floor Play Mat Best Textured | Gupamiga Baby Folding mat Best Collapsible Design | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Square | Square | - |
| Material | Foam | Foam | - |
| Color | Pink/Purple | Assorted - 16 Tiles | - |
| Weight | 6 pounds | 0.3 Kilograms | 3.9 pounds |
| Dimensions | 72 x 72 x 0.4 inches | - | 75.98 x 57.09 x 0.39 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 11,313 | 7,640 | 4,718 |
| Price | $54.99 | $16.99 | $59.99 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Padded: Childlike Behavior Baby Play Mat
The extra-large play mat is made from non-toxic and BPA- and PVC-free EVA foam to offer a safe play area to crawl and sit, making it a trusted choice. It has a unique textured surface to prevent slipping and comprises six pieces to interlock and assemble into a big mat and dismantle for easy storage when not in use. This attractive play mat weighs 3.79lb and measures 72x48x0.4in.
Pros
- Cushiony foam
- Comfortable
- Easy-to-clean play mat
- Gender-neutral design
- Durable
Cons
- Interlocking pieces might not hold together well
- Edges might wear off over time
"The playmat offers enough protection to my little one with proper cushioning. It is versatile and easy to clean, and I love the simple design that complements my living room decor."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 692 positive reviews on Amazon are proof that this product meets customers' expectations.
5. Best Safe: Toddleroo by North States ABC Play Mat
The Toddleroo foldable play mat by North States measures 71X71 inches when fully opened, creating ample space for children to have fun. This play mat’s unique design with alphabet prints creates a large play area for small children to crawl and play. It is made of long-lasting PE foam that has been labeled hygienic for children’s safety. The play mat is tested PVC-free and flame retardant.
The soft floor surface provides a safe and cushioned landing and keeps the child from falling. You can effortlessly transport this lightweight material from one location to another.
Pros
- BPA-free
- Easy wipe clean
- Hypoallergenic
- Ideal for hardwood, grass, and carpets
Cons
- May be slippery on certain surfaces
"The mat fulfills many requirements, keeping my children clean and safe during playtime. It is sturdy with thick cushioning, and I particularly like the foldable design, which makes it extremely handy during travel."
6. Best Easy-To-Store: JumpOff Jo Play Mat
This JumpOff Jo toddler play mat is specially designed to make your child comfortable. After opening, the size of the cushion is 76X58 inches, providing enough room for the whole family to play with the baby. The reversible print on the mat has white floral and fairy designs with unicorns to make your child intuitive and curious.
The compact design is convenient for storage and transportation. This baby-friendly mat is safe to use because it is BPA- and phthalate-free. The textured design gives a firm grip on the ground and prevents your child from slipping.
Pros
- Provides ample space to crawl
- Foldable
- Prevents absorption
- Stain-resistant
- Odorless
- Visually-stimulating pattern
Cons
- Mat may be slightly thin
7. Best Water Resistant: Yay Mats Baby Play Mat
Yay Mats play mat is perfect for tummy time and helps aid your child’s early development. This soft, mom-approved play mat helps prevent flat-head syndrome and strengthen muscles when crawling. The play mat is made of high-quality EVA foam and does not contain toxic chemicals.
The hypoallergenic foam is free of BPA and phthalates, making it safe for your child’s health. The water-resistant mat is simple to clean and can be wiped down with a damp cloth. Interlocking design allows you to make the play area as large as you want.
Pros
- Expandable
- Playful pattern
- Larger tile design
- Designed to enhance visual development
- Non-slip surface
- Comes in a carrying case
Cons
- May not be as thick as expected
- Patterned design may not withstand rough use
"I adore this mat's appealing design and quality construction. The padding is quite sufficient as it supports my crawling baby's explorations. However, I observed inconsistency with the tile heights, which posed some challenges in aligning the patterns. Still, it's a great option for everyday use."
Pro Tip8. Best Reversible: Skip Hop Baby Play Mat
Bring home this reversible floor mat with a baby-friendly pattern and double-sided design. The waterproof pad is made of PVC-free material and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. When fully opened, the size is 86 x 5in, providing a large area for children to play. You can effortlessly roll it up for safe and convenient storage. This jumbo-sized trusted mat contains no toxic materials to ensure it is safe for the baby’s sensitive skin.
Pros
- Phthalate-free foam
- Smooth surface
- Burr-free edges
- Cushy and comfortable
Cons
- May stain slightly
- May be a bit thin
"This playmat is a fantastic option because of its attractive design and ease of cleaning. It is spacious enough and protects my kid with the right cushioning."
9. Best Interlocking: Play Platoon Children’s Play Mat
Customize the size of the play mat with this children’s play mat from Play Platoon. This 100% non-toxic foam mat provides a safe and comfortable surface for your child to play, making it a trusted choice. It is made with ultra-durable water-resistant foam and provides a durable cushioning surface to prevent your child from getting hurt.
The interlocking play mat has six large pieces to create a vast play area of 72x72in, allowing your child to crawl freely. This mom-tested mat can be disassembled and stacked together for easy storage. The gray mat has a neutral pattern, which is soothing to the eyes and helps with cognitive development.
Pros
- Extra thick foam material
- Includes border pieces for a finished look
- Free of phthalate, BPA, lead, and PVC
- Available in two adorable colors
Cons
- May be slightly slippery
- May not be tear-resistant
"I found these foam mats when looking for something that offers the right blend of comfort and aesthetics. It's perfect for my little munchkin's playroom as it fits together neatly and offers considerable protection over the hard floor."
10. Best Soft: Little Bot Ofie Mat Baby Play Mat
Image: Little Bot Designed beautifully with the foldable style to provide your child safety and comfort. The pet-friendly mat is easy to clean and maintain. This mat is a large piece of single foam that can easily be rolled up for safe storage. The foam mat does not contain harsh or toxic materials and is safety-tested in US-certified labs, making it safe for babies.
Pros
- Reversible playmat
- Free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, PVC, and phthalate
- Safe to be vacuumed
- Soft corners
Cons
- May not be scratch-resistant
- May get stained from coffee and urine
"The comfort and easy-to-clean surface made me choose this mat over the rest. I like its reversible design, and the cushioning is robust enough for active play."
11. Best Lightweight: Comfort Design Play Mat
The stylish, versatile, and baby-friendly play mat from Comfort Design is thick and made of non-toxic, PVC- and EVA-free foam to provide a cushiony soft surface for your little one to play. This reversible playmat has a waffle-like texture to prevent it from slipping, and its memory foam-like exterior does not stain or shed. The slip-resistant play mat measures 78.5×0.5x55in and weighs 12lb.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Portable play mat
- Waterproof
- Textured surface
- Does not contain toxic chemicals
- Won’t trap pet hair and dust
Cons
- Might start developing mold over time
- Might lose thickness over time
"The play mat checks all the right boxes in terms of comfort, ease of cleaning, durability, and style. It is perfect for playtime and blends well with my child's room decor."
12.Best Foldable: Dream On Me Play Time Baby Play Mat
The reversible baby play mat has two prints on either side and a one-inch thickness to offer a soft base for your child to play and crawl. Made from non-toxic, BPA-free, six-layer XPE material, this play mat is water-resistant and easily foldable, and is trusted by moms. This play mat can be easily wiped off to remove dirt and is designed to reduce impact and noise. It measures 76x58x1in and weighs 2lb.
Pros
- Durable
- Travel-friendly
- Soft material
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Corners might get curled up
- May not be scratch-resistant
"This baby playmat has been an excellent purchase for me. It folds up easily and is easy to clean. Also, the subtle design complements my living area, and the texture is apt for crawling."
13. Best For Exercise: Xdemoda Baby Play Mat
Bring home this unique reversible play mat from Xdemoda that is ideal for play and exercise. It measures 79×71 inches and can provide children with a vast play area. The cushioned play mat does not contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, lead, and formaldehyde, making it baby-friendly.
The cushioned layer is well insulated and hypoallergenic, and the waterproof material is easy to clean and maintain. It comes with a carry pack for easy storage and safe transportation.
Pros
- Food- and stain-resistant
- Five layer design
- Cushy and cozy
- Odorless
- Has noise and shock-absorbing features
Cons
- May get dirty over time
- May not be scratch-resistant
"This play mat offers a safe playing area for my baby when used on hardwood floors. The plush padding makes it comfortable for the baby, and the easy-to-clean surface makes maintenance easy for me."
How To Choose The Right Baby Foam Play Mat?
Consider these factors before buying a baby foam play mat.
- Usability: If you are looking for a mat that can be used even when your child grows up, look for a one-piece mat with subtle prints that you can place in any corner of your house. It can also be used in a child’s room as part of their room decor.
- Maintenance: Look for water-resistant mats for easy cleaning.
- Features: If you use these mats on a mattress or a rug, then you can choose a thin foam frame. However, if you want to use them on floors, choose a mat with a durable foam design to protect your child from injuries.
- Style: Mats with stylish and appealing prints can be attractive to children. It aids in the stimulation of your child’s brain for intuitive learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are baby play mats necessary?
Play mats help create a safe place for your little one. They are better than hard floors, especially when you have no rugs or carpets on the floor. Play mats help babies to move and explore safely (1).
2. At what age should my baby go on a play mat?
A baby can start playing on a playmat when they are around three months old. You can specifically also use a play mat for tummy time. Tummy time helps your little one strengthen their neck and encourages them to crawl (2).
3. Are baby play mats safe?
Yes, play mats encourage your little one to crawl, move, roll, and explore (1). However, consider play mats that are non-toxic and made from clinically tested materials.
4. How thick should the play mat be?
Consider a play mat that is half an inch to one inch thick, to protect your little one from getting hurt as they play. Ensure that the mat is large enough to play and doesn’t restrict the movements.
5. How can I keep a play mat clean?
Wipe the surface of the play mat gently with lukewarm water mixed with a mild detergent. If the manufacturer suggests cleaning instructions, it is best to follow them.
6. Are baby playmats worth it?
Playmats boost motor development, help identify patterns, textures, and shapes, strengthen the hand and leg muscles, and stimulate sensory skills. Although a play mat is not an essential accessory, they help in the development of your little one.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Vibha Navarathna, a talented and dedicated writer, has compiled this list of the best baby foam play mats to help your children have a safe and comfortable space for playtime. After considering features, maintenance, use, and style, these products have been handpicked so you can choose a product best suited for your needs. The list has detailed descriptions and a helpful buying guide to ensure you have a seamless shopping experience.
Foam play mats provide a fun and safe place for your little ones to play. When choosing one for your child, ensure it comes in bright colors and features numbers, letters, and fun prints to ensure your baby learns while having fun. Further, choose foam mats made of baby-friendly materials and ensure they are easy to clean. The mat you choose should also be well-cushioned, free of toxic chemicals, and not emit any odors. These mats can not only guarantee fun for your little one but also help them learn.
Infographic: How Does Tummy Time Help Babies?
Experts advise babies to have tummy time every day as it helps with their development. You can use tummy time to exercise your babies and make them more aware of their surroundings. However, you should not place babies on their tummies after meals to avoid spit-ups. Check out the infographic to learn how tummy time benefits babies. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Important Milestones: Your Baby By Nine Months
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-9mo.html - Back to Sleep Tummy to Play
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx
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