As a new parent, we begin to make a lot of choices for our children! From bottles and breastfeeding to car seats and strollers, there are so many options available to us, and baby activity mats are no exception. Here is a helpful guide to the different types of play mats to help you make the best choice for your little one!

Puzzle Mats

Puzzle mats are the perfect foundation for babies who are just learning to explore, as well as toddlers who are taking their first steps! You can set up a puzzle mat on any flat surface, where your little one will enjoy countless hours of safe play with their favorite toys. Our Soft Foam Puzzle Mat™ is an extra thick foam mat that creates a safe, soft place for children to play.

The textured pieces provide early sensory interaction and the pop-out puzzle shapes encourage grow-with-me play. Includes six 17.5 x17.5 puzzle squares for over 11 square feet of play space.

Tummy Time Mats

Tummy Time is supervised, intentional playtime your baby spends on his or her tummy while awake, and it is so important for your little one’s development! Because little ones sometimes have difficulty warming up to the idea of Tummy Time, it is helpful to choose a play mat that incorporates specific aspects to encourage Tummy Time play.

Our Peek & Play Tummy Time Activity Mat™ includes a padded bolster pillow that provides perfect tummy time support, along with plush play pals and a large peek n’ see mirror to encourage lifting, reaching, and grabbing. It is the perfect start to strengthening baby’s arm, neck, and tummy muscles!

Activity Gyms

An activity gym is simply a play mat that provides a stimulating and engaging environment for little ones. While most tummy time mats are also considered activity gyms, activity gyms are unique in the features that they offer.

For example, along with a prop pillow and mirror specifically for tummy time, our Deluxe Twist & Fold Activity Gym & Play Mat™ includes three small, repositionable toys that encourage batting and grabbing, as well as large ring attachments, allowing these toys to be used with your stroller and car seat or detached for isolated play. Overall, activity gyms are typically characterized by overreaching arches and hanging toys.

Ball Pits

Ball Pits are a great option for newborn babies, infant sitters, and young toddlers! We offer two unique baby play mats that convert into fun, sensory-stimulating ball pits. Our Grow-With-Me Activity Gym & Ball Pit™ includes forty colorful balls with convenient storage inside the turtle’s head. Also, four adorable sea pals delight little ones with a peek-a-boo mirror, grasping ring, textured teether, and rattle.

Teepees

Playtime Teepees are becoming more and more popular for toddlers and young kids! Our Grow-With-Me Playtime Teepee™ and Infant to Toddler Play Gym & Fun Teepee™ serve as multi-functional gyms that are not only play mats for your baby, but will grow with your little one into a fun teepee for pretend play as they grow older.

Four hanging toys and a large-mirrored mobile engage newborns and infants with overhead discovery, encouraging the development of their reaching and grasping skills. The musical elephant's ear is a fun addition for little ones during tummy time! As your baby begins to crawl, one side of the gym can be closed to create a crawl-through tunnel. For toddlers and young kids, unfold the gym's sides to create a fun, playtime teepee! This play mat is sure to provide years of fun and playtime for your family.