Table of Contents
The best play mats for babies
During a pregnancy or the birth of your little blond head, the very first toy that we think of to allow him to wake up slowly while having fun is the play mat. That said, we quickly see when looking for this famous awakening mat that the number of references on this type of article is impressive and it is not uncommon to find oneself completely lost in your search.
One of the first questions we ask ourselves is: should we take it musical or not? Should we choose it in plastic or cotton? In short, a whole bunch of questions arise.
Our selection at a glance:
Our selection of the 7 best play mats of 2019
Best-comparatif.fr strives to each article to provide you with clear and relevant information to help you choose the most suitable product for your needs. Our selections are the result of many hours of research and analysis of information about each product.
Our goal is to simply save you time by offering you only the best products of the moment 🙂
No product in our selection is sponsored.
How did we make our selection?
Although the number of references present for play mats seem to be a barrier to their selection, we have nonetheless managed to offer you what seems to us the best options. This selection is based on several axes as follows.
- Colors: Colors are essential for the development and awakening of the child. This fact has been proven for many years. Each age group requires a very specific color range and each color will have a very specific relationship to the awakening of the child. We therefore wanted to offer a wide selection in this area.
- Materials: Like colors, sensory discoveries are important for your child. This is why we wanted to offer you a fairly wide range of materials intended to awaken the senses of your child. Just like for the colors, each age group has its specificities.
- Scalable possibilities: A play mat generally follows a child from birth to 12 months. Of course, the needs of the little one are not the same at these two periods of his life. We therefore looked for models that could serve him for a while and cope with his evolution by offering him new sensations.
- Accessories: As for the possibilities of evolution, the number of accessories can very quickly become of major importance. Indeed, if the proposed accessories are not renewed or if they are limited, the child may quickly find himself frustrated and / or bored. This is why we looked for models with a minimum of accessories to face the different stages of development of the child.
- Age groups: We must not believe that all play mats are suitable for children from birth. Some are even intended for children from 1 year or are able to last until the child is 3 years old. The manufacturers note a minimum and maximum age in order to refer parents, however they know from very specific tests who the proposed activity mat may correspond to.
- Customer reviews: Customer reviews are a particularly informative source of product information. In addition to providing tips and field product experience, one can find constructive advice based on real product experience. If a majority of people are satisfied with a product, it’s a safe bet that the product should benefit from many advantages.
- The performances observed by the experts: Concretely, all childcare articles are generally scrutinized by specialists in early childhood. Their opinions and analyzes can be an important source of information. This is why we took the time to consult the results of their thoughts during the creation of our selection.
1. Fisher-Price – The Best Scalable Musical Awakening Mat
Fisher Price is one of the most popular brands in terms of items and toys for young children. Generally, Fisher Price play mats are particularly popular and not without reason because they offer many advantages. Quality, resistance and versatility, the brand makes it a point of honor to satisfy its young consumers and their parents.
Design & Features
The Fisher Price Play Mat is suitable for children from birth to two years old. In terms of design, we can say that although it is standard in its design, being a carpet and an arch, it knows how to be entertaining in terms of colors. It offers a real visual experience to your little ones with its pretty flashy tones. But of course, this Fisher Price play mat has other advantages that will quickly make it essential for baby’s development. He knows how to adapt to the evolution of it by offering activities that he can perform both on his back the first months of his life and then on his stomach. According to his movements, he will also be able to trigger sounds and lights that will be in accordance with his age.
In fact, this Fisher Price activity mat is not static; it offers a range of 10 toys as well as music, sounds fitting its jungle theme and light shows to allow it to wake up gently and at its own pace. Your child will be able to count on removable toys in his stroller as well since these can be transported without the carpet like the Toucan which will be a great source of discovery, both tactile and musical.
Verdict
It’s hard to say that the Fisher Price Jungle Playmat doesn’t seem like a complete product to help your baby open up to the world. In addition to the security that the brand offers in the design of its carpet, we notice the adaptability it has demonstrated. It is indeed possible, depending on the age of his little one, to move objects as needed and to offer him a completely different universe. A nice and evolving carpet that deserves its place in our selection.
2. Tiny Love Gymini – The best activity mat from Tiny Love
Based on the theme of the forest, this Tiny Love play mat is a nice discovery for your little angel from birth and will stay by his side for a while. The universe it offers and its adaptable features until the age of 1 or 2 will help your child to develop with confidence.
Design & Features
This Tiny Love play mat is more than a simple accessory, it is a world of discovery oriented on the theme of an enchanted forest which hides in itself a whole universe to allow your little one to discover, touch and play for many hours without ever getting bored. It is a musical carpet whose melodies are played by a woodpecker. Remember that this is an enchanted forest! During each stage of your child’s development, he will be able to discover new activities intended to increase his motor skills and offer him a new vision of the game. From 6 months, in order to develop his imagination, he will be able to indulge in a little one. hide-and-seek game with his lifelong companions.
In addition, his auditory awakening will be very gentle thanks to the sounds and melodies offered by the many accessories included in this Tiny Love play mat which will prove to be more of a play area than a simple accessory.
> If you are looking for a non-toxic baby floor mat, go here.
Verdict
This first playmate of your child will know how to accompany him gently and effectively in the discovery of the world around him. More than a first age toy, this Tiny love play mat will allow your child to create a tactile and auditory universe that will follow him during key periods of his development and learning. Each of the new postures that he will adopt will give him access to new activities which will allow him to obtain new capacities in accordance with his age and his degree of evolution. Enough to have a good time with characters that he will be reassured to find throughout his early childhood. Let us not forget the presence of mirrors which will confirm to him what mom and dad say, that is, baby is the most beautiful.
3. Bright Starts – The best scalable play mat
Bright Star offers here to all children from birth a mat not 2 in 1 or three in 1, but 5 in 1 which will follow easily until he is three years old because it turns into a ball pool for his greatest happiness. . Here is the small presentation of the steps that will allow your child to discover the world.
Design & Features
First of all, we note on this progressive activity mat the rather large size of 122 cm with its edges which straighten out before becoming the famous ball pool that appeals to all young children to allow enhanced safety. Indeed, at a time when children are starting to gesticulate, it will offer parents a very appreciable protective barrier. The general theme of this evolutionary rug is the jungle, a universe often taken up by the multiple possibilities it offers both in terms of colors and sounds. Moreover, a very nice elephant will provide no less than 20 minutes of music for his greatest pleasure. This evolutionary rug exists in two color ranges: the unisex version with bright colors and the more girly version with a predominant pink range. the musical elephant is not the only activity that will be offered to the little one because this evolving musical mat offers a whole panoply of accessories ready to adapt smoothly to the specific needs of each stage of your child. The very structure of the mat will allow your child to make sensory and motor discoveries. In addition, everything is planned so as not to force you to make additional expenses because it is truly all-inclusive.
Verdict
This evolutionary activity mat actually has a price that must be taken into account. That said, given its longevity and its adaptability to age, this purchase is more of an investment than a simple first age toy. In addition to being complete, it offers an innovative vision of the play mat and its services clearly appear to be of superior quality. In addition, we note that the mat goes through the machine for easy maintenance, which therefore allows you to obtain the hygiene necessary for your child’s first days. Let’s not forget that it is one of the awakening mats recommended by the Montessori method.
4. V-Tech Lumi – The best V-Tech play mat
V-Tech is one of the brands that will play an important role in your child’s discovery toys no matter what. So when we talk about V-Tech activity mats, we obviously look at all the features of this one very closely and we clearly expect the best. This musical and progressive awakening mat offers interesting possibilities which will not deny the reputation of the brand.
Design & Features
Difficult when we mention V-Tech not to talk about the electronic side first. In this area, the V-Tech activity mat does not disappoint. On the contrary, we can clearly speak of a musical awakening carpet since it offers no less than 24 melodies, 6 songs and around 12 sound effects. The big plus of all musical functions is that they are adjustable. Unlike other models, you can therefore adjust the sounds. We also note a sun capable of removable light effects, which, if necessary, can serve as a night light in the cradle of your little angel or which can be fixed in the stroller of your dear blonde or brown head to amuse him in all circumstance. A maximum of the accessories provided on this V-Tech play mat are removable and can be installed on the stroller of your little one. This awakening mat can also be classified in the category of evolutive awakening mats since it can be used from birth to the three years of your child thanks to all its possibilities and especially thanks to the musical basis of it. this. In terms of colors, we can say that they are flashy without being aggressive. Thus allowing your baby to discover colors without being too stimulated.
Verdict
Although the expectations on a V-Tech play mat are generally quite high, we can say that the brand meets the specifications handily with this musical and evolving play mat. Pretty and practical, it clearly offers something to help your child grow up through play and discovery. The big plus of this model is clearly the possibility of using all the elements separately to help your child to keep his universe with him in all circumstances.
5.QQPP – Thick Floor Mat for Baby Awakening
It is not easy to offer a play mat for toddlers without arches. Indeed, it is very anchored in the mentalities that it is necessary to have hanging toys to have fun, yet the QQPP brand offers us a very ingenious alternative. Moreover, this awakening mat would greatly appeal to Montessori pedagogy.
Design & Features
This arkless play mat is clearly surprising in several ways. Initially, by the colors used which recall the earth and the autumnal nuances which one can find in the forests. Its colors thus assembled offer a feeling of fullness and even zenitude. In addition, it is not because this activity mat is archless that it does not offer real play possibilities. On the contrary, it is designed on the principle of puzzles. A game in its own right that will help your child to work on both fine motor skills and his annalistic mind. In addition, it is possible to complete the 9 slabs of 1 cm with another set in order to double the initial surface, i.e. 2x 1.25m. This awakening mat can be used as a floor protector from baby’s first days so that baby is safe. It also has edges which therefore allows the mat without arches to transform into a ball pool to add hours of play to your little angel. As this rug is made of foam tiles, its storage is simple as well as its transport.
Verdict
We note that all the parts used in the design of this arkless activity mat have undergone very comprehensive tests in order to make it correspond to the necessary safety standards in Europe and the United States, it is therefore in complete safety that your children will enjoy this model of a different kind with countless possibilities. When we talk about Montessori awakening rugs, we can cite this model without risk of betraying this pedagogy. Indeed, the child is free of his movements and to give free rein to his imagination. In short, a model to know.
6. Ludi – The best inexpensive play mat
A Montessori activity mat takes into account a number of factors in order to be recognized by professionals in this pedagogy. Everything is reviewed whether it is size, colors, comfort, and other factors that will be important. It’s a safe bet that this model wins all the votes among Montessori professionals.
Design & Features
The observation is obvious at first glance, this play mat is specially designed for the little ones from 0 to 1 years old. It appears that the colors are particularly soft and conducive to the visual development of the young child. Although they are lively, they are absolutely not aggressive and therefore will not annoy your little one. We also notice the presence of two factors that will increase the comfort of your child once installed. At first, it has a head wedge which for a very young baby is a plus because it will be installed very gently and comfortably.Then, you will certainly appreciate the rather large dimensions of it with its 1.32m of height. long and 1.02 wide which will allow you to experience his first moments of discovery wedged with him. This mat has 8 activities mainly oriented on motor discovery. Thus, he will discover with pleasure the different textures and the toys that descend from the ark. The shape of the rug is also original and will appeal to the greatest number.
Verdict
So yes, we can clearly speak of a Montessori awakening mat. Because in this pedagogy, the principle is to offer awakening mats that allow babies to be free of their movement while discovering the world around them. But beyond that, it is an activity mat that will appeal to the greatest number of children. Admittedly, it is simple but terribly nice and in addition, which does not spoil anything ensures a whole world of safety around baby. We believe that this gentle model will make the difference for the very young. There is also a musical chip for small sound breaks.
> If you are looking for a non-toxic baby floor mat, go here.
7. BabySun – The best value for money play mat
BabySun is one of the essential brands in a world of childcare. The brand’s products can be found both on the net and in the largest children’s store chains. This is why, when the brand releases an awakening mat, it is always good to get information.
Design & Features
You will immediately notice the universe of forest animals. Of course, this recurring theme in children’s play rugs has already been seen and reviewed, but let’s face it frankly, children like it. In addition, the advantage of this model is initially its range of colors orange, blue and green. Although we can fear a cacophony of colors, the whole is quite the opposite. Yes, the rendering is very harmonious, even tender. You will notice later that compared to other models of play mats, whether at Fisher Price or V-Tech or other, that there is a real variation in textures whether in hanging toys or even on the mat itself which will allow your child to experience a wide range of tactile sensations. Furthermore, we can say that it is an evolutionary play mat that will offer as many activities to your child while he will remain static on his stomach as from the moment when he will know how to put himself on his stomach. It should also be noted that the hanging toys are removable and can therefore be used by your child when traveling by car or stroller. He will always have something to take care of.
Verdict
Like what, simplicity is good. This play mat was created to entertain your child largely thanks to his own imagination, to make him discover new sensations at his own pace and allow him according to his desires to develop his capacities according to his rhythm. Of course, all this in the most perfect gentleness and in compliance with the safety standards in force. In short, simple yes, but effective for your child to flourish and grow in joy and discovery.
Everything you need to know about play mats before buying one:
After the selection of play mats that we have just presented to you, we would like to provide you with some additional information on this flagship product for young parents and also answer the most frequent questions in the matter.
What is an awakening mat for?
To be sure to make the right choice for the future awakening mat for your little one, you must first understand what it is for. Indeed, some parents buy it without really knowing why just because it is necessary and therefore choose a model that is not optimal. The play mat marks the beginning of your child’s discoveries. Depending on the model chosen, your child will develop his motor skills, his sensory and auditory skills, and his fine motor skills. In short, the play mat is clearly his first playground in which he will learn to touch, imagine, turn around, and discover the different textures and materials.
What should a play mat have?
Ideally, a play mat is a grouping of several different types of games. It has hanging toys, various materials and textures on the carpet, at least one mirror, and parts to manipulate and open. In some it is possible to find sound activities. Colors are also important because they are the starting point for your child’s visual discovery. According to recent studies on this subject, it is better to avoid pastel colors as well as colors that are too aggressive.
How to choose your play mat?
Several criteria must be taken into account in order to select the play mat that will correspond to your child, but also to your lifestyle. This is why you must take into account the maintenance of the play mat, for example. If you are active parents who work or already have older children, you probably will not have the time to choose a play mat that washes by hand, so you will orient yourself towards a model that passes in. machine. The thickness and comfort of the mat are also important criteria that will decide the well-being of your child. To ensure maximum safety for your child, make sure that the mat meets the standards in force in France in this area. If you are parents who move a lot, also take care that the mat is easily transportable and that it has a cover provided for this purpose. Afterwards, you must also choose a model that you like. Note that if the playmat appeals to parents, they will be more likely to take it out than if the model has been imposed on them.
How much does a play mat cost?
There are several types of play mats: evolutionary play mats, musical play mats, arkless play mats, Montessori approved play mats, of course, each type of carpet has prices. different. Likewise, depending on the brand, Fisher Price play mats will have a scale, as will V-Tech play mats or Tiny Love play mats. Basically, we can count that for a quality carpet, the prices will certainly be between 45 and 90 euros. This is justified by the accessories that compose it, the quality of the materials and the brand. With that said, a play mat is usually an investment you make for at least 1 year and is your child’s first toy.
The most frequent questions about play mats:
Play mat from what age?
Concretely, most of the play mats are designed for newborns. But in reality, at birth the child is not really open to the discovery offered by this kind of article. But it can still help your child to change his environment. Most of the time we see that young parents buy this type of mat before birth, which is a good idea, because once a baby with us, you will certainly not want to run the stores and babies evolve so quickly that if the awakening mat is not already with you, you risk receiving it too late.
When to put baby on a play mat?
We see that babies from 2 months are much more inclined to make the discoveries offered by a play mat, some are not really receptive until 3 months. That said, if you install your baby from birth on a suitable play mat, this will allow him to discover an environment other than that of the deckchair or his bed. The important thing is above all to ensure your thermal well-being. Of course, the play mat is the toy of choice for children who cannot walk yet.
Play mat with or without arches?
For the youngest, it is strongly recommended to use play mats with arches. However, over time your child will have other needs and the arches may get in the way. The easiest way is to choose a model with removable arches which will be easier anyway for the maintenance of the carpet and its storage.
Play mat or playpen?
Although this question is quite common, it should be understood that an activity mat does not have the same purpose or the same use as a playpen. The playpen is designed to delimit the play area for infants or young babies to ensure their safety while the play mat is there to entertain them and help them in their development. So it’s up to each parent to choose what is important to them.
Where to put the play mat?
The advantage of the play mat is that it can be positioned anywhere, in the living room, in the bedroom, on the terrace and even in a park. However, depending on the floors on which it will be placed, it may be necessary to provide a blanket or a gym-type mat underneath so that your baby does not get cold. It goes without saying that the play mat is always placed on the floor and not on a table or at a height.
How long can you use a play mat?
Everything will depend on the options offered by your play mat, if you choose an evolving play mat that transforms, your child can use it until he is three years old. Usually your child will be able to let you know when it’s time to put away their first toy and move on to the next step.
Either way, trust yourself and enjoy choosing your child’s first landmark. It’s your turn !
