Tummy time isn’t just playtime; it’s essential for your baby’s development. It helps them build neck, shoulder, and back strength, leading to milestones like rolling over, sitting, and walking.
Plus, there are fun tummy-time mats with mirrors, water pads, toys, and music to keep your baby entertained and aid their development. We tested 40 tummy time mats and selected the 10 best for you to choose from.
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11 Best Tummy Time Mats
1. Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat Blue
The Infinno Inflatable Tummy Time Mat Blue is a play mat designed for babies aged 3 to 24 months. It’s filled with water and features colorful sea creatures to engage babies. Babies can lay on it, and the water adds sensory stimulation and helps strengthen their muscles.
Pros:
- Engaging sensory experience for babies.
- Aids in muscle development.
- Durable materials for safety.
- Easy to set up and portable for on-the-go families.
Cons:
- Vulnerable to leaks or punctures due to being inflatable.
2. Baby Einstein Kickin’ Tunes 4-in-1 Mat
The Baby Einstein Kickin’ Tunes 4-in-1 Mat is a versatile baby play mat. It can be used as a play gym, tummy time mat, or a sit-and-play/kick-and-play piano. It includes toys like a teether, rattle, and mirror, and plays 70 melodies and sounds to aid language development.
Pros:
- Offers multiple play options for babies.
- Stimulating toys enhance sensory experiences.
- Promotes language development with music.
- Designed with safety in mind.
Cons:
- Less suitable for older babies who have outgrown some features.
3. Splashin’kids Inflatable Water Mat for Babies and Toddlers
The Splashin’kids Inflatable Water Mat is a play mat for babies and toddlers. It’s made from safe materials and has floating toys to stimulate development. You can inflate it easily for play and deflate it for storage.
Pros:
- Safe for kids with BPA-free materials.
- Stimulates development through colors and toys.
- Helps strengthen muscles and coordination.
- Easy to inflate and deflate.
- Portable for on-the-go fun.
Cons:
- Some users report durability issues.
4. Blissful Diary Baby Play Gym & Activity Mat
The Blissful Diary Baby Play Gym & Activity Mat is an oversized, leaf-shaped play area designed for newborns and infants. It features six detachable toys that promote motor skills and sensory development. A key attraction is its lion rattle, especially enjoyable during tummy time. This mat is crafted from high-quality materials for durability and ease of cleaning.
Pros:
- Encourages motor skill development with detachable toys.
- Stimulates sensory growth with various textures and a lion rattle.
- Aids in crucial tummy time for muscle development.
- Made from durable, easy-to-clean materials.
- Educational and fun, blending play with developmental benefits.
Cons:
- Its large size may not fit well in smaller spaces.
5. Dearlomum Baby Play Mat with Sensory Toys
The Dearlomum Baby Play Mat with Sensory Toys is an interactive play space for infants up to 12 months. It includes five sensory toys for developmental skills like hand-eye coordination. It features music and lights for sensory stimulation and is made from soft, safe materials for comfort and safety during play.
Pros:
- Promotes sensory development
- Enhances fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Provides cognitive stimulation through lights and music
- Made from baby-safe materials
- Engaging for infants up to 12 months
Cons:
- Durability may be a concern
- Limited to use within the first year of a child’s life
6. Mallify Baby Play Gym with Milestone Cards
The Mallify Baby Play Gym with Milestone Cards is a spacious and interactive play mat designed for infants and toddlers. It features six engaging toys and twelve milestone cards to enhance your baby’s development. With its non-slip design and colorful rainbow pattern, it creates a safe and stimulating play environment. Plus, it’s easy to clean for added convenience.
Pros:
- Spacious for active play.
- Interactive toys aid in sensory development.
- Milestone cards for capturing special moments.
- Non-slip design ensures safety.
- Vibrant rainbow pattern for visual appeal.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
- May be too large for small spaces.
7. Little Dove Tummy Time Play Gym Mat
The Little Dove Tummy Time Play Gym Mat is a macramé-style baby play gym designed to enhance sensory and motor skills in infants. It features six detachable toys and twelve milestone cards for stage-based learning. The mat is washable and has a non-slip surface, making it safe for baby’s tummy time and play.
Pros:
- Boosts sensory and motor development.
- Includes engaging, detachable toys and milestone cards.
- Safe for infants with washable and non-slip features.
- High-quality materials for durability.
Cons:
- Some parents might prefer different toy options.
- May not suit all infants’ preferences.
8. Funtery Baby Play Mat Rainbow Boho Design
The Funtery Baby Play Mat Rainbow Boho Design is a 43 x 43-inch mat designed for babies and toddlers. It offers a soft, non-slip surface for various activities like tummy time and playpen use. It’s easy to move and store, thanks to its portability and foldability. Cleaning is a breeze, and it’s made from durable materials. The colorful bohemian design adds a playful touch to any room.
Pros:
- Spacious and versatile for baby activities.
- Soft and non-slip surface for safety and comfort.
- Portable and easy to store.
- Simple to clean.
- Durable materials ensure longevity.
- Visually appealing boho design.
Cons:
- Padding may be thinner than some prefer.
- Less suitable for use on harder surfaces.
9. Gimars Baby Play Gym Mat Blue
The Gimars Baby Play Gym Mat in Blue is a spacious, soft play area specially designed to aid newborns and infants in developing their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sensory awareness. It offers a comfortable surface for tummy time and exploration. This mat is easy to clean as it’s washable, but please note that toys are not included.
Pros:
- Supports crucial developmental milestones.
- Offers ample space for movement and play.
- Easy to maintain and clean.
- Soothing blue color for a calming effect.
Cons:
- Toys are not included, requiring additional purchases.
- Color preference may vary.
10. Eners Baby Gym Play Mat Green
The Eners Baby Gym Play Mat Green is a multi-featured play area for infants and toddlers. It includes a musical activity center with a baby piano, hanging toys, and a mirror. Designed for play, tummy time, and crawling, it’s made from non-toxic materials and offers a padded surface.
Pros:
- Enhances sensory and cognitive development with its interactive features.
- Safe and non-toxic materials ensure baby’s safety.
- Comfortable padding supports tummy time and crawling.
- Easy to clean, making maintenance hassle-free.
- Gender-neutral design, ideal for gifts.
Cons:
- Style may not suit all parental preferences.
11. BabyMello Tummy Time Mat
The BabyMello Tummy Time Mat is a colorful playmat designed for babies aged 3 months and older, aimed at making tummy time enjoyable and beneficial. It features engaging designs with floating toys and vibrant sea animal patterns to stimulate babies’ senses of sight and touch, aiding in cognitive development. Additionally, it encourages babies to strengthen their muscles and coordination during tummy time by providing interactive elements for them to reach out and touch, enhancing their motor skills. The mat also helps prevent flat spots on babies’ heads by encouraging them to move their heads around during play.
Pros:
- Stimulates sensory development with vibrant designs and interactive toys.
- Promotes muscle strength and coordination during tummy time.
- Helps prevent flat spots on babies’ heads.
- Made from durable PVC material for longevity and safety.
- Easy to set up and maintain, with simple steps for filling water and inflating the edges.
- Provides a leak-proof surface for babies to explore comfortably.
Cons:
- Some babies may lose interest after a short while.
- Requires regular cleaning to maintain hygiene.
- Not highly portable due to the need for both water and air.
Learn more: read the full review of BabyMello Tummy Time Mat.
What is a tummy time mat?
A tummy time mat is a specialized mat designed for babies to have supervised playtime on their stomachs. It’s safer and more comfortable than a regular carpet or rug. These mats often feature bright colors, varied textures, and sensory elements to keep babies engaged and help them enjoy tummy time longer.
Dr. Rosmy Barrios emphasizes choosing a mat made from non-toxic, baby-safe materials, and ensuring it’s easy to clean for hygiene. The size should be large enough for the baby and any toys or accessories used during tummy time.
Why Use a Tummy Time Mat for Your Baby?
Tummy time mats benefit your baby’s physical development by offering a soft surface for movement, strengthening bones and neck muscles, and preventing flat head syndrome.
They also support mental development when combined with toys, allowing your baby to explore and improve motor skills.
Tummy time mats provide a clean environment, unlike carpets, helping protect your baby’s developing immune system with their easy-to-wash smooth surfaces.
What Age Should My Baby Go On A Play Mat?
Babies can start tummy time on a play mat from the first day home from the hospital or birthing center. Begin with one or two minutes, four to five times a day, gradually increasing to 10 minutes per session. By around four months old, they may enjoy up to 90 minutes daily as their strength and muscle development progress.
Are Play Mats Safe for Babies?
Play mats can be safe for babies, but it depends on the material. Choose non-toxic options for a soft and comfy play space.
Prefer area rugs with non-slip bottoms to prevent accidents when your baby is on the move.
Kids’ play mats are often made of soft foam or laminated plastic. Check for non-toxic foam materials and BPA-free plastics in the product description.
BPA (bisphenol-A) is a common plastic material that can impact your child’s development and health, potentially leading to issues like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
How To Keep Play Mats Clean
To keep play mats clean:
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions based on the mat’s material.
- Machine wash or hand wash fabric mats.
- Use a damp cloth for spot-cleaning foam or similar materials.
- Promptly clean spills and messes to prevent damage.
Should I Let My Baby Crawl On The Hardwood Floor?
Babies can crawl on hardwood floors once they have good head and movement control. For extra safety, consider using play mats or area rugs to cushion and protect them from potential injuries.