10 Best Baby Playmats Reviewed in 2024
To make tummy time and play time more enjoyable for your infant, you will need a baby play mat to put in the child’s room or nursery. Manufacturers have created some of the most gorgeous mats you could imagine with vivid bright colors and fantastic designs. We highlight in this beneficial buying guide the top-rated and the most-reviewed of these excellent products. The majority of these are reversible with two colorful images on both sides for your child to explore and discover. They are educational because of the many colors, letters, animals, numbers, objects, and images depicted on the mats. Each one provides a clean and safe place for the child to play on a floor’s flat surface. We are excited to showcase these items for your pleasurable shopping experience. Here are the best play mats in 2019.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 36 hrs of research
Is one piece and as big as a queen mattress
Reversible and waterproof
Cushioned well for hard falls and stumbles
Does well on carpets or hardwood floors
Easily rolls up for carrying and storing
10 Best Baby Playmats Reviewed
1. Baby Care Country Town
Is one piece and as big as a queen mattress
Reversible and waterproof
Cushioned well for hard falls and stumbles
Does well on carpets or hardwood floors
Easily rolls up for carrying and storing
Some people did not like the overall quality
The colors were disappointing for a few buyers
With over 2,600 online customer reviews and a nearly perfect rating, the Baby Care Play Mat from the Haute Collection is one of the best-rated and the most popular baby mats offered online. It is a one-piece mat that is as large as a queen-sized mattress with great cushioning. You will not have to bother with pieces of a puzzle to assemble and take this amazing mat apart.
Read moreIt was tested with an egg dropped on it from ten feet in the air, and the egg did not break. Safe and non-toxic, it is free from EVA, formaldehyde, latex, BPA, lead, and phthalates. This wonderful item is reversible, waterproof, and cleans simply with regular baby wipes. A hygienic and safe place for kids and babies to play, it is cushioned well for hard falls and stumbles and does well on carpets or hardwood floors. Portable and movable to any room, this superb play mat easily rolls up for carrying and storing. It has vibrant colors, pictures, and graphics for educational purposes.
Entertainment value
One of the best features of a play mat is the ability to be able to entertain your little one while also providing a safe and clean place for your little one to play. This playmat features stimulating colors, pictures, and characters that are able to provide babies with not only some fun but also a learning experience as well. Each side of the mat provides a different experience. One side is great for learning and playing while the other side is great for calming the baby down for naptime or bedtime.
Design
Unlike most playmats that are offered today for babies, this one is a one-piece design that you do not have to put together. It is easy to use, store, and carry because it is lightweight.
Comfort
Infants will be so comfortable on this soft and plush mat. It has been tested for its thickness and cushion to prevent the child from hurting itself when crawling and tumbling.
Safety
Created without harmful chemicals or toxins, this ideal product is completely safe for your kids. It is without the usual additives and substances that can be found in some play mats on the market.
Price range
The cost of this fantastic play mat is above the calculated average. It is valued for the larger size, the thick cushioning, and having a multitude of colorful pictures and images for learning.
2. Tiny Love Meadow Days
Available in three fabulous colors
Works well both outside and inside
Made of plush padding for comfort
Includes engaging and fun textures
Has a handle and button for carrying
Material can be a bit slippery for beginning crawlers and walkers
Was advertised as cotton, but is really polyester
Available in three fabulous colors, the Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat is extra-large in size for plenty of space to play and can be machine washed. It works well both outside and inside, is made of plush padding for added comfort, and is very colorful and fun.
Read moreMotor and tactile development are enhanced with engaging and fun textures. It comes with a padded mirror that encourages facial recognition and a carrot teether on the mat that soothes the baby’s gums. This fabulous product travels and stores easily because it can be folded up quickly. It meets federal standards of safety, plus has a soft handle and large button for folding and carrying. There is a ring toy, a foxtail that crinkles, a tree for peek-a-boo attached, and a few more activities.
Entertainment value
There are several toys and activities attached to this incredibly large mat for the baby to explore and discover. It has a teether, a play ring, a foxtail, a play mirror, and a playful tree for fun.
Design
This is not only a soft mat for the baby to play on, but it has several items incorporated into it to keep the child busy and entertained. The many colors and textures are a part of this incredible design.
Comfort
The level of comfort that your baby experiences when playing on a play mat will determine how content and playful they are during that time. This playmat provides a level of comfort that you would expect to receive almost from a bedding material. It is very soft and comfortable for their legs, chest, and body to rest on as they play and enhance their developmental skills
Safety
Passing the standards of safety that are required of such items, you can feel confident that this is a trusted item. The small parts do not come off easily and the mat is in one piece so it will not come apart.
Price range
This great item has the lowest price of all the products featured. It has the superb qualities of several added activities and toys, gorgeous colors, and is padded well for comfort.
3. Comfort Design Waterproof Grey
Is simple to clean and waterproof
Reversible with the same pattern on both sides
Has rounded corners for safety
Long-lasting, comfortable, and safe
Non-flammable, non-toxic, and odorless
Might not grip hardwood floors well
The colors were disappointing for a few buyers
The Premium Stylish Foam Floor Baby Play Mat comes in seven different colors and is made of soft, thick, and cushy foam material. It is simple to clean, waterproof, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic with rounded corners for safety. This is one extra-large piece that looks like an area rug but is much softer than a rug, will not collect stains, and will not shed. It certainly will not come apart in active play as interlocking mats do, and the foam is half an inch thick to cushion vigorous activity. Reversible with the same pattern on both sides, it is long-lasting, comfortable, and safe. Non-flammable, non-toxic, and odorless, this terrific item is free of EVA, PVC, formaldehyde, latex, and BPA.
Read moreEntertainment value
While this design does not have vibrant pictures or graphics for the child to look at and explore, it does have a beautiful diagonal pattern in the color of your choice that the baby might like to see contrasting colors.
Design
Most play mats for babies do not come in a large variety of colors. You get a nice choice of seven vibrant hues with this wonderful product that could match the child’s room or a nursery well.
Comfort
The best description of the product is its title and this title is spot on. This one piece foam mat is super-sized. It has been designed to fit a room just like a rug, but provide the level of comfort that those small interlocking foam mats do. The thickness of the foam is able to provide a level of comfort that the other mats can just not match. It is a waffle like texture with a ½ foam mat that is perfect for insulating little ones from the floor and other hard surfaces.
Safety
It is important that the surfaces your kids play on be the safest and the most ideal. This excellent mat is free from the usual harmful toxins and substances, odorless, and non-flammable.
Price range
This amazing play mat has the highest cost of any of the products. Its value is derived from the large size for playing, the offering of colors, and the safe and non-flammable materials.
4. Baby Care Large Busy Farm
Reversible with different designs on both sides
Colors are vibrant and gorgeous
Is hygienic, waterproof, and safe
Rolls up quickly for storing and carrying
Gives a soft place for falls, tumbles, and rolling
A few customers said it has PVC in it
Some were bothered by the odor of this mat
Reversible with different designs on both sides, the Baby Care Play Mat of the Large Busy Farm has plenty of shapes and designs to look at and learn. The colors are vibrant and gorgeous on this incredible play mat of a colorful farm on one side and the adorable animal images on the other. Cushioned to protect babies when they begin to crawl or walk, it can be placed in any sort of room and any surface. It encourages the identification of objects, colors, and numbers and gives a soft, landing place for falls, tumbles, and rolling play. Hygienic, waterproof, and safe, this amazing product is free from mercury, formaldehyde, latex, lead, phthalates, BPA, and EVA and also rolls up quickly for storing and carrying.
Read moreEntertainment value
Anywhere you have room for this large mat it can be placed for all-day fun and enjoyment. It works well on hard floors and even carpets to be flexible to the many types of surfaces you may have in your home.
Design
The busy farm life design has been designed to provide your little one with a level of engagement that will keep them entertained and involved for more than a short period of time. When it comes to designs of these playmats it is important that they provide a level of engagement that stimulates the baby into working on meeting their milestones without struggling to find entertainment while doing so. The busy farm life mat is just that mat.
Comfort
Great for any type of floor surface, the baby will have lots of cushioned comfort when sitting, walking, napping, or crawling on this item. It has plenty of thickness to cushion those falls and trips.
Safety
Hygienic and free from the usual onslaught of harmful chemicals in materials, this wonderful product is one of the safest on the market. You can confidently allow the baby to play for hours on this mat.
Price range
The cost for this great play mat is above the calculated average. It has the fabulous features of being full of colorful designs and objects, being reversible and double-sided, and flexible for placement on any surface area.
5. SoftTiles Foam Safari Animals
Made of soft interlocking foam tiles
Is non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals
Foam is 5/8” thick for good cushioning
The shapes are printed for durability and safety
Can be used on a number of surface types
Animals are cutouts that can separate from the tiles
Was not as thick as some people anticipated
Available in more than ten color combinations, the Soft Interlocking Tiles Foam Safari Animals Play Mat has popular safari animals on the squares of the mat. Made of soft interlocking foam tiles, it features a giraffe, monkey, lion, and elephant in contrasting colors. It makes a hard floor a safe and enjoyable play area while being non-toxic and free of BPA, phthalates, and formamides. The foam is 5/8” thick for good cushioning, and the durable pieces are not as likely to separate during interactive play with the thicker pieces.
Read moreThe cute animal shapes are not printed but are die-cut for longevity and safety. More than one set can be pieced together for a larger surface area, and it can be used on a number of surface types. The borders are designed to prevent tripping when using the mat that cleans so easily. This great product is waterproof, soft, and high-quality.
Entertainment value
Infants are not too young to experience the difference in color hues and contrasts. This fantastic mat gives them a chance to see the variations of colors and how they compare to each other.
Design
A designer looks at a play mat without having to pay the designer price. This is a mat that features a design of white and light gray safari animals that has a very distinctive appearance. It is a very modern design that really will highlight a nursery, playroom, or living room in all the right ways. The design features five different types of safari animals that are fun to look at and match just about any décor in a room. With the softer gray and white colors, the mat design has been able to work with many different types of rooms with different types of flooring surfaces.
Comfort
Soft and thick, the large foam pieces that comprise this wonderful mat will feel good for the infant that gets to play and relax on them. they are thick enough to prevent minor injuries when the child falls from trying to take the first steps.
Safety
Free of chemicals in the processing and not coming apart easily are two safety mechanisms built into this ideal product. Kids will not slip and fall or be able to take these puzzle pieces apart by themselves.
Price range
Having an above-average cost, this incredible play mat is valued for its large number of color combinations, its thick foam tiles, and the well-known safari animals in the contrasting hues.
6. MyLine Non-Toxic Non-Slip
Comes in six various color themes
Has no odor and cleans easily
Gives cushioning to hard floors
Has educational numbers, letters, characters, and colors
Is waterproof, reversible, non-slip, and non-toxic
Some parents said it is lighter than they wanted
A few had some trouble getting it to stay flat on the floor
The MyLine Baby Play Mat comes in six various color styles for you to choose from and does not emit any odors. It gives terrific cushioning to hard floors for infants and children to play on and cleans very easily. Featuring educational numbers, letters, characters, and colors, this wonderful mat is reversible with amazing images on both sides. They are bursting with vibrant colors to excite and attract your child to the mat where they can learn so much. It is waterproof, non-slip, and non-toxic to be one of the safest mats on the market currently.
Read moreEntertainment value
The infant will be exposed to the many colorful images and graphics of both sides of this glorious mat. There is so much to look at and explore for the baby that is enthusiastic and alert.
Design
It is like getting two colorful mats with one purchase when you get this splendid mat. It has a gorgeous image on both sides for infants to explore and learn about in their productive play time.
Comfort
Providing just the right amount of cushion for all-day comfort and enjoyment, this amazing product will be your child’s favorite place to play and relax. It is soft and thick for all play positions and exercise.
Safety
Most children’s play mats give off a chemical odor when you first get them. This one, however, does not have that odor because it is not made with the usual chemicals that are in most mats.
Price range
The price for this superb play mat is above-average. It has the great features of many educational points for babies, several beautiful color styles, and is reversible with great images on both sides.
7. Hape Foldable Reversible
Is reversible, waterproof, and foldable
Has both a town and a jungle scene
Can be used outdoors or indoors
Has a durable carry case for portability
Folds flat for travel and storage
Was thinner than a few buyers expected
Pattern repeats every few feet interrupting the design
Reversible, foldable, non-toxic and non-slip, the Hape Baby Care Play Mat is ideal for infants, kids, and toddlers. One side has a scene with jungle animals, and the other is a town image. It is very colorful and bright and can be used outdoors or indoors for a safe and clean play surface. Waterproof, comfortable, and soft, it cleans easily by wiping, vacuuming, or shaking and is free of BPA. It is perfect for tummy time, crawling, and playing since it is made of soft and comfortable PE foam. Portable and puffy, this durable product comes with a strong carry case with handles and a zippered closure, plus it folds flat well for travel and storage.
Read moreEntertainment value
Your child can explore a town graphic or a jungle scene full of animals with this lovely mat. They will be excited for hours of fun adventure in seeing every detail and happening.
Design
You get a jungle scene and a town scene with the purchase of this incredible item. Reversible to use either side for play, your infant will love the vivid colors and images depicted on both sides.
Comfort
Spreading out this play mat and letting your little one practice those tummy time skills is the highlight of their day. The best part for the parents is the level of comfort that these playmats will provide their little ones with during the most important times in their life. Exploring, working their body, and building the confidence that is the foundation of the development of your little one. This mat provides a thick foam mat that features two sides of designs plus is waterproof. So not only are they comfortable for your little one to lay on but they are easy to clean keeping the mats safe for all.
Safety
This one-piece product will not come apart or separate into smaller pieces to be a hazard to the child. it is also BPA-free, so the baby is not exposed directly to the harmful chemical.
Price range
The price for this great product is below the figured average. It is valued for being reversible, waterproof, including a carrying case, and being used indoors or outside.
8. Childlike Behavior Interlocking Foam
Colors are contrasting for visual development
Comes with a carrying case that has a handle
Is washable, thick, and waterproof
Free of BPA, latex, lead, and phthalates
Made of EVA hypoallergenic foam material
The price did not match the quality for some parents
Can be too cumbersome to pick up and put together daily
This Foam Puzzle Floor Mat consists of large tiles that interlock to form a comfortable and soft mat. The colors are contrasting for visual development, and the tiles are large and non-toxic. Twice as big as other models of tiles. They are free of BPA, latex, lead, and phthalates because they are made of EVA hypoallergenic foam material. Included are four pieces for the corners, sixteen fence side pieces, and four big tiles. It comes with a carrying case that has a handle, making it easy to transport, take apart, and store. Washable, thick, and waterproof, this fantastic play mat is easy to care for and will last a long time.
Read moreEntertainment value
The contrasting colors of this item provide the baby with an opportunity to see the differences in hues. It is important that they learn and experience this at this young age.
Design
The main tiles for the mat are twice the size of other models on the market. This makes the product easier and quicker to put together and take apart and much simpler to keep clean.
Comfort
Made of durable, soft, and thick foam pieces, this product will cushion the baby well whether they are crawling, walking, or just relaxing. They form one large comfortable mat for all-day fun.
Safety
Hypoallergenic and toxic-free, this puzzle mat is completely safe for the infant to play on for hours at a time. Even if the child has sensitive skin that is easily aggravated, they will be fine on this neutral surface.
Price range
The cost for this ideal play mat is below the calculated average. It is valued for its non-toxic and safe materials, included carrying case, and gigantic soft floor tiles for playing.
9. Superjare Thick 16 Patterns
Has a fence around the perimeter
Comes with a plastic case with a handle and zipper
Makes a wonderful gift even without gift wrapping
Teaches pattern recognition and contrasting colors
Is free of phthalates, lead, and chrome materials
Infants can kick or push the fence down easily
Surface can show wear quickly
Offered in three color combinations, this Baby Play Mat with Fence has a fence around the perimeter to keep the infant on the mat and makes a wonderful gift even without the gift wrapping. It includes sixteen different patterns on the squares for the design and educational purposes. Made of well-cushioned foam of ½ of an inch thick, you get sixteen tiles for the mat, four tiles for the gate, and sixteen tiles for the fence. It comes with a plastic clear case with a handle of rope and zipper closure for storing and carrying. This ideal mat is great for crawling and learning how to walk, and the large shapes aid with pattern recognition and contrasting colors. It does not contain small pieces and is free of phthalates, lead, and chrome materials.
Read moreEntertainment value
Your child can learn sixteen popular shapes from the floor tiles of this incredible mat. They will also practice their contrasting colors as there are only one light shade and one dark shade for the mat.
Design
When it is time to get down on the floor and play you want to make sure the design of the playmat that you have selected is safe, hygienic, and promotes the well being of your little one. This mat contains 16 mat tiles, 16 vertical or horizontal edge pieces, and four half shaped fun designs tiles. Altogether the design features a safe place to be able to allow your little one to play and explore. They are easy to wipe clean and even be vacuumed to remove light debris.
Comfort
The soft foam material that comprises this item is half of an inch thick to give adequate cushioning on any surface area. Both hard and soft floor types will be safe for the baby to walk, crawl, or lounge in great comfort.
Safety
Free of toxic chemicals and small pieces that could cause choking problems, this incredible product is quite safe for all ages of kids and infants. The neutral surface is also great for those with sensitive skin.
Price range
With a below-average price, this wonderful product is available in three color schemes, comes in a nice carrying case, and doubles as an educational toy for the infant to learn shapes.
10. Gupamiga Portable Double Sides
Portable, reversible, and waterproof
Can be used outdoors or indoors
Comes with a storage and carrying case
Stays flat and will not roll up
Surface is laminated to protect it
Not thick enough for some buyers
Can tear easily especially around pets
Portable, reversible, and waterproof, the Baby Folding Play Mat can be used outdoors or indoors and is non-toxic. It comes with a storage and carrying case to put it in, as it can be used for camping and picnics outside. Being lightweight and large, this great product cleans easily by wiping with a damp cloth and is ¼ of an inch thick. It stays flat and will not roll up as some other mats do, plus it is eco-friendly since it can be recycled. The beautiful surface has a laminated film to protect the design and colors from fading, and the pictures and colors can be used for educational purposes.
Read moreEntertainment value
The many colorful animal designs on both sides of this superb mat make it very exciting for the baby. They will look at the designs for hours because they are interesting and new.
Design
This playmat features an extra large play area that is perfect to take along to a friend or family member’s house or just a night in. The huge mat is designed to be very light making it very portable and also easy to fold up and store. It is constructed from foam making it a soft area to allow them to explore and work on those developmental skills. From on the go to home play this playmat is perfect for playing anywhere.
Comfort
The large size and adequate thickness of this product make it one of the most comfortable for the baby and anyone else that wants to play too. Adults and older children have plenty of room to join in the cushioned fun with this item.
Safety
The durable surface of this terrific item is waterproof because it has a laminated coating. The design and colors will not fade or wear off since it has this protective coating on it for longevity.
Price range
Having a below-average cost, this wonderful play mat has the great qualities of having a pretty educational design, coming with a sturdy case for transporting, and being reversible.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Entertainment Value
Whether the mat has just one bright color and a fancy design or many images of animals, letters, houses, vehicles, and numbers, your child will love looking at the surfaces of these incredible mats. They not only provide a safe surface for playing and relaxing but also give good visual details to intrigue and entertain the child. They will love the mats with the towns and forests of animals that have many details and mixed colors. Playing with an adult or older child, these items can spark some creative imaginations with stories and playful happenings of the characters and creatures depicted on the mats. These are more than just simple floor cushions, as they provide entertainment value for the child that likes to play on the floor.
Design
The patterns and images depicted on these incredible play mats are all so bright, colorful, and engaging for the child. not only do they decorate the item, but they also aid in developing the early educational skills the infant needs to learn. They will be exposed to numbers, letters, colors, objects, animals, and contrasts in their early years. Even newborns can absorb something from these exciting surroundings as their many abilities develop each day. Any room will be greatly enhanced with one of these superb mats to give the child a great place to play and explore.
Comfort
Constructed of soft and durable foam materials, these incredible mats are comfortable and cushiony for kids to play on and enjoy. Parents will also love to relax on them to spend quality time and tummy time with the infant. these wonderful mats give your child a suitable place on the floor that is designated as the playing area. As these items are easy to keep clean, you will always have a hygienic place for your baby to play and discover.
Safety
Made of materials that are hypoallergenic and free of the usual chemical toxins, these items are safe for children and babies of all ages. Each one is different in their protective levels, so it is best to check which one is right for your child. these mats give the baby a safe place to relax, crawl, walk, and explore the designs and their own toys in a safe environment. The surface should not harm aggravate their tender skin, even if it is very sensitive. For the mats that are put together like puzzles with large interlocking pieces, these do not come apart easily and cannot usually be manipulated by babies. None of the mats have small parts that would come off and become a choking hazard.
Price Range
The baby playmat with the lowest cost is the Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat, and the one with the highest cost is the Premium Stylish Foam Floor Baby Play Mat. These products differ in their size, the materials used in their construction, designs and patterns, thickness, and edging. Some of them have an added portion of a fence surrounding the mat to make it safer for the baby on it. The varying costs are based on these variations.
Even though playmats are mainly for physical development, the child’s cognitive skills will be heightened as well. The many shapes, patterns, colors, and sounds that some of these models have will greatly boost their intelligence level too.
Rather than just playing on the bare floor or a rug, playmats give the infant a clean place to be active and encourages them to move and be free. They will get used to playtime when you put out the mat or bring them to it, knowing that it is their special time for exploring.
Other Factors to Consider
Durability
Babies will love to crawl, roll, and relax on these outstanding play mats. They are made of safe materials that will not harm the child or cause any sort of hazard. The majority of them are created of durable and thick foam pieces or a solid piece that folds up. Toddlers and older children will enjoy playing on these too if you have more than one child in the family. These will last a long time, so the infant can still use it as they mature.
Educational Value
Most of these superb products give the infant an opportunity to be exposed to various colors, numbers, letters, animals, and other designs to learn and view. Others have contrasting colors which is important for the growth of sight at the infant stage. Babies learn to tell the difference in hues and colors that are opposite early, so these simple rugs can help with that in a fun and entertaining way. when a parent or older child plays along on the mat, the learning can be in the form of games or simply exploring. Even the mats that just have a basic design and one solid color can provide a change of scenery and pattern that is uniquely different.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are these mats all about the same size? Are they similar in thickness?
The thickness and size vary with each one of these items, but in general, the thickness is under an inch. The mats can range from several feet to some that are as big as a queen-sized mattress. We did not list the exact sizes of these because this information can easily be found in the product descriptions.
q: What are most of these mats made of?
The majority of them are made of a foam material that is free of toxins and harmful chemicals. The substances vary with each one, but in general, they are all created of this durable and cushiony foam substance.
q: Is it better to get the solid mats or the ones that separate into interlocking blocks?
This is a personal preference depending on what you like the best. The one-piece mats either roll up or fold for carrying and storing, but the puzzle piece mats come apart and must be put back together. One buyer had to pick up and put down the mat daily, so the puzzle piece mat would not be ideal for this situation. They are best left in place.
q: What is the purpose of the interlocking blocks of some of these mats?
Some of the mats consist of foam pieces that fit together in a puzzle to create the mat. This helps break down the item for carrying and storing and is supposed to make it easier to clean. When the child is older, the pieces can be educational with them putting them together and taking them apart.
q: What is a usual negative remark about these mats from customers online?
We notice many comments of the mats being thinner than the parents wanted. The majority of these mats are under an inch in thickness, so none of them are really plush or very thick. They are just meant to provide a soft and clean place for the child to be on the floor surface. These are not supposed to double as a mattress or a bed in any way for the infant to sleep on or be cuddled in.
q: For the ones with fences on the edges, is this strong enough to really stop or deter an infant from going off the mat?
This really depends on the strength and age of the infant. It is most likely that the toys will be better controlled rather than the infant, but the fence does present a barrier for the child to overcome. For a newborn, it should work well, but as the child ages and their physical capabilities become greater, the fence will not hold them back.
Sources
- The lowdown on EVA and EVA foam safety, Online Article ,
- BABY PLAY MATS BY DEVELOPMENTAL STAGE, Online Article ,
- Baby gyms, Online Article ,