A baby play mat just might be the perfect toy. It’s portable, usually washable and endlessly entertaining. Also known as baby play gyms, these mats are ideal for infants who aren’t quite crawling. A baby play mat can be set up just about anywhere and can be customized by swapping in new toys to dangle. “Baby play mats are fantastic for young babies because they’re safe, interactive, educational, often mesmerizing and calming, too,” points out Dr. Lori Woodring, a child psychologist, children’s book author and mom of 4.
What should you look for in a play mat? “Because babies don’t have great eyesight until after they are about 6 months, choose a mat with bright, contrasting colors to help grab their attention,” recommends Dr. Jennifer Shu, an Atlanta-based pediatrician and editor of the book “Heading Home With Your Newborn.” Dr. Woodring agrees, adding, “A baby play mat encourages visual development, and infants tend to prefer one with highly contrasting colors.” Sensory items, such as parts that crinkle or otherwise make noise, are also nice features.
What that in mind, here are five baby play mats your tot will adore:
- A Jolly Jungle
This pick from Fisher-Price introduces your baby to the sights and sounds of the rain forest. He’ll meet a monkey, an elephant, a toucan and a giraffe while relaxing on the soft, quilted mat. He’ll learn through sensory delights, including a leaf that crinkles, a mirror for gazing and beads to grasp, plus flashing lights and a jaunty tune that jingles.
- Bugs as Friends
A smiling butterfly and goofy, polka-dotted insect float just above your baby’s head on this sweet mat from Sassy. This baby gym plays a quiet song and comes complete with a teether, rattle and mirror. “Objects like these teach your baby cause and effect. She’ll realize if she shakes a toy a certain way, she’ll hear a funny sound,” explains Dr. Shu.
- Clever Caterpillar
PlayGro’s whimsical mat has the bonus of a tunnel, which will envelop your baby in a world of bright and appealing patterns. The ring of beads and flower-shaped teether also teach your baby about textures and work on hand-eye coordination as he reaches up to grab them.
- A Fun Forest
Your baby can use this baby play gym from Skip Hop in a variety of ways. She can relax on her back and admire the woodland creatures (an owl, squirrel and birds). Or she can practice her tummy time with the accompanying pillow. Once your baby outgrows this toy, detach the arms and you can hang it on the wall of her room. Fun features include a squeaky flower, rattle and baby-safe mirror.
- Under the Sea
Baby Einstein offers a tropical delight with a soft yellow fish, an octopus and an adorable turtle that will have your baby squealing with joy. He’ll also practice gross motor skills as he tries to roll toward the palm tree and kick his feet to make the toys sway. This mat features music and flashing lights that can be activated by your baby’s motions or set to play continuously for 20 minutes.
Although baby play mats are a smart way to teach and stimulate, not all entertainment should come from a box. “Your child learns the most from human interaction,” says Dr. Shu.”You are her best toy and teacher.”
For more on baby products, check out these 5 Tips for Using a Baby Swing to Calm Your Baby.
Jennifer Kelly Geddes is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in parenting, health and child development. She’s a frequent contributor to Care.com and the mom of two teen girls.
