When you go shopping for baby play mats, you’ll discover that there are so many options. A simple shopping trip will suddenly become more complex because you will have to decide which mat is most appropriate for your baby. Before picking one, it is best to consider the most critical features of a good playmat. 

It should be well-padded.

While this may seem obvious, play mats do not have the same level of padding. Some are softly padded while others have a thicker layer to provide extra cushioning. Since you are likely to use the playmat for a long time, it is best to consider the different development stages and the risk factors during each stage. For example, when a baby is learning how to sit, they tend to fall over and hit their heads on the floor. During this period, extra cushioning is essential to provide extra support for the baby’s safety. 

It should have bright colours.

Babies are attracted to bright colours. This is why most baby play mats are made of colours that babies find fascinating. Since infants are still easily distracted, having a bright-colored play mat will ensure the baby’s attention is diverted for some time, which gives you the chance to do other things that require your attention. Additionally, if the baby loves the play mat, he will be more responsive to being left on the floor without being fussy about it. 

Removable toys

Some playmats have toys attached to them. These attached toys save you from the process of picking up toys every time the baby is on the floor. However, it takes time for babies to get to the stage of reaching out and successfully grasping the toy they want. In your baby still needs help getting to the toys, it is best to get a mat with toys that can easily be removed and put back. 

Provision to add more toys

You should also choose a playmat that has provisions for you to add more toys. Babies, over time, get bored with toys and seek something else to hold their attention. You want to be ready with more toys should the need arise. Having an option on the type of toys to place on the mat also gives you greater flexibility to use toys that your baby enjoys more. 

Exciting sensory areas

Although playmats with additional features may cost more, babies are excited to have more things to excite them whenever they move. The sensory areas have jingly parts or produce music and sound when the baby gets close to the sensors. This feature triggers babies’ sensory organs. Babies start to notice that when they touch certain areas, they will hear a sound. Eventually, the baby will keep moving to the edge in search of the jingles or sounds.

The cover should be washable.

Babies often bring back milk and food because their food pipe is still developing. They do this by reflux and have no control over when it will happen. This is why you should ensure the playmat has a washable cover because the baby will create a mess at some point. Having a washable cover will ensure that the mat remains clean and safe for the baby to use.

Once you have everything you need in a playmat for your baby, it will be easier for you to decide on additional features, such as the play gym and the kind of toys you’d like to see hanging above the baby’s head. These decisions are easier to make when you have the right baby play mat.