With many new baby play mat brands appearing on the market, it's getting even more challenging to pick the most dependable one. In our buying guide, we will do our absolute best to describe all the significant factors you will need to consider when buying play mats. Let's begin!
What Should You Consider When Shopping For Baby Play Mats?
Style
Baby play mats can appear in different styles and colors. However, you will need to select a design that will be visually appealing to your baby or match your nursery decor. For example, if you have a younger baby, be sure to look for a play mat that has colorful zig-zag stripes, dots, or shapes. On the other hand, if your baby already watches cartoons, look for a themed play mat with superheroes, animals, etc.
Thickness
The second thing that you need to consider when buying baby play mats is the thickness of the material. This will depend on your personal requirements and the kind of floor you have at your home.
For example, if you have a hardwood floor, you will need to search for a thicker play mat to provide better protection for your baby. On the other hand, if you plan to put the mat on top of a carpeted area, you shouldn't worry about the thickness too much.
Cleaning method
Your child will spend a lot of time on the play mat, which means that it will get pretty dirty. However, all baby play mats can be cleaned pretty easily; you can wipe them with a clean cloth and warm water or just put them in the washing machine. Review the manual to see if they are machine-washable.
How Much Do Baby Play Mats Cost?
Baby play mats can be a big investment, but a pretty beneficial one as well. If you plan to buy brand-new play mats, you can expect to pay from $35 and up to $170 for the best brands. The cost of the play mats can vary depending on a few crucial aspects, including the thickness of the material, the overall durability, and the type & size of the play mat. Rather than viewing all of the options, be sure to set your budget and look at baby play mats within that particular range; this will save you time and help you make a more reasonable decision.
How Did We Pick The Best Baby Play Mats?
In order to find the best baby play mats available, we've performed in-depth research on the whole market. Each product on our listing had to pass the RMD test. (Ratings, Manufacturer, and Durability)
Ratings
Customers from all around the US have given unbiased opinions about various play mats on the internet. We've reviewed hundreds of them and managed to select the baby play mats with the most positive ratings.
Manufacturer
During our review process, we've also taken into account the manufacturer of the baby play mats. Some of the most respectable brands will never mislead their customers and continuously provide them with quality products and support.
Durability
The last factor we considered before putting the best baby play mats on the list is durability. We looked into the construction and material and picked the most durable ones that will surely last for a long time.
What Kind Of Baby Play Mats Are There?
You'll encounter two different types of baby play mats, so let's briefly take a closer look at them and explain each type.
Foam Play Mats
This is the first type of baby play mat; as you'd guess from the name, it's made out of foam. These types of mats will provide your baby with comfortable cushioning and excellent shock absorption. Moreover, they are completely waterproof, so even if your baby spills something, you can easily wipe it up without worrying about lasting damage to the mat itself. There are various designs and themes available; some of the play mats also feature a puzzle design to boost your baby's cognitive skills. Most foam play mats are made out of safe, non-toxic materials, but be sure to verify that in the product description or specifications.
Fabric Play Mats
If you're on the search for a more affordable alternative to foam mats, then stick with fabric models. They are usually a lot more portable and are extremely lightweight; therefore, you will be able to take them anywhere you go, including the beach, playground, a family vacation, etc. These types of baby play mats are commonly manufactured using a cloth cover and water-resistant bottom.
Conclusion
There are many baby play mats available online, and it can be quite hard to separate the good from the bad. However, with the help of our buying guide and top suggestions, we're positive that you will be capable of getting the perfect match for your lovely baby. Happy shopping!
Baby Play Mat FAQ
Q: What is the perfect age to start using the baby play mat?
A: This will strongly depend on the purpose you're using the mat for. If you just want to provide your baby with a comfortable place to rest, then you should wait until the baby starts getting comfortable laying down without being swaddled. Furthermore, if you plan to use the play mat for tummy time, we strongly advise that you wait for your kid to turn at least 4 months and begin the whole process with intervals. And lastly, for regular playtime, you'll need to wait until the kid can sit up straight on their own.
Q: Will the play mats provide additional protection to my baby?
A: Yes, they will. However, even though the play mats will provide your baby with additional protection, you shouldn't leave your baby alone. Foam mats specifically will protect against injuries caused by hard floors.
Q: Are baby play mats essential?
A: Baby play mats aren't an essential product that you must purchase right away. However, play mats are pretty helpful since they provide a safe area for your baby to play in. They also provide soft cushioning for babies that fall during their first steps and are more straightforward to clean.