A play mat is a great way to help your newborn develop hand-eye coordination. By providing a variety of toys, play mats can aid in the development of these skills more information. They also encourage tummy time, which is important for developing the neck, shoulder, and back muscles necessary for rolling over, sitting up, and walking. The play mat provides a soft, comfortable surface for your baby to perform a variety of motions.
Safety
Giving a play mat to your baby is a great idea, but be aware that not all types of mats are safe for young children. For example, while foam mats are great for tummy time, they can also contain harmful materials. Manufacturers often don’t disclose their material content, so it’s impossible to know what exactly is inside the mat. Children are especially susceptible to toxic exposures, so be sure to research each product thoroughly.
To prevent your child from developing allergies, look for organic cotton play mats. Foam mats contain chemicals that are harmful to the body. Even if they are not flammable, they can still expose a child to harmful chemicals. Foam mats are also widely used in gyms and childcare centers, and these chemicals can cause reproductive issues and liver toxicity. Rather than purchasing a foam mat, consider investing in a thick blanket with a breathable cover.
Cost
When buying a play mat for your baby, you should take into account its price range. Some models can be as expensive as $110, while others cost as little as $50. Typically, large play mats can measure 70″ by 56″, and smaller models can be less than 50″ wide. The largest models are about as big as a queen-sized mattress. Some are reversible, so you can choose whichever side is up or down.
You can buy different-sized play mats for your baby to fit your space and budget check our website. If you have a small space, go for an organic one. You’ll want to keep clean surfaces and materials – they won’t collect stains and dirt like plastic and leather do. Investing in a good play mat will help your baby reach several developmental milestones, from sitting up to grasping toys.
Comfort
A play mat for your baby can offer so much more than just a soft surface. Some mats have fun attachments such as teethers or mirrors that stimulate your baby’s senses. The size and design of these mats can be tailored to fit your baby’s room’s decor. A mat like this will make your baby feel safe and comfortable, and it will also make messes less of a hassle.
When choosing a play mat for your baby, choose one that is made of baby-safe polyester. Some are made of silicone, while others are made of organic cotton or silicone. All fabric components are machine washable and safe for your baby. The soft, cozy cotton cover will prevent your child from developing allergies to chemicals. It will also keep your baby entertained for hours. And the toys are removable and dishwasher safe. You’ll love seeing your baby’s face light up when they’ve had a good time playing on their new play mat!
Durability
When buying a play mat for baby, make sure you’re getting a durable one that will last through your child’s toddler years, as well as for your children’s future children. Look for one without any phthalates or PVC, which are known hormone disruptors and can be toxic to your baby’s skin. Avoid play mats with flame retardants, which are polybrominated diphenyl ethers. These chemicals can negatively affect young children and can lead to premature puberty or delayed development.
One option is a foldable foam play mat that is waterproof and doesn’t peel. This option also comes with 36 interlocking tiles, which are perfect for crawling and tummy time. This mat also has walls, so your child can’t wander off with his toys. A good mat also doesn’t waste much space – it can be folded up and taken anywhere with you. You won’t have to worry about your child tripping or sliding on it.
Multitasking
You may be wondering what multitasking is and how you can benefit from a play mat for the baby. This type of play mat includes a mirror and five toys that make sounds and move. They are suspended from two cross bars so that your baby can put them in thirteen different positions. You can also remove the toys for tummy time. This play mat is a great tool for parents who have more than one child.
For a fun theme, you can look for a multifunctional play mat. The sea turtle version, for instance, features a sea turtle that’s shaped like a shell. It has a rattling octopus and starfish, and when your baby is not playing on it, the turtle can transform into a ball pit. When not in use, there are 40 colorful balls that you can store in the turtle’s head. Designed with pop-up mesh sides, this play mat is both stylish and functional.
Eco-friendliness
One thing that you can do is choose a play mat that is made of organic cotton muslin or natural hemp. The OEKO-TEX-certified polyester in these mats is safe for babies, but some eco-conscious parents may be worried about its plastic or PVC padding. Another plus is that a play mat for the baby made of natural cotton muslin will not require frequent washing.
Another factor to consider when purchasing a play mat is its material. Polyurethane is the safest material for a baby’s play mat, as it does not contain VOCs and is fully recyclable. Another option is XPE foam, which is marketed as being eco-friendly but lacks the softness of TPU. Moreover, cross-linked polyethylene (PE) foam is also known to pose similar risks as PE.
