The Best Play Mats of 2024

New babies require an overwhelming amount of "stuff". Along with the obvious big ticket items you will need a safe place to put the baby down where they can kick and explore. A quality baby play mat can make all the difference.

Play mats encourage sensory development, physical and cognitive growth, and keep baby safe and comfortable. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, something that compliments your decor, or a portable mat to take on the go, selecting the right play mat will enhance your baby’s learning and fun.

Here's our summary of the Best Play Mats of 2024:

Best High End / Style: Totter and Tumble Play Mat £160

Best Wipe Clean: Gus and Beau Play Mat £75 for 6 jigsaw squares

Best Washable Play Mat: Cheeky Wipes Play Mat £29.99

Best Sensory Play Mat: Etta Loves Play Mat £78

Best Portable Play Mat: Cheeky Wipes Changing Mat £15.99

Best Budget Play Mat: Muslinz Extra Large Sensory Muslin £12.99

Best Extra Large Play Mat: Tiny Love £39

These selections are made based on our research, ensuring that each play mat meets the highest safety standards and has been well-reviewed by parents. Each mat offers features to suit different preferences and needs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Play Mat

When selecting a play mat for your baby, keep in mind:

Comfort

Babies spend a lot of time on their play mats, so ensure it’s soft, warm and comfortable - baby will let you know if they are not a fan of a playing space!

Safety

Look for non-toxic materials, and ensure the play mat meets safety standards. Babies need tummy time but need to be supervised while on their stomachs.

Ease of Cleaning

Babies can be messy, so easy-to-clean surfaces are a big plus. Some playmats will wipe clean with soap and water, or opt for a machine washable play mat.

Portability

Portable playmats are great if you need somewhere safe to put baby out and about, choose a mat that travels and is easy to fold and compact to carry.

Design

Many play mats come in fun, vibrant designs that stimulate a baby’s sensory development. Some also feature neutral styles that blend with your home decor.

Size

Check the measurements of the mat you are planning to buy and check that it will fit in your home if it will permanently stay there or that you can fit it in your buggy or changing bag if you are buying a travel play mat. 

Adaptability

If you need to adjust the size and location of your playmat often you could opt for jigsaw mats so the size can be modified or a foldable play mat so you can move between locations easily.

Best High End Play Mat:Totter and Tumble

210 x 140 cms for the standard size

With a reversible design and subtle patterns, these extra large play mats are designed to complement your interior style.

The wipe clean mat offers cushioning for your little ones as they explore, learn and play, providing support to joints.

Made from a non-toxic PVC memory foam and do not contain BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, formamide, formaldehyde, EVA or flame retardants. They have been tested to British and European Toy Standards EN71    

Best Wipe Clean Play Mat: Gus + Beau

120 x 180 cms for 6 jigsaw squares

Gus + Beau saw a gap in the market for a premium playmat that was not only functional and safe, but complemented the modern home’s style and aesthetic.

You can order as many tiles as you need to fit your space - cover any cold floors. Easy to assemble, the jigsaw pieces pop together in seconds, and are quick to put away with a storage bag. EVA Foam is waterproof so are wipe clean.

BPA, lead and phthalate-free. They are EU and US safety-certified.

Best Washable Play Mat: Cheeky Wipes

120 x 120 cms

With neutral tones to complement any interior, and a soft plush material, Cheeky Wipes travel play mat has a sturdy carry handle so is incredibly portable. Whether you’re heading to the park, visiting friends, or simply moving from room to room at home, it’s designed to go wherever you and your little one go.

Perfect to use with newborns for tummy time and naps up to toddlers and children as a place to play with toys.

Our playmat is completely machine washable, ensuring it’s easy to keep clean and ready for the next round of play. Just toss it in the wash ensuring a hygienic surface for your children to play on every time.

Best Sensory Play Mat: Etta Loves

100 cms diameter

Etta Loves organic cotton baby sensory washable playmats are padded with a reversible patterns to support your baby’s development. 

Support their eyes and their back, neck and shoulder muscles as they push up to see more of the pattern. 

Simply reshape if needed once dry.

Best Portable Play Mat: Cheeky Wipes

90 x 72 cms

Designed as a nappy changing mat but useful for so much more, Cheeky Wipes travel mat can be used as a playmat - perfect for tummy time or nappy free time, swimming towel, blanket, or for under high chairs to catch spills. 

Super absorbent, made with a waterproof layer sandwiched between bamboo on one side and a plush pattern on the other side.

Machine washable at 40 degrees and designed to fit in your changing bag.

'Love our extra large changing mat for when we’re out, it totally covers the icky changing tables in public bathrooms and looks good too! The wipes are also much better than using wet wipes as they have more texture and a whole lot less guilt about creating waste!' Robyn, July 2022

Best Budget Play Mat: Muslinz

120 x 120 cms

Muslinz sensory bamboo cloth can be used for swaddling, as a shielding cover when breastfeeding, a burping cloth, a lightweight baby blanket, and as a stimulating visual aid. Used as playmat cover for tummy time it will engage, entertain and help baby in their visual development and still be able to mop up that little dribble. 

Best XL Play Mat: Tiny Love

150 x 100 cms

A spacious black & white baby mat designed to encourage babies' development from day one. Perfect for indoor and outdoor fun, bonding and communication. Machine washable, this mat has lots of features like a mirror and teether to entertain baby.

Choosing the best baby play mat can make a huge difference in your baby’s playtime experience and give you peace of mind when you need to be hands free.

If you found this blog useful you may like - 

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The ultimate guide to eco friendly potty training

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If you would like more information, please email the team or find us on the website chat function. We all use the products ourselves and LOVE to chat pee poo and periods. Nothing is TMI and we all love to overshare based on our own experiences.

About the Author: Kirstin on our customer services team loves spending her days helping customers with their reusable period product needs and advising cloth nappy using families. Kirstin lives with her three teenagers and loves walking, cycling and sea swimming year round in our beautiful bay.