You've seen how much babies love to splash, whether it's in a pool or just the bath. Even more sensory play is possible with a baby splash mat to encourage healthy exploration and just plain fun. Take a look at the best options to see which one might work for your family.
Splashin'kids inflatable tummy time water mat
Best for indoor play
Give your baby the fun of water play without the mess. Splashin'kids water mat is a splashy, squishy, sensory good time, and babies can play with it indoors!
Pros:
- Water play without the mess
- Can be used indoors
- Great for small babies
Cons:
- Doesn't allow for actual splashing
Even the smallest babies can benefit from sensory play on the Splashin'kids water mat. It's great for tummy time indoors or out, and it won't get anyone wet or create a mess. As they play, babies can develop coordination and enhance muscle control, while practicing lifting and crawling.
Zen Laboratory splash pad sprinkler mat
Biggest diameter
When it comes to simple sprinkle and splash mats, the Zen Laboratory play mat has the biggest diameter. It only holds a few inches of water for safe splashing fun, but the sprinkler features can shoot water several feet into the air for bigger toddlers and kids.
Pros:
- Bigger diameter
- Safe splashing in several inches of water
- Sprinklers can shoot several feet into the air
Cons:
- Sprinklers won't work with low water pressure
Babies and kids alike will enjoy playing on the Zen Laboratory splash pad sprinkler mat. Whether they're splashing or running through the sprinklers, there are endless ways to play with this simple water toy. If babies don't like the sprinkler feature, you can just fill the inflatable mat with a few inches of water for splashing.
SwimSchool splash mat
Great for pre-walkers
For babies who are still learning to sit up, the SwimSchool splash mat has a built-in seat for added support. You can add stackable toys along with several inches of water for hours of fun.
Pros:
- Includes seat support
- Small and easy to set up
- Incorporates stacking toy feature
Cons:
- Not ideal for bigger toddlers and kids
For babies one year and younger, this small splash mat is an extra-safe option with built-in sit support. Your baby can safely sit, splash, and play in several inches of water under supervised conditions. This one probably won't work with bigger toddlers and kids, but it's excellent for pre-walkers.
BANZAI Sprinkle 'N Splash play mat
Smaller splash mat
Here's another great option for toddlers. This splash mat is a bit smaller with tinier sprinklers, so it won't seem overwhelming for babies and toddlers.
Pros:
- Smaller 45-inch mat
- Low sprinklers
- Holds a few inches of water for splashing
Cons:
- Not ideal for bigger kids
Enjoy some watery outdoor fun with babies and toddlers without fear or overstimulation. This small splash mat is the perfect size for toddlers, and the smaller sprinklers are great for splashing and playing without apprehension. It's even fun for the family dog!
Little Tikes Slam 'n Curve slide
Best for bigger toddlers and kids
Little Tikes brings a water adventure for all ages! Bigger babies, toddlers, and kids will love climbing, bouncing, and splashing in this mini water park.
Pros:
- Includes climbing and sliding features
- Kiddie pool at the bottom
- Great for bigger kids too
Cons:
- Requires closer supervision for toddlers
Although the Little Tikes slide is targeted at kids, it's also a ton of fun for toddlers. While it might be a little big for small babies, they will grow into it quickly. The bouncer includes two slides, a climbing feature, and a kiddie pool at the bottom.
Blasland Splash Pad
A little something extra
Here's another round splash mat, but this one comes with something extra—a sprinkling octopus! Little ones will love watching the water shoot out of the cute blue octopus.
Pros:
- Octopus sprinkler included
- Can be used as a baby splash mat without sprinklers
- Large size
Cons:
- Not as durable
Both babies and small children can enjoy this sprinkler mat. Use it with or without the sprinklers for splashy fun. The cute octopus is just icing on the cake!
BANZAI Splish Splash water park
Best for baby play dates
The Splish Splash water park is more than just a splash mat. This is a watery playground that multiple babies can enjoy at once.
Pros:
- Big enough for several babies to play
- Multiple ways to play
- Comes with inflatable slide, dolphin, and ring toys
Cons:
- It's expensive
If your baby likes to invite their little friends over to play, the Splish Splash water park is an excellent way to keep multiple babies entertained. It comes with a slide, a dolphin, and stackable toy rings. It's all inflatable, so you can deflate for easy storage when it's not in use.
Splashy fun
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Watch your baby or toddler enjoy some splashy sensory fun with one of the best baby splash mats. Even if your little one is playing indoors, the Splashin'kids water mat is a dry solution that provides the sensory experience of water without making a mess. This one is perfect for small babies.
For bigger toddlers, check out the Little Tikes Slam 'n Curve slide. This one is great for toddlers and bigger kids; it's fun for the whole family! Choose the best splash mat that will fit into your space and get aquatic.