Best Playmat – Top 10 Best Baby Playmats Shortlist
Looking for the best playmat? Here’s our highly researched shortlist of the Top 10 best baby playmats on the market.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please note I would never recommend anything that I don’t use and love. Please see my disclosure for more information
Looking for the best baby playmat on the market?
As a newbie mom, one of the hardest decisions to make is choosing the best playmat for your new baby.
However as a mom of two older kids, I promise you: this decision doesn’t need to be so difficult!
Rather than spending hours and hours trying to research the very best playmat on the market, we have done the hard work for you.
We have sourced ten of the best playmat options available to you right now and when we mean the best, we mean the best!
We have studied all the ratings, the reviews, and the pros and cons of each baby playmat and come up with a shortlist that will make even the most critical mom happy.
Without further ado, here are the TOP 10 best playmats for you to peruse:
BEST PLAYMAT
1 – The Playgym By Lovevery
Click here to check it out
.
.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 360+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- DEVELOPED BY EXPERTS: All Lovevery products (The Play Gym activity space, and The Play Kits subscription learning program) are designed by child development experts and rigorously tested in labs and with real families.
- FROM TUMMYTIME TO PLAY FORT: Lovevery knows nothing is more important than your baby’s physical, cognitive, visual and motor learning. From lifting their head as a newborn to hide-and-seek as a toddler, The Play Gym provides a whole year of play.
- WE GROW WITH YOUR BABY: 5 development zones on the Play Mat reveal or conceal to prevent overstimulation, teach focus, sound making, encourage sensory exploration, hiding and finding, and exploring colors.Product dimensions (inches)- 24h x 38w x 43l with mat zones closed. 24h x 50w x 47l with mat zones open
- LEARNING THROUGH PLAY: Includes a guide for age appropriate activities to promote brain and motor skill development. Removable accessories for stage based learning; organic ball & teether, sustainable wood batting toy, 4 interchangeable learning card sets.
- EASY SET UP AND TAKE DOWN: Crafted using 100% baby-safe materials. FSC-certified wood and organic cotton mouthable teether and removable accessories. Sustainably-sourced wooden legs for stability and a 2 minute setup and take down with no tools required.
- FAST & EASY CLEAN UP & STORAGE: Folds up compact and stores well. The Lovevery play gym is easy to spot clean for everyday clean up. For bigger messes, the legs and Learn-to-Focus zone are detachable so you can put the whole mat in the washing machine.
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
I am a mother of 3, and I wish I’d had this mat from the beginning. I was skeptical that a baby play gym could really be worth $140, especially because I thought pretty much all other play gyms are completely overpriced for what you get, and not to mention, they are just plain ugly. My idea of what a play gym was, was based solely on the products currently on the market which were all basically just the same thing.
I am SO happy to see ay that the Play Gym by Lovevery is nothing like the others, in all the best ways. The first obvious difference is that the frame for this is made from solid wood, which makes this Play Gym much stronger than anything else on the market. It’s soft and smooth, no chance of splinters and no sharp edges, every detail in this product has been carefully thought through, and it shows! It can hold up heavier toys, which your average mat will not.
When I had my second son, my oldest would accidentally collapse the arms on our old mat by leaning against it or stepping on it and my baby got bashed in the face by a heavier hanging toy. Not an issue with this one, and I LOVE IT!
Some reviewers have complained that the wooden frame is a downside because it doesn’t collapse easily, honestly I think that’s a plus for the reason above. No risk of it collapsing on my baby! The only thing slightly negative I have to say about the frame is that I wish the holes for hanging the toys were higher up the arms so they hung over the middle of the mat rather than on the sides. Still though, I don’t mind where they are.
Now on to the mat itself. The texture is soft, but not slick like less expensive mats. My baby can actually get some traction to push herself up and isn’t just slipping all over it and getting frustrated. This mat also has some decent padding on it! We have wood floors so I’m not worried that she will smack her face on the floor when she is still learning to hold her head up and hurt herself. This would’ve definitely been an issue with our old one.
I love the neutral tones of the mat, and the way that different areas of the mat can be opened and closed to prevent over stimulation and promote focus. The whole thing is so beautiful, it’s something that I can leave out and it doesn’t look like Toys-R-Us threw up in my living room, it actually adds to the decor/furniture in my opinion.
The little booklet with all the Play ideas is probably my favorite part of the whole thing. It really takes the guesswork and research and puts it into an easy to understand format. You have the baby, you h e the tools, but how do you help your baby get the most out of play time? This book makes it SO easy! You don’t have to search through mountains of parenting books and blogs it’s all condensed Into a few short blurbs. I really can’t say enough good things about this.
My daughter (9 weeks) absolutely loves the high contrast cards and the Montessori ball. My 5 and 3 year old boys ask me daily to turn it into a tent for them. It’s really a fantastic toy that grows with your child. I can’t wait to see all the new things we can/will do with this! TLDR: it’s the best. All 3 of my kids love it. It’s definitely a must have piece of baby gear!
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
2 – Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Baby Play Mat and Activity Gym
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 270+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- Ages 0+
- Developmental activities include: musical sheep, light-up star, cloud squeaker, bird rattle and baby-safe sunshine mirror
- Oversize mat offers cushiony comfort and multiple textures for sensory development
- Includes cloud-shaped tummy time pillow with a plush minky surface on one side and a fun print on the other
- PVC-free, Phthalate-free
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
PROS:
– Very plush. If my baby slams her head down she doesnt get hurt.
– Simple and cute. It looks great in her nursery and in my livingroom.
– The lamb plays music and the star has flashing lights. My baby prefers tummy tine so I give her back time so she can practice rolling over. She get frustrated easily but Ive distracted her a few times with the star and lamb. also one of the toys is a rattle but my baby is disabled so she isnt able to use it too much unfortunately.
– It has many purposes. Right now its an activity gym but later on it will be a simple play mat and her dangling toys will become stroller or carseat toys.
CONS:
– Its great quality BUT its a bit expensive.
– One of the dangling toys clasps was crooked.
REVIEW:
I think this play mat is gorgeous. It would make a great baby shower gift because it is gender neutral. Its a very good quality with many textures for baby to feel. My daughter falls asleep on it all the time because it is so plush. Over all its beautiful and seems like it will last.
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
3 – Bright Starts Charming Chirps Activity Gym, Pretty in Pink
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 270+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
Spread your wings, baby! The Charming Chirps Activity Gym will have your chick-a-dee soaring to new heights of playtime fun. With friendly faces and happy toys in all directions, your little one will have a ball whether on her back or during tummy time. Mom and dad can use the five hanging toys to bond with baby in her garden of giggles.
She’ll love making silly and sweet faces in the baby-safe mirror – and watch her wiggle and dance along with her owl pal’s four unique melodies! Bring the heart rattle or ladybug bead chaser wherever you go to turn an everyday place into a botanical garden.
The toy bar includes extra loops for even more toys and more time together. After all, what’s sweeter than spending time with your baby? The purchase of this product helps support the pink power mom program, benefiting breast cancer charities nationwide.
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
A lifesaver! Finally something that keeps her happy! I bought this thinking my daughter wouldn’t really like it for a couple months (currently 2 months old) but she loves it! she starts to get fussy so I’ll put her on this and she’s instantly happy looking at and kicking the toys (we did add a few more, the older kids couldn’t resist buying and adding more) she also loves when the older kids will lay down with her and play with her. lots of smiles from our baby girl in this one.
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
4- Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym, Vintage Boy
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 1758+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- Folds up compactly for storage or travel in 2 easy steps
- Sit and Play, Tummy Time and Overhead Discovery. Age range birth to 1 year
- Large peek-a-boo mirror entertains baby
- Includes 4 linkable toys
- Plush prop to up pillow is great for tummy time play. BPA-free teether
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
As a new mom I spend most of my baby’s feeding time researching the internet about anything and everything. In one of my long searches I came across this gym and it caught my attention. First, because I felt my 3-and-a-half-month-old was getting bored from the swing-crib endless cycle, but most importantly because I want her to strengthen and get new skills and being in the same position I doubt she can do either.
So I was skeptical about spending the money, but ordered it anyways. It arrived fast and was very easy to put together; the colors are really bright and happy. When I put my baby on it, she didn’t do anything for the first couple of times. I would take her hands and hit the hanging toys and take her legs and do the same.
However, after a few attempts, now she is very entertained for up to an hour, she reaches and exercises a lot, which is the point. She is four month now and I can lay her there while I do staff around the house (always being able to see her!), I put her on her tummy for like 10 minutes and then change her to her back and keep alternating so she doesn’t get too tired of any one position. It’s been a blessing for us and I feel grateful my baby has one more activity in her repetitive day.
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
5 – Skip Hop Baby Infant and Toddler Camping Cubs Activity Gym and Playmat
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 638+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- Activity center is packed with over 17 developmental activities, playmat features fun textures and peek-a-boo felt flap, and includes plush, sleeping bear tummy time pillow
- Four ways to play: Overhead play, tummy time mat, seated play, playmat
- 17+ developmental activities include: light-up firefly, turtle mirror, bear rattle and musical raccoon with wooden teether that plays Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star
- Baby gym is easy to care for: machine wash, spot or wipe clean
- BPA-free, PVC-free, Phthalate-free
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
It’s so refreshing to have a play gym in my living room that isn’t circus-colored! I was worried that the muted tones may equate to a less-interesting or less-stimulating gym for my 3.5 month old, but she doesn’t seem to mind 🙂 It’s not too big, but just big enough for her to use while she starts practicing to roll. I was stubborn when I was registering for my baby showers, thinking “I don’t need a stupid play mat, that’s a waste of space, we can just play with baby on the carpet.” WRONG. Having this means: nice dog-hair-free place for baby to play, soft toys that she enjoys, PLUS this is the only time she actually enjoys tummy time!
Normally she protests from the start, but with having colorful crinkly leaves, soft-textured leaves, and a mirror, there is plenty to keep her interested in staying on her tummy for 10 minutes. The tummy time pillow is the perfect size, too – we were using a boppy before and it was a little bulky. I like that you can switch out the toys for other toys on a loop – some products have them sewn in which is annoying. Best part is that you can pack it away, bring it somewhere, or just store it, very easily
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
6 – Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 791+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- EXTRA ROOM FOR FUN: The extra-large play mat features a developmental playground of fun activities and discovery for baby, all built onto comfy plush padding to keep baby and parent comfortable
- FUN AT HOME OR ON THE GO: Folds easily into a compact size that makes it perfect for taking along to the beach, the park or anywhere
- PLAYFUL TEXTURES: Features fun and engaging textures for tactile and motor skill development
- PROMOTE FACIAL RECOGNITION: Soft padded mirror on play mat promotes facial recognition and continuous engagement
- CUTE CARROT TEETHER: Baby will love using the teether to soothe themselves during playtime.
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
I love this play mat! It is exactly what I was looking for – plus more! I wanted a soft, padded play mat (something thicker than just a blanket) so my newly-crawling baby could practice his skills without bonking his head on the floor. This is perfect. It has nice soft padding, and is large enough to give him a lot of room to crawl and roll around.
I was in a rush when I ordered this, so when it arrived I was pleasantly surprised to see that this play mat actually comes with toys! There is a mirror, teether, textured surfaces and crinkly toys. It’s really fantastic. The mirror & crinkle toys were a big hit with my son. I would recommend this to anyone with a crawling baby.
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
7 – Skip Hop Vibrant Village Smart Lights Activity Gym, Multi
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 94+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- Interactive, musical light-up activity center with volume control and two light modes: visual tracking for baby to follow and an amazing light show
- Baby gym includes 17+ developmental activities such as: hanging reversible toys, kitty with grab rattle rings, soft car with squeaker and tactile ribbons, hot air balloon with baby-safe mirror, dog rattle with ladybug teether
- Supportive dog shaped tummy-time pillow with crinkle ears turns the activity gym into a lush tummy time mat.
- Three ways to play: overhead play, tummy time, playmat
- BPA-free, PVC-free, Phthalate-free
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
Our little girl has been hard to please in the toy department. She is very overwhelmed by the nutty looking and loud toys that seem to dominate the toy market. At first glance this looks kind of crazy but in person it’s actually very subdued. It’s black and white w splashes of fun colors. The toys can be hung at different heights.
We love that the lights can play w or without music. It also has the option of running the lights w no sound too…awesome for us since she’s not always interested in noise. We do the lights sparingly, which she loves, but even the hanging toys have been a hit. It also doesn’t look awful in our modern space. We LOVE this gym! If it doesn’t make it to baby #2 we will most def buy it again.
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
8 – Baby Care Play Mat Large, Pingko Friends (Amazon’s Choice
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 2778+
NUMBER OF STARS: 5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- LARGE & ONE-PIECE – Comparable to Queen mattress in size. No hassle with puzzle pieces
- INNOVATIVE CUSHIONING – An egg dropped from 10 ft high wouldn’t break
- NON-TOXIC & SAFE- Free of Phthalate, BPA, Lead, Latex, Formaldehyde, and EVA (Tested to European Toy Standards EN71)
- WATERPROOF & REVERSIBLE – Easy to clean with baby wipes. Two-sided for learning and interior
- FREE 2 YEAR WARRANTY – Buy with confidence. Customer satisfaction guaranteed
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
This mat is absolutely beautiful, super “cushy” and so perfect for my 6 month old scooting pre-crawler.
This is like a really luxurious exercise mat. My husband has a bad back and does his back exercises while on it and playing with the baby. Very very comfortable. I’m so glad I splurged and purchase this mat, instead of purchasing the puzzle-style foam mat that is half the price. This is worth every single penny.
We just re-floored and painted our entire house and having this mat down in our living room makes me feel like our home is baby friendly yet still functional and beautiful without looking like a circus playground. I am actually really surprised that these aren’t more well known. Best purchase ever for my little girl 🙂
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
9 – Fisher-Price First Steps Kick ‘n Play Piano Gym
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 2041+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4.5 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
- Four ways to play
- Keyboard with two musical modes: Piano mode and Continuous Play mode
- 4 linkable activity toys & a large self-discovery mirror
- Four ways to play!
- Keyboard with two musical modes: Piano mode and Continuous Play mode
- 4 linkable activity toys & a large self-discovery mirror
- Extra soft & comfy padded mat
- Linkable toys and piano remove for take-along
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
This is the best gift you could give your baby and yourself. Our girl loves it and can play on it for a half hour easy, which buys us at least 30 minutes of FB…er, cleaning time. Seriously, this is the only toy our 4-month-old does not tire of. I am grateful for it every day. And, the batteries have lasted since we bought it more than three months ago, and we even often forget to turn it off!
Click here to check it out.
BEST PLAYMAT
10 – Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Deluxe Play Gym
Click here to check it out.
NUMBER OF REVIEWS: 196+
NUMBER OF STARS: 4 out of 5
ABOUT THE PRODUCT:
Keep baby busy kicking and batting at the 6 linkable toys on the overhead arches of this comfy, padded portable play mat. There’s even a plush bunny tummy wedge with glowing lights and sweet music to support and entertain baby during tummy-time play. You can reposition the linkable activity toys on the arches to change the experience every time baby plays. And as baby grows, the soft wedge provides comfy support for sit-up play. The Fisher-Price Moonlight Meadow Deluxe Play Gym is great for at-home or on-the-go fun.
BEST REVIEW (VERIFIED PURCHASE):
**What’s good**
The quality is outstanding! It holds together well… I’ve moved it from room to room every day. The colors are great. It comes with a few dangling toys and you can buy more to hang from it because it has additional loops (the more the merrier). Due to how sturdy the structure is, I hang 8 toys from it. Awesome for babies development.
**What’s bad**
Nothing. I love this thing.
***Advice***
Put a blanket under it before placing it on the ground. This keeps it from getting dirty as quickly. Purchase dangling toys that make noise! I grabbed a couple with rattles. This comes with 2 short hanging rattles already so I hang one from the very center (so it doesn’t hang down on her face like the longer toys).
Click here to check it out.
RELATED POSTS:
10 BEST BABY SLEEPING BAGS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BABY MOBILES WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST MATERNITY PILLOWS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST PORTABLE CRIBS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST CHANGE TABLE WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BABY CARRIERS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BABY BOUNCERS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BABY SWINGS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BREAST PUMPS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST HIGH CHAIRS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BABY PLAYMATS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BABY MONITORS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 TOP RATED BEST BOOSTER SEATS SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 TOP RATED INFANT CAR SEATS SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST DIAPER BAGS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST STROLLERS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
10 BEST BABY CRIBS WE’VE SHORTLISTED FOR YOU!
-
Before You Go…
– See my EVERYTHING PAGE and grab a free gift > HERE
– Get instant access to EVERY COURSE I’ve ever created > HERE
– Listen to my INSPIRING LIFE PODCAST on Spotify or via Apple Podcasts.
– Or for biz owners, listen to LIFE COACH FOR BIZ MOMS Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
I’m Frances Vidakovic – a mindset & action coach for quietly ambitious women who want to stop overthinking and finally take aligned action. I help women achieve their goals and follow through on what matters, without sacrificing their sanity or soul.