The 11 Best Baby Play Mats for Tummy Time and Beyond
As your infant becomes more mobile, you’ll probably start to notice all the areas in your home that need baby-proofing. While you can easily smooth sharp corners with edge guards and prevent your child from exploring the stairs with a baby gate, making sure your floor is baby-friendly may seem like a massive feat. That’s where baby play mats come in. Not to be confused with play gyms (which tend to be smaller and embellished with toys), a baby floor mat is almost like a plush rug.
“Play mats should be firm enough to support baby movements and cushioned enough to keep baby safe during a fall,” says Cristina Fernandez, MD, a pediatrician and maternal-child health researcher at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. “Play mats may also contribute to visual perception and sensory development as babies look, touch, and feel around the play mat.” While they may not seem like essential parenting gear, they help you set up a safe play space for your little one as they reach for new milestones. “They are great for tummy time fun,” says Wendy Levey, an educational consultant based in New York City. They’re often made from fabric or foam, offering a soft, cushioned landing zone for baby as they experiment with tummy time, rolling over, sitting up and (of course!) taking first steps. And when your infant reaches toddlerhood, versatile baby floor mats can still provide a comfy area for your little one to play on. Ready to start your search? Below, find the best kids’ and baby floor mats to support your child for years to come.
A baby play mat can create a comfortable designated play space for your little one. Given how much time your baby will spend on it, it’s important to choose wisely. To help find the best baby play mats on the market:
-
We reached out to an educational consultant, as well as two pediatricians for their input on what to look for in these accessories.
-
We chose products that are comfortable for baby and easy to clean, because drool, spit-up and blowouts are practically inevitable.
-
We considered reviews from real parents to ensure we had the best view of how a range of babies and families enjoy these play mats.
-
Since many of us are parents, we relied on our own personal experience with these products. As a mom of four, I have firsthand knowledge of how a good play mat holds up over time.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Overall best baby play mat
- Subtle, chic designs
- Easily adjustable foam tiles
- Water-resistant surface
- May be difficult to re-create pattern in photos
Subtle and stylish, this baby floor mat offers a modern solution to baby-proofing. Each pattern has been inspired by vintage Moroccan rugs, lending to its eclectic aesthetic. Available in several different sizing options, these foam play mat tiles can be used in a wide range of living spaces. It’s so chic, you might even choose to keep it out after your child is well past the toddler stage.
Dimensions: 24.8" (L) x 24.8" (W) per tile | Thickness: 0.5" | Material: Non-toxic EVA foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe with mild soap and water
Best infant play mat
- Two high-contrast patterns
- Included travel band for easy portability
- Machine-washable
- Different sides designed for different stages
Baby’s vision is still developing throughout their first year. So if you’re on the hunt for a baby floor mat for newborns, opt for one with a high-contrast pattern that will keep them engaged—just like this pick. Thanks to its two visually stimulating sides, this sensory floor mat has been thoughtfully designed to keep your little one engaged. What’s more, it’s made with an organic cotton cover and can be tossed in the washing machine whenever it needs to be freshened up.
Dimensions: 39" diameter | Thickness: N/A | Material: Organic cotton (cover); polyester (filling) | Cleaning instructions: Machine washable
Best baby foam play mat
- Material is high-quality and very cushioned
- Water-resistant
- Available in an array of patterns and colors
- Surface isn’t as smooth as some reviewers expected
It’s no secret why baby foam mats are popular among parents. The cushioned material offers safe padding for little movers to test out crawling, cruising, walking—and even tumbling when they’re a tot. Our favorite foam mat for baby is this reversible design. It comes in an array of patterns and colors aimed to support your little love’s development, and it’s available in two convenient sizes. When inevitable spills and messes occur—don’t fret: This floor mat for kids is water-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
Dimensions: 72.8" (L) x 49.2" (W) (medium); 82.7" (L) x 55.1" (W) (large) | Thickness: 0.4" | Material: Non-toxic EVA foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best foam mat for kids
- 2-in-1 design
- Made from ultra-soft, cushioned memory foam
- Avoid using strong cleaners or vacuums
- Heavy objects may result in a permanent impression
Searching for a foam mat for kids that are a bit older? Whether you have tots or big kiddos at home, this option is sure to check all of the boxes on your list. The reversible play mat is made of ultra-soft and squishy memory foam, and features two sides. The first has an aesthetically pleasing pattern that will seamlessly blend into your abode’s aesthetic, and the other has an interactive map for open-ended play opportunities. The versatile design would work well in a number of spaces, from your living room to your child’s bedroom.
Dimensions: 84" (L) x 56" (W) | Thickness: 0.5" | Material: Polyvinyl chloride | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best foam floor tiles
- Easy to assemble
- Variety of color schemes and two set sizes
- Affordable price point
- 36-piece set isn’t compatible with 16-piece set
This baby floor mat will seamlessly adapt to your family’s changing needs. The foam play mat tiles are easy to assemble, and can be used to create a customized floor covering in no time. They’re waterproof and durable, so you can easily keep your kiddo’s play space clean. I’ve used these tiles with all four of my children and they’ve easily survived being assembled and disassembled as each kid has outgrown them. Best of all, these tiles are more affordable than a typical baby floor mat.
Dimensions: 12" (L) x 12" (W) per tile | Thickness: 0.4" | Material: EVA foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best baby crawling mat
- Grippy texture
- Pop-up walls create safe playing environment
- Reversible design
- Folds into a compact shape
- Only available in one size
When baby’s on the move, you can expect them to explore everything in their path. Create a safe play space for them with this baby crawling mat. The foldable design can be used in two ways: Lay it flat or pop up the four connected walls. When playtime is finished, or you need to take this baby mat out and about, simply fold it up and go.
Dimensions: 57.8" (L) x 57.8" (W) | Thickness: 0.2" | Material: Polyethylene, foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best reversible baby play mat
- Reversible design
- Velcro strap for simple storage
- Waterproof for easy cleanup
- Only available in one size
Can’t decide on one baby floor mat pattern? With this option, you don’t have to choose. The baby foam play mat comes in several modern hues and patterns that are bound to complement your abode’s decor. When you’re tired of one side, flip it over for a fresh new look. What’s more, it doesn’t only look nice, it’s also made from squishy, soft foam that your little one will love playing on.
Dimensions: 78" (L) x 48" (W) | **Thickness: 0.5" | *Material:* Biodegradable foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best versatile baby play mat
- Versatile mat
- Available in unique prints and modern colors
- Easily folds or rolls up
- Not as thick as other options
- Not made with vegan-friendly materials
Next up on our list is this multi-purpose baby floor mat. It can be there to support your kiddo during tummy time and play—plus, it can be placed under their high chair to catch anything that misses their mouth during mealtime. Combining style and function, this floor mat for kids comes in a variety of aesthetically pleasing hues and is made from premium-quality leather that’s wipeable and water-resistant. What’s not to love?
Dimensions: 38" (L) x 38" (W) | Thickness: 0.1" | Material: Bonded leather | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best stylish baby play mat
- Versatile design
- Modern aesthetic
- Available in several sizes
- High price point
You don’t have to give up your unique sense of style just to create a safe living space for your little one. Take this baby floor mat, for instance. Inspired by natural tones and patterns, it’s made of high-quality GraphEVA foam while still offering a vintage look. The foam play mat tiles can be connected any way you see fit, and used for tummy time, meal time, as a nursery mat or even as an exercise mat for others in the family—talk about versatility!
Dimensions: 48" (L) x 48" (W) | Thickness: 0.5" | Material: Graphene-enhanced EVA foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best baby play mat for large playrooms
- Adjustable tile design
- Wipeable material
- Available in several cute patterns
- Pet nails could puncture this mat
- Tiles aren’t as soft as some expected
Last on our list of the best baby floor mats is this option for playrooms. It comes as a set of foam play mat tiles, allowing you to create a custom floor covering that aligns with your family’s needs. Choose from several contemporary patterns (like these too-cute polka dots!) to design a fun, inviting play area for your little love.
Dimensions: 24" (L) x 24" (W) per tile | Thickness: 0.5" | Material: EVA foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Best budget-friendly baby play mat
- Accordion-style foldable design
- Waterproof surface for simple cleanup
- Comes in a variety of reversible patterns
- Recommended for infants 8 months+
- Material is more textured than some anticipated
Childproofing your home doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Case in point: This floor mat for baby. The playful patterns are made from an anti-slip material, creating a stable foundation for your little one to play, move and groove on. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about any unpleasant stains or odors being absorbed by this baby floor mat; simply wipe it clean. Need to take it on the go? No problem—the accordion-style design folds in seconds.
Dimensions: 70" (L) x 59" (W) | Thickness: 0.5" | Material: BPA-free foam | Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean
Baby floor mats come in all shapes, styles and sizes. Not sure where to begin? Scroll our top tips to make the shopping process a piece of cake:
-
Material. When choosing a floor mat for baby, you’ll first want to consider the type of material you’d like. Foam mats for kids are a popular choice, due to their soft, cushioned texture. Plus, some even come as interlocking tiles, making it easy to create a custom shape that fits your living space. “Foam play mats are generally non-slip with good grip on the floor and are more cushioned than cotton play mats, all of which make them shock absorbent,” Fernandez says. “Foam mats may insulate better against a cold floor compared to cotton mats and can be wiped clean.” Another material you may see is cotton; these options tend to be similar to quilts and can be simpler to wash, store and travel with. If you choose a cotton mat, it “should not be too thick—maybe an inch or 1.5 inches of padding,” says Robert Hamilton, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
-
Size. Before making your decision, be sure to measure the nursery, playroom or your living space to ensure that your favorite baby floor mat will fit like a glove. Many floor mats for kids come in several size options to meet a variety of needs. You could also opt for foam play mat tiles that allow you to adjust and customize the size of the floor covering.
-
Style. Putting a baby floor mat in your living space doesn’t mean you have to compromise your home’s aesthetic. There are plenty of chic options to choose from, complete with modern color schemes and earth-toned graphics. On the other hand, vibrant, high-contrast styles are also available to pique baby’s interest and promote their development, Levey says. “Contrasting colors also helps with focus, which is why black and white help the first few months,” she says.
-
Care. Your little one will very likely drool and maybe even spit up on their baby play mat. That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in a mat that you can wipe down or toss in the wash. “You want something that’s easy to clean,” Hamilton says.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Cristina Fernandez, MD, is a pediatrician and maternal-child health researcher at New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital. Her research focuses on food insecurity, diet-related disparities, and issues in development and health maintenance in vulnerable child populations.
Wendy Levey is an educational consultant in New York City, and the founder and director of Epiphany Community Nursery School, ECNS ETC and STEAM-E Summer Days camp.
Robert Hamilton, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, and host of the podcast The Hamilton Review: Where Kids and Culture Collide.
Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.
