A baby play mat may not be at the the top of your list of “essential things to buy” but its actually an important piece of equipment that can play a crucial part of your babies early development.

Baby play mats are available in a variety of shapes and designs which we can split into three main categories: play mats (including tummy mats), play gyms and play nests.

• Play mats (tummy mats) - are padded cushioned fabric mats with developmental toys and activities.
• play gyms - are usually padded or cushioned fabric mats with an arch for adding additional developmental toys and activities.
• Play nests - are an inflatable fabric covered ring that allows younger babies to sit to see and touch the textured surface and the included toys.

All of these mats are designed to help your baby to exercise and build control over his/her muscles. They provide a stimulating environment which encourages your baby to explore the world around them. They Boost hand-eye co-ordination skills encourage them to reach up and grasp toys.

So why buy a play mat?

A baby play mat is basically a learning/play zone where he or she can play safely (obviously with mum and dad supervising at all times!). You may have already brought many individual toys (educational and play) for your baby, but a playmat has the advantage of having all these sensory textures and learning tools in one place.

Things to consider when choosing a baby play mat

All play mats should provide a comfortable surface and environment for your baby to crawl and play (a soft and fun surface for tummy play!). Activity playmats boast a number of different developmental toys (contrasting textures, sounds, bright colours and toys), so your babys preferences (likes and dislikes) will go some way in helping you decide which play mat has the most appropriate features.

Another important requirement is the need for easy cleaning. Its very probable that the play mat will get dirty very quickly, so a hard wearing durable mat will look as good as new after a wipe with a damp cloth.

So how will a play mat benefit my baby?

They provide healthy exercise, can help to improve hand eye co-ordination skills and the soft comfortable textured fabrics provide a safe surface for your baby to spend their time when playing.

If you want something that’s a little more substantial, then you should look for a suitable “activity mat and play gym” which has the added benefit of having an additional surface (arch) to add further toys and activities.

Lets take a look at an example from each category?

The Taf Toys range of play mats includes the “I Love Big Mat” which is ideal for homes with wood or stone floors. The playmat also features textures and sounds and a mirror to entertain junior. It features great graphics with a spotty lime underside and comes complete with its own carry bag.

The Taf Toys 2 in 1 Smart gym is both a huge soft play mat and a soft play gym. It is loaded with developmental play features for your baby to enjoy whilst playing.

And finally the Galt Playnest is a fabric-covered inflatable ring, which provides vital support for baby during both rest and play with its unique combination of a soft resting area and a self contained play environment for babies and toddlers. The fabric cover has quilted centre for baby’s comfort and is machine washable.