After a play mat? The right design can work in a kid’s bedroom, playroom or in a living space. A play mat can provide cushioning and prevent slips. It’ll also introduce an easy to clean surface to the room so you can keep things hygienic.
The choice of play mat will depend on what age your kid is, how much space you want the mat to cover, and whether washable or wipe clean is preferable for you. Our best play mat – the BalanceFrom Kid's Puzzle Exercise Play Mat – ticks the boxes for us with a fun, easy-care design and floor softening and warming features. Take a look at all of our top picks below.
BalanceFrom Kid's Puzzle Exercise Play Mat
A cushioned and non-slip mat with a fun colorful interlocking tile design
Simple to assemble and easy to clean, this mat is comfortable and sturdy.
Pros:
- Non-toxic
- Easy clean
- Cushioning foam
- Slip resistant
Cons:
- You might prefer a single color
The BalanceFrom Kid's Puzzle Exercise Play Mat is a soft and warm surface and a fun, colorful design to boot. The 36 tile version consists of nine colors, which you just need to interlock to assemble. It’s easy to clean – all you require is a damp cloth and mild soap – and it’s free of lead, BPAs, and phthalate.
Because it’s made from high-density EVA foam, the mat provides support and cushioning and softens and warms hard floor surfaces for kids. It’s designed to be slip-resistant, too, with a non-slip patterned surface on one side and a flat surface on the other, which faces the floor.
Pros:
- Hard packed roads for easy play
- Raised areas simulate buildings
- Stain proof and easily washable
Cons:
- On the high end for price
IVI play rugs are a different type of play mat. They use different heights and textures to immerse you in the environment they are portraying. We have the cityscape one at home and the roads are tightly woven to allow toy cars to drive on them easily. The raised areas are softer, and represent the buildings, parks, and open spaces that all cities have.
IVI even sell cars, buildings, and traffic signs to elevate your play mat and make it as fun as possible for your child. When you add the hypo-allergenic material that is stain proof and easy to clean, you have a playmat that is almost perfect.
Kids Carpet Playmat Rug City Life
Keep them stimulated with a detailed city design
This latex-backed mat has a neat city-scape design.
Pros:
- Engaging design
- 60 x 32in mat
- Rolls up for storage
- Skid-proof back
Cons:
- Not for babies
If you’re looking for a play mat to keep toddlers occupied, check out the Kids Carpet Playmat Rug City Life. It features roads and buildings including a hospital, school, and airport to stimulate their imaginations.
The mat is a decent size at 60-inches by 32-inches and has a latex backing to keep it from skidding on the floor. If you need to store it, you can roll or fold it neatly out of the way, and it's light at 2.65 pounds.
Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat
A mat for home and when you’re out and about
An easily foldable mat that’ll keep babies busy and learning.
Pros:
- Lots of activities
- Padded design
- Rolls up for portability
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Toys need detaching and hand-washing
Like the idea of a mat that provides lots of engaging developmental activities? Then the Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat should suit you and your little one. The design includes a soft padded mirror, as well as a crinkly fox tail, a peek-a-boo tree, and more.
The mat is padded to keep baby – and you – comfortable while they’re learning. It can be machine washed but the toys will need to be detached and hand-washed. Because it’s foldable, you can take it along with you to keep your baby happy when you’re visiting or out at the park.
Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat
A fish themed design to fascinate baby
This water-filled, colorful mat will develop skills as well as happily occupy kids.
Pros:
- Stimulating features
- Simple set up
- BPA-free
Cons:
- Not for lying on
The cute Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat makes play really engaging. Unlike our other choices, it’s not a design for playing on, but playing with a brightly colored toy fish float through the water in the mat, focusing attention and developing a host of skills at the same time.
The mat’s easy to fill and to inflate, too, and a splash of vinegar will help keep the water inside clean.
Our verdict
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The best mat you can buy is the BalanceFrom Kid's Puzzle Exercise Play Mat. The Kids Carpet Playmat Rug City Life is an educational design, while the Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat is a top activity option. The Baby Care Play Mat Haute Collection is a clever reversible mat, and if you’re looking for a water mat, the Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat will keep baby engaged. For covering a big area, the alphabet and number motif, Tadpoles Soft EVA Foam 36 Piece ABC Playmat Set is ideal.