Baby plat mats are meant to provide your baby with a clean place to play. Additionally, it also cushions them and prevents accidents should they fall or tumble when trying to stand up. Babies grow very rapidly, and by the time they’re about 6 to 12 months old, they will be able to sit up and even crawl. This is when a play mat comes in handy.
After your child turns one, a baby play mat is still useful. To specify, you can use it to line the playpen too. Here’s what to look for in a good baby play mat:
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Material
Soft and natural materials are the best choice when it comes to baby play mats. You want to avoid materials such as plastics like PVS which have toxic additives like phthalates, which can effect hormone producing systems and can be carcinogenic. Instead, you want to settle for materials like bamboo, cotton and the like.
If the play mat does contain plastic, TPU or thermoplastic Polyurethane is a better bet as it is safer and does not contain dangerous additives.
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Size
Make sure that the mat is large enough so that it can accommodate your child throughout their growing up process. It should also provide adequate coverage if they’re rolling around. Choosing a larger mat will help it last longer as your child goes through their growing up phase.
Even after they’ve learnt to stand and walk, you can use these play mats to line their playpen or play fence area.
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Safety and Cleanliness
One of the factors you want to ensure about a play mat is its safety. Therefore, you want to ensure there are no sharp, pointy or hard edges that can hurt your baby.
Additionally, you should also choose a play mat that’s water proof and easy to clean so that it doesn’t accumulate dust and encourage the growth of dust mites.
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What Are Some Play Mats I Can Buy?
Play mats come in different shapes, forms and thickness these days. In addition to just simple mats, we also have baby play gyms that combines play mats with toys and arches that encourage physical and cognitive development. Here are some baby play mats for you:
Mooroo Bamboo Baby Play Mat
Mooroo’s bamboo waterproof mat is made of soft cotton encasing natural bamboo fibres and TPU materials. These materials have been proven safe and hypoallergenic, meaning they won’t irritate your little one’s nose. It is also waterproof, which makes it very easy to clean if you’re potty-training your child.
Additionally, it is thick enough to offer comfortable cushioning while your child plays, while still being foldable for easy storage. It is available in several sizes according to your needs, and in three different designs too.
Where to buy: Mamahood Singapore
Price: $26.90
Kippins Kippi Play Mat
Kippins offers an extremely fluffy and soft play mat that is made of natural cotton. It comes with a thick padding that’s at least half a centimeter thick. Cotton is a hypoallergenic material that’s safe for babies with the most sensitive skin.
Cotton is also a very breathable material, which means that it is easily wash and dried. This is important as it prevents the growth of mites and germs due to the accumulation of moisture or dampness.
Where to buy: Mamahood Singapore
Price: $109.00
Baby Mats Keep Your Baby Safe & Clean
You would always want your child to play in a clean environment, which is why a baby play mat helps. It prevents dirt and dust from the floor reaching your baby and their toys, which they often put in their mouths to chew. It also saves you a lot of work when you have to clean up after your baby, as these mats can be easily laundered in a washing machine too.