The Best Baby Play Mats and Gyms for Tummy Time, Crawling, and More

Exercise those little minds and bodies on these adorable, soft, and safe surfaces.

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Best Baby Play Mats

Parents / Kristin Kempa

Time to take it to the mat! The baby play mat, that is. Tummy time marks the beginning of your bambino's first workout, and what better way to build those arm, shoulder, stomach, and back muscles than on one of these adorable (and quite functional) play mats? Baby play mats and activity gyms provide a clean, secure spot for babies to lounge and learn as wee ones develop their gross motor skills

"In choosing a play mat, safety should be paramount," board-certified pediatrician Dr. Freda Singletary, M.D., tells Parents. "Other considerations include age appropriateness, ease of cleaning the mat, and the mat's adaptability to your child's evolving developmental stages." When shopping for a play mat, Dr. Singletary shares, "Fisher-Price, Baby Einstein, and Lovevery are all reputable brands known for their adherence to safety standards, and they offer a range of play mats designed to stimulate a child's senses and motor skills throughout various stages of development."

Those major brands aren’t the only ones making excellent mats, activity centers, and so-called baby gyms for littles. When looking for the perfect play area to support infants and toddlers as they meet those early developmental milestones, it's also wise to consider the material, style, and safety features. These products can be quite affordable, but they can also be pretty pricey, depending on the brand. We selected the best baby play mats and baby gyms in a range of price ranges, based on recommendations from fellow parents and caregivers, as well as pediatricians.

Our Favorites

Best Overall: House of Noa Little Nomad Ula Play Mat

House of Noa Little Nomad Ula Play Mat

House of Noa  

Why We Like It:  The sophisticated style of this mat is suitable for any room in the home, with interlocking foam floor tiles that piece together perfectly to create a padded play area for your child. 

But Take Note: It’s a bit pricier than most styles, depending on the selected size. 

Looking for a play mat that blends perfectly with your living space? Search no further than this House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat. The tiled, hand-illustrated mats are available in several sizes and five fabulous neutral shades with designs inspired by vintage Moroccan rugs. The water-resistant 2 x 2 feet tiles are made with safe, non-toxic foam, and they’re easy to clean.

"I absolutely love the House of Noa mat and can't wait to add other products," raves lifestyle blogger and mom of three Lauren Diamantas. "It's such a plush mat for anyone—parents, fur animals, children, and infants. My youngest loves to crawl and walk on it while I am in the kitchen, and I can be at ease knowing if she falls, the mat has her protected." 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: From 4 x 6 feet to 10 x 12 feet (24.8 x 24.8 x 0.47 inches per tile)
  • Materials: Non-toxic EVA foam 
  • Cleaning instructions: Spot clean with a dry cloth

Best Budget: Spark Create Imagine ABC Foam Playmat

Spark Create Imagine ABC Foam Playmat

Walmart

Why We Like It: It’s a soft, colorful place to play and get early exposure to the alphabet. 

But Take Note: It comes with many pieces, which can make cleanup more challenging. 

The ABC Foam Playmat from a Walmart in-house brand has received hundreds of rave reviews from parents who adore its bright colors and soft surface. Functional and easy to construct, the extra-large learning play mat measures 28 square feet when fully assembled, creating a terrific play space for toddlers and older children.

The durable mat, designed for kids ages 3 and up (though younger kids will do fine on it during supervised play), is perfect for playrooms and can be adjusted easily to fit a smaller space to a T! Its soft, interlocking foam pieces create a non-slip surface safe for playing and tumbling as your kiddo gets a bit bigger. The large locking pieces are also fantastic for developing motor skills. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 84 x 48 x .50 inches
  • Materials: Foam
  • Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean with soap

Best Large: JumpOff Jo Large Foam Padded Play Mat

JumpOff Jo Large "Fairy Blossom" Foam Padded Play Mat

Amazon

Why We Like It: With plenty of room to wander, this spacious, padded play mat provides an ample playscape as your baby transitions from tummy time to crawling and walking. 

But Take Note: The cushioning is thinner than other mats.

This textured foam play mat from JumpOff Jo provides plenty of room for your little one to roam. The soft surface also creates a cushion for falls as your toddler takes their first steps. "A larger play mat allows your child sufficient space to roll, crawl, and explore as they grow, promoting their physical development," notes Dr. Singletary. "The mat should be firm enough to support your infant's gross motor development, like rolling over, crawling, and eventually, walking." 

This popular waterproof style features eye-catching patterns on each side and is designed specifically for babies 8 months and older. The stain-resistant surface ensures easy cleanup, while the foldable design allows for convenient storage when not in use.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 70 x 59 inches
  • Materials: Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam
  • Cleaning instructions: Spot or wipe clean

Best Compact: Pehr Round Reversible Play Mat 

Pehr Into the Wild Round Reversible Play Mat

Maisonette

Why We Like It: It’s a great size for traveling or small spaces, and the beautiful design makes it a lovely gift.

But Take Note: Kids will outgrow it after about a year.

When it comes to selecting a play mat, bigger isn't always better, especially when your home is already loaded with baby gear. This sweet, quilted style from Pehr packs a lot of cuteness into a small, round blanket. Your little cutie can be the king or queen of the wilderness on the jungle-themed baby play mat (or choose a rocket or aquatic theme from the brand). The round, reversible style offers a safe spot for babies to begin belly time, learn to roll over, and start sitting up. Another bonus is the soft cotton fabric won't irritate babies’ skin. "Knowing if your child has any sensitivity to materials will help you decide which mat is right for them," says Dr. Singletary.

This fab, foldable mat features pretty prints on both sides, including playful animals little ones will love. Parents and caregivers will appreciate its convenient machine washability, making it a favorite for playtime. Designed for infants and babies up to 12 months, this play mat will get plenty of good use as your babe develops, though they will probably outgrow it quickly.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 40-inch diameter
  • Materials: 100% organic cotton and polyester filling
  • Cleaning instructions: Machine wash, tumble dry low

Best for Tummy Time: Baby Einstein Kickin' Tunes Play Gym

Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Discovery Activity Play Gym

Amazon

Why We Like It: Babies will get a kick out of making music while meeting milestones and discovering the fun features of this colorful play gym with four different configurations.

But Take Note: The play mat is thin and may not be comfortable on a hard floor. 

Tummy time helps babies strengthen several muscles while developing their motor skills and senses. As your babe begins to explore their new world, this brightly colored Baby Einstein activity gym is the cutest contender for a fun, clean play space to stimulate their curiosity. It also grows with them, turning into an upright keyboard when they can sit up. 

Packed with plenty of sensory toys to enhance hand-eye coordination, a prop pillow to support tummy time, no shortage of sounds and tunes (over 70!), and a detachable piano, this play gym will keep your little one actively engaged. 

"Find something your baby likes and that you will use as a parent," suggests family medicine doctor Laura Purdy, M.D. "A baby play gym often comes with activities and things attached for the baby to look at. Make sure all of the attachments are secure, and if the baby can get to them, they are safe with no choking hazards." 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 34 x 27 x 18 inches
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Cleaning instructions: The mat is machine washable  
  • Batteries:  3 AA batteries (not included)

Best Baby Play Gym: Skip Hop Discoverosity Montessori Activity Gym

Skip Hop Discoverosity Montessori Activity Gym

Babylist

Why We Like It: This well-crafted, eco-friendly activity gym is amazing for building a baby's sensory development.

But Take Note: While this sturdy wooden activity gym is constructed to last, it also comes with a pretty hefty price point.

Curious little cuties will love exploring on this eco-friendly, cushioned play mat, which features visually stimulating sensory toys, crinkly sounds, and playful patterns. Designed with Montessori experts (meaning it relies on a child’s internal motivation to learn) this delightful baby gym helps to strengthen fine motor skills as your baby begins to discover their new environment.

"As a first-time mother, this Skip Hop play gym took the guesswork out of developmentally appropriate activities to provide my baby," says teacher and new mom Meleah Campbell. "This play gym includes detailed information on Montessori activities to engage my daughter, which I appreciate because I like to know the ‘why’ behind the activities I do with her. As an educator, I was familiar with Montessori-style learning but didn't know it could be incorporated with babies."

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 42 x 33.5 x 19 inches
  • Materials: Oeko-Tex-certified polyester and FSC-certified wood; PP and PVC
  • Cleaning instructions: Spot and wipe clean with a damp cloth. Air dry before storing.

Best Tile: Skip Hop Foam Floor Tiles

Skip-hop-interlocking-foam-floor-tiles-baby-play-mat

Amazon

Why We Like It: Its neutral tones that add a trendy touch to the nursery while providing a comfy place to play.

But Take Note: The patterned foam tiles tend to tear if used around pets with sharp nails.

We love the look of this stylish Skip Hop foam mat, while babies love it as a spacious play area for crawling, sitting, and walking. The interlocking tiles are easy to assemble to create multiple configurations and come in several pretty colors.

"Designs with contrasting colors, varied patterns, and different characters can engage your baby's attention and stimulate their visual perception," shares Dr. Singletary. "However, a design overly crowded with elements may lead to sensory overload. You want to make sure as your child grows and evolves, so does their play mat. Finding ones that are age and development appropriate is important too."

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 56 x 0.6 x 70 inches
  • Materials: EVA foam
  • Cleaning instructions: Spot clean with mild detergent and a damp cloth

Best Crawling: Little Bot Ofie Mat

Little Bot Ofie Mat

Amazon

Why We Like It: This highly recommended mat is made of durable, baby-friendly materials that provide fantastic support.

But Take Note: Some consumers complain that stains can be hard to remove from the surface.

You can't walk before you crawl, and making moves on this super chill black and white Little Bot Ofie Mat is a great option to protect those little knees and keep your cute crawler safe while on the go. The bold, black-and-white pattern on one side is especially appealing to younger infants whose eyesight is still developing, and it’s also a cool design for anyone’s eyes. 

Parents should note that the surface of a play mat for babies “should provide a balance of firmness and softness, according to Dr. Singletary. "The mat should be firm enough to support your infant's gross motor development, like rolling over, crawling, and, eventually, walking. Simultaneously, it should be soft enough to protect them from potential falls." This foam mat is on the firm side, so the brand suggests using a rug pad underneath if you’re using it on hard flooring. 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 6.5 ft x 4.5 feet; 0.59 inches thick
  • Materials: Foam
  • Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean

Best Folding: Parklon Folding Play Mat

Parklon Folding Play Mat

Amazon

Why We Like It: The lightweight design and convenient carrying case make this a great cushioned play mat for when your baby begins crawling.

But Take Note: The mat's surface is susceptible to punctures.

Once your munchkin is on the move, you’ll be able to keep them busy scooting about on this fun, foldable play mat, which provides a portable cushioned playscape that can be used indoors or out. 

"I recommend large mats, so babies have space to roam and are less likely to move off the edges, risking injury," shares Dr. Purdy.  Whether traveling to grandma's house or heading out on the road for a vacation, this fab water-resistant, folding floor mat provides a welcoming space to play. We also love that it comes with a convenient carrying case. Parklon makes mats with a variety of prints and sizes, so if one is sold out, keep shopping for something equally cute and useful.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 78.7 x 55.1 inches, 0.4 inches thick
  • Materials: ‎Polyethylene (PE) form
  • Cleaning instructions: Clean with a damp cloth

Best Interactive: Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

Fisher-Price Baby Playmat Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym with Musical

Amazon

Why We Like It: What starts off with infants accidentally kicking those piano keys eventually turns into a delightful concert when babies learn about cause and effect.

But Take Note: Some parents express concern about overstimulation for newborns.

Party over here! A kick-activated piano gym (complete with maracas if you get the Amazon exclusive bundle) means it's time to rock and, well, learn how to roll over! The soft play mat surface provides a safe and comfortable playtime experience that adapts in stages, from tummy time and play gym up to an upright piano, growing right along with your little one. The musical journey starts off with babies accidentally hitting those keys, but eventually, they’ll be pounding away on purpose.

This colorful mat incorporates an auditory and tactile experience, the toy bar has five activity toys, and the detachable piano features four musical settings to actively engage your baby and keep them entertained for hours. It’s a classic our own editors’ kids have enjoyed over the years—though the jury is still out on whether this eventually inspires them to become concert pianists.

The Details:

  • Dimensions: ‎36 x 27 x 17.9 inches
  • Materials: Plastic
  • Cleaning instructions: Machine washable mat. Spot or wipe clean toys and accessories.
  • Batteries: ‎3 AA batteries are required (included)

Best Reversible: Skip Hop Doubleplay Reversible Playmat

Skip Hop Double Play Reversible Playmat

Target

Why We Like It: We love Skip Hop’s patterns that encourage little ones to explore a whole new world.

But Take Note: This mat style is subject to tears with heavy use. 

It takes a village to raise a child, including this Skip Hop "Vibrant Village" Double Play Reversible Playmat mat featuring a colorful roadmap on the front to drive your little one's imagination and a pretty diamond-shaped pattern on the flip side. For even bigger imaginary journeys, another version of this mat features a map of the world.

This water-resistant mat wipes clean easily and rolls up neatly for storage. It’s great for bigger babes and toddlers to use when playing and learning to crawl and walk. "A play mat with a design is wonderful," says Dr. Purdy. "You can add other toys on the mat for the baby to play with and explore." 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 86 x 52 inches, 0.4 inches thick
  • Materials: Polyurethane foam
  • Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean

Best Extra Large: Yay! Mats Extra Large Tummy Time Play Mat

Yay! Mats Extra Large Tummy Time Play Mat

Amazon

Why We Like It: This extra-large multi-functional mat is easy to assemble and made with high-density hypoallergenic foam.

But Take Note: Some complain about the tiles coming apart too easily. 

There’s so much for babies to see and do on this soft, super-sized foam play mat, which measures 6 feet x 4 feet, offering an expanded space for your tot to play and explore. The size of this extra-large mat can accommodate multiple kids and several toys to keep them thoroughly entertained.  

Although Dr. Singletary advises parents to "remember, a play mat is an excellent tool for your baby's development, but it should be complemented with a range of other stimulating activities." 

The Details:

  • Dimensions: 6 feet x 4 feet, 0.5 inches thick
  • Materials: EVA foam
  • Cleaning instructions: Wipe clean

Our Review Process 

Our professional process for reviewing baby play mats and activity gyms involves picking the best products based on meticulous research to ensure that we recommend only the highest-quality options for our readers. We interviewed top experts, including North Carolina-based pediatrician Freda Singletary, M.D., and board-certified family medicine physician Laura Purdy, M.D., as well as several parents. Their input led us to choose this list based on product safety, durability, design, comfort, educational features, ease of cleaning, price, and portability. We also evaluated customer reviews to select the best features, materials, and feedback to determine the final choices. 

Factors to Consider When Buying a Baby Play Mat

There are several key factors to consider when buying the best play mat for your baby. Of course, safety comes first, followed by cushioning, support, size, and stimulating developmental features. Avoid foam mats containing toxic chemicals which are dangerous for your baby's health. Always shop for play mats and activity gyms that meet CPSC Standards. 

Baby-Friendly Design

 "For added stimulation, consider play mats that feature detachable toys, textured surfaces, or musical elements,” suggests Dr. Singletary. “These can augment sensory engagement, but ensure they are securely attached to prevent choking hazards."

Ease of Storage

Play mats come in several styles, with many designed to fold flat, roll up, and/or fit in convenient carrying case for easy transport. If you have limited space, consider opting for a compact play mat rather than a large tiled one to avoid cluttering a tiny area with multiple pieces. 

Ease of Cleaning

 Most play mats are machine washable or have a foam surface that can be wiped clean. Follow the specific care instructions for each mat and wash it before the initial use. 

"It is important to give your mat a wipe-down to help with germs," recommends Dr. Purdy. "Never walk on the mat with shoes and then let the baby play on the mat." 

How to Use Baby Play Mats Safely 

Mats and baby gyms are just the beginning of a baby's exploration of learning new skills and enjoying playtime. Parents and caregivers must ensure their little one stays safe by selecting an age-appropriate mat free from choking hazards. 

When using a play mat to practice tummy time or playtime, it's crucial to find a clean, flat surface for the mat and never leave your little one unattended. "You don't want to leave them lying on their back for too long or on their belly unsupervised," cautions Dr. Singletary. "It's also essential to balance time on the mat with other activities to ensure a diverse range of experiences." 

Whether you buy the mat brand new or receive it as a hand-me-down, be sure to check for product recalls.

Your Questions, Answered 

At what age should a baby use a play mat?

"From birth, your baby can begin to use a play mat for brief periods, gradually increasing the duration as they grow," notes Dr. Singletary. 

Do babies need mats for tummy time?

"Tummy time is the time the baby is awake and on their stomach," explains Dr. Purdy. "Tummy time can be on a parent's chest or lap, on a baby pillow, or even in a carrier. A play mat is great for this but not necessary."

Who We Are

Samantha McIntyre is an experienced writer and PR professional specializing in the parenting space. She’s also the self-proclaimed favorite auntie of two amazing nephews and a niece, who have all kept her on top of her game when it comes to discovering the best products and toys for babies and kids.

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