Play mats
A good play mat gives your baby a safe, comfortable space for tummy time and play. Look for mats with interesting textures, colours, and features to engage your little one.
Tiny Love Meadow Days Gymini
Best activity gym for development
This colourful activity gym features adjustable arches, multiple toys, and can be configured in different ways as baby grows. The nature-themed design includes crinkly leaves, a mirror, and high-contrast patterns perfect for visual development. Machine washable mat.
Pros
- •Multiple play modes
- •Lots of engaging toys
- •Adjustable arches
- •Grows with baby
Cons
- •Takes up quite a bit of space
- •Some assembly required
- •Can be overstimulating for very young babies
Skip Hop Playspot Foam Tiles
Best for creating a large play area
These interlocking foam tiles create a cushioned play space that's perfect for tummy time and crawling. Non-toxic, easy to clean with a damp cloth, and you can buy more tiles to expand the area. Reversible design with geometric patterns.
Pros
- •Expandable
- •Easy to clean
- •Non-toxic foam
- •Good cushioning
Cons
- •No toys included
- •Babies can pull tiles apart
- •Can curl at edges over time
Lovevery Play Gym
Best Montessori-inspired option
A beautifully designed, developmentally-appropriate play gym based on Montessori principles. Features include high-contrast cards for newborns, sensory toys, a baby-safe mirror, and natural wood elements. Grows with baby through multiple stages.
Pros
- •Developmentally appropriate
- •Aesthetically beautiful
- •High-quality materials
- •Comprehensive guide included
Cons
- •Very expensive
- •Less stimulating for some babies
- •Limited colour palette
Things to consider when choosing play mats
When selecting play mats, consider your lifestyle, budget, and specific needs. Every family is different, so what works for one might not work for another.
All our recommendations meet UK safety standards and have been chosen based on parent reviews, expert testing, and real-world usability. We only recommend products we genuinely believe in.
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