You’d be forgiven for leaving a baby play mat off your baby shower wish list. Let’s face it, with a pram, a cot and a car seat to think about, a baby play mat seems pretty far down the priority list.
But take it from any mum who’s ‘been there’, a baby play mat for indoor play is just about one of the most important things you can buy if you want your baby to build strength during tummy time, rest on while you pop the kettle on - or play on when you’re looking for a safe, clean and non-toxic spot to set up their toy corner. Its also so handy when your baby starts crawling to protect their gorgeous knees and can even double up for mums pilates mat!
A durable, chic and easy-to-clean baby play mat will be your new best friend, from the newborn stage to toddler hood and beyond. You should make sure your baby play mat is durable and offers plenty of support, such as shock absorption for babies with a clunky new walk! You also make sure it’s easy to clean because I hate to break it to you, but you’re going to be cleaning it A LOT. Like, all the time.
Here’s what you need to look for in a good play mat: Read more below...
If the play mat is designed to keep your newborn occupied, or provide a safe surface in which to practice their kicking or their tummy time, you’re going to want something that’s easy to clean the drool and vomit you’re bound to endure. Likewise if your toddler is going to put a play mat through its paces, you’re going to want one that can handle having food rubbed into it – and maybe even the addition of the occasional Crayola artwork. Ideally you want something waterproof and that can be wiped-clean.
– Make it chic
We all know of the Scandi bare-minimum look that’s so in right now. Gone are the days of brightly coloured zoo-covered playmats everywhere you look. Now your Instagram feed is no doubt chock full of nurseries with play mats in more neutral, earthy tones. Plenty of different brands and price brackets are offering up Scandi-style play mats to complement any nursery space. Just make sure they’re child-friendly, too!
– Durable play mat
With the potential of texta-prodding, tough shoes roughing up the surface and constant cleaning on the cards, it’s important to ensure your play mat can handle anything. Make sure your play-mat will stand up against colour-fade and is made from a material that can withstand a toddler’s might.
– Plenty of padding
Shock absorption is an important factor when it comes to play mats, because as the clunky walk starts to take off, so to does the impact to their legs and feet! A well-padded play mat will provide a soft landing for any spills and save the knees of any adults indulging in a little play time, too!
– Non-toxic
No doubt babies and toddlers will choose their play mat to wrap their lips around at some point, so it’s important to ensure the mat is free from any nasty chemicals or additives such as PVC and BPA and is also hypoallergenic.
– Lightweight and portable
As your baby begins to move, so to does your play mat! It’s important to choose something that’s not too big and heavy to move from room to room, so that you always have a safe space to rest your baby, with the satisfaction that won’t be able to get into too much trouble!
Here are 10 of the best play mats in Australia in 2021:
Inspired by Swedish minimalism, and brand new to One Fine Baby, Lillefolk Play Mats feature hand-illustrated designs and create an inviting play space for your nursery - or anywhere in your home. We are so excited to have these gorgeous, functional and comfortable play mats available on site in three stunning designs. The only trouble is, which one to choose?
Unlike other play mats that stay put all the time as they're too big to be rolled up an stored away when not being used, Lillefolk Play Mats are created from six 60x60cm tiles that are placed together to create one big play mat. Want it even bigger? No problem. A three tile 'booster pack' will ensure your play mat grows even larger. The best bit is, when playtime is over, the mat can simply be disassembled, tiles stacked on top of each other and stored away in a space that takes up no more than 60x60cm.
Lillefolk tiles are 100% waterproof - hooray! They can be wiped clean and are made from a non-toxic EVA foam, which is also Free from PVC, BPA, phthalates, heavy metals, and lead. There are also no loose edges attached to the play mat, so no choking hazard for your little one.
"Absolutely gorgeous, looks like a rug in my living room without the worry of baby drool and food ruining it. Definitely want to purchase more and would love to see more designs in the foam tile style." Hannah G, 24 August 2021
"Being new grandparents there were plenty of items we needed, but the floor mat has been one of the nicest purchases. Our floors are tile and this mat provides cushion for baby's floor playtime. We put a blanket over the mat and our granddaughter loves playing under her mobile. When she goes home, it breaks apart easily and is easy to store." - KJTK, 30 June 2020
New to One Fine Baby, we are absolutely in love with these play mats from Marmalade Lion! Our new favourite play mats - perfect for indoor and outdoor use (thanks to their patented waterproof eco-friendly fabric), these play mats are super soft and super versatile, every detail has been considered to make your life easier.
The thick, soft memory foam means these play mats have a huge number of uses, and will easily become one of your favourite baby products - perfect for napping, ‘tummy time’, learning to roll, crawl and beyond. It is body temperature activated so it keep your baby superiorly supported no matter what the beneath surface is. Use in the nursery, bathroom, backyard, the park, the beach, anywhere!
Choose from a huge range of prints (the covers remove for easy washing!), and two different sizes (100cm and Super 145cm), there's a size and print to suit every home.
The covers are machine washable - genius! Some other mats can accumulate spills and germs, but the beauty of Marmalade Lion play mats is that you can take the covers off them and wash in the washing machine. You can even buy the covers by themselves, enabling you to change up the design for different children or when one is in the wash.
The mats will last through 1000's of uses, the memory foam never loses its structure or consistency. The waterproof insert is thick and padded, ensuring the mat can be used on hard surfaces such as kitchen and bathroom floors and outside decking. Memory Foam reacts to body temperature supporting your baby with every movement and then, recovers to its original shape!
Super portable, Marmalade Lion mats come in a reusable carry bag - great for travel, it will even fit perfectly under most prams as well!
The waterproof non-slip backing makes these play mats perfect for indoor/outdoor use - we love to take them on picnics!
"This is the second mat I have purchased from Marmalade Lion - I love them so much! We have the super activity mat for home and purchased the standard size for taking out and about with us. They are such beautiful quality/soft and love the prints. The covers are easy to take off and put in the washing machine." - Jenna Rogers, via marmaladelion.com.au
"I’m thrilled with my activity mat. The crystals pattern is colourful and photogenic and the memory foam mat is essential for both my baby and my knees on our wooden floorboards! Just washed the cover and it was easy to remove, wash, dry and put back on - the whole thing is well made and of high quality." - Hannah, via marmaladelion.com.au
Little Wiwa is a Scandinavian inspired play mat brand designed in Melbourne that focuses on creating premium, minimalist designs with timeless aesthetics and above all, non-toxic play mats that are free from PVC, BPA and toxic chemicals, providing a product that is safe for babies, adult and the environment. Their most popular design is their latest collection the Lille Verden, tailored for the family; where simplicity meets creativity.
"Love it! We had the large rectangular one to begin with which we place in the living area. It suits our house so much it’s so modern it doesn’t look out of place! And it’s perfect for my son to crawl around and play with his toys. I have this small circular one in his nursery. I use it to change his diapers and do a bit of quiet time. Overall great quality I love it so much!" - Bernice N.
The stunning play mats from Mikro Australia offer hours of double-sided fun. The chic designs will fit well within any nursery or home, as they provide a cushioned play space that can be easily wiped clean - and look great time and time again!
Why we love Mikro Australia play mats
Non–toxic
Toy standards approved
Reversible contemporary designs
1.5cm thick foam core
Durable, water and scratch resistant outer coating
"So happy with our Mikro rug. We have 1 from our 3 year old that he still uses every day for play dough and painting and everything. Recently had a newborn and got another one because our 3 year old still uses so much he would never give it up, know are so useful for tummy time, under the high chair to minimise mess, floor play and arts and crafts. The geo latte suits the aesthetic of our home. Very happy customer both times." - Briony Y, 2 August 2021
We are huge fans of Designer Bums at One Fine Baby! A regular at our Sydney and Melbourne Baby Fairs, Designer Bums are hot property, attracting huge crowds for their range of modern cloth nappies, smocks, play mats and more.
Designer Bums was born out of a need for stylish and high-quality nappies that wouldn’t harm the environment. They are conscious about reducing landfill and creating products that are gentle on babies and the planet, and it’s carried through to all aspects of their business. They use the highest quality OEKO-TEX and GOTS certified materials available that are eco-focused, natural and organic where possible and free of toxins, and their packaging is fully biodegradable or compostable, plant-based packaging.
Everything Designer Bums produces has sustainability at the heart – from their origins with reusable nappies, to organic cotton bedlinen, to wet bags, smocks, play mats and now reusable sanitary pads, Carla is committed to educating others without guilt and with products that make it fun to be eco-conscious and bring joy to mundane parenting tasks. Designer Bums also supports over 15 different charities – truly a business for good!
"We bought the highland cows playmat in the last release and are absolutely amazed at the quality. We’ve been using cloth nappies and related products for over 2years but this is our first Designer Bums purchase and can safely say that we are converts (even my partner is asking about the next release). The fabric is amazing quality, the prints are lush and the mat is very loved by both our children. To the extent that our oldest now wants one for her room. The original mat that we purchased originally did have a slight flaw and I hesitantly send an enquiry about it. At which, the DB team graciously calmed my nerves and sent me a replacement that arrived in 2 days. I seriously cannot fault the product, the company or the customer service!" Jess H - Verified Designer Bums Customer
Munchkin and Bear's best-selling, designer Luxe Play Mats are loved in over 30,000 homes across Australia, New Zealand and the UK and protect little ones from birth to beyond (whether that be for tummy time with Mum and Dad, learning to roll, sit, crawl and even gymnastics practice or yoga!). Regularly described as a baby must have, they are non-toxic, waterproof, wipe-clean, reversible, ultra thick and soft and super durable. Perfect for family time & play time! It's so squishy, comfy, very stylish and durable. Another #babymusthave item.
Why Munchkin + Bear are different
Munchkin and Bear are the originators of the designer play mat category and have become a must have product for new parents. Since launching 4 1/2 years ago, their best-selling Luxe Play Mats are used daily in over 30,000 homes across Australia and they are in hot demand Globally! Their one piece playmats are designed for play time in safety and style! Munchkin & Bear delivers the widest range of designs and styles on the market and they work closely with interior designers to ensure each new Luxe Play Mat is perfect for house-proud parents. Their Luxe Play Mats are also as safe as they are stylish! They are non-toxic (PVC free), waterproof, wipe-clean, reversible, ultra thick and soft and super durable, thanks to the squishy memory foam core. But Munchkin & Bear proudly calls themselves "much more than just a play mat company". With kindness and community at the centre of everything they do, this female-founded and run Brisbane business actively supports nearly 60,000 new mothers online, has a "School-Gate Policy" allowing their staff to work 9.30am - 2.30pm (so they can be there for pickup and drop off every day), plus they have donated over $15,000 to charity last year alone!
Real customer reviews:
"I recently purchased a mat and absolutely love it! It's great quality and really soft. It's very generous in sizing and the patterns are very modern. I have zero regrets and am considering another one for our second lounge room. They are also very reasonably priced for the exceptional quality that you receive. In addition, a note was included regarding how tough being a parent can be and it was such a lovely added gesture. I placed it on my fridge. Overall the company cares for their products and customers. A very delightful and satisfied customer who will continue to buy these gorgeous play mats. Thank you!" - via munchkinandbear.com.au
"The BEST purchase! By far the best purchase I have made since having bub! My little one is now 15 months old and still plays on his play mat every day. I use his mat to change him on and also now when he has his little "picnic" dinners. We have absolutely loved our mat and I couldn't imagine going through the last 15 months without it. Not only is it amazing for bub when learning how to crawl and walk but it is so comfy and squishy to walk and sit on I have been using it for Yoga and pilates. Thank you so much Munchkin & Bear, 100% would recommend any Mum to purchase." - via munchkinandbear.com.au
Stina’s Style creates meaningful moments between you and your baby. Stina’s Style was born when founder and creator Linda George noticed a gap in the market with great looking, educational, quality products 8 years ago. Stina’s Style is now one of the leading designer Play Mat businesses on the market, with recently launched Rattan Play Gym Bundles ‘breaking the internet'.
What are Stina's Style's most popular products?
Their most popular items are their Rattan Play Gym Bundles, which include, the Rattan Frame, the bottom base, a reversible liner, a TummyTimePillow, a Mirror, RattleBall, JingleToy, 5 BabyLinks, PlayTime by Linda ActivityCard Deck, and a carry bag.
Real customer review:
"We adore your play gym. Great learning for bub with the patterns, sounds, mirror and activity cards and it looks gorgeous too! I’m glad I ordered the rainbow and another toy to hang as they really complete it!" - Bree, May 2020
Bella Buttercup's product range has a Scandinavian influence using minimalist designs and neutral tones so you won’t need to hide them away for visitors.
Designed by parents for parents, all items in their Quilted Collection contain a water-resistant internal layer, making them both practical and stylish for inside and out of the home.
What are Bella Buttercup's most popular products?
Their most popular items feature Play Mats, Mini Bar Play Gym and their range of on the go baby changing essentials.
Stylish, practical and eco-friendly play mats to blend seamlessly with your décor. Their two-sided designs are the perfect combination of style and fun. A playful design on one side, and an understated contemporary pattern on the other that could be mistaken for an area rug. Free from nasty chemicals like PVC, BPA and Phthalates, their mats tick the boxes for safety and style. Their multi use mats are perfect for every member of the family, from tummy-time to downward dog, you’ll want one for every room in your home.
Real customer review:
"This playmat is honestly the best thing I have got for my two boys so far. The boho design is stunning, making a simple but effective statement in any room and the car track side is well loved by both my boys. The fact that it is double sided makes you feel like you get two mats in one! The quality is impeccable and it is super easy to clean. We use this mat for everything - I am obsessed with it." - Sophie W, graceandmaggie.com.au
Freddy & Co foam baby play mats are made from non-toxic high quality polyurethane foam (TPU). Free from BPA, Heavy Metals and Pthalates, these play mats are a safe choice for your little one - plus, they come with a wide range of engaging reversible designs!
Undoubtedly the play mats featuring the signature Freddy & Co Road Trip car and town play mat are incredibly popular for little girls and boys! This ultimate car and road play mat is inspired by the founder's own childhood carpet mat. Designed in Australia for the modern home it features familiar places for your little one to explore. These include the farm, airport, police station, parks, schools and hospital. Furthermore, this foam play mat will grow with your child from babyhood right up to pre-school and beyond making this car play mat a great investment. The opposite side of these mats feature a more minimalist, subtle colour, meaning that when your little ones aren't playing on the car and town side of the mat you can showcase the slightly more subtle side.
"Love that there’s a pretty side AND a playful side. Nice and cushy for bubs to lie down on or fall on. Easy to clean and fantastic quality." - Sarag Sgroi, 3 August 2021
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The One Fine Baby team are first and foremost mums - between us we have 14 children, and decades of experience in all things bump, baby and beyond. We regularly bring together our tried, researched and recommended products in a review style format such as this post. The articles include some paid inclusions which goes to helping us keep our audiences informed on the top products happening right here, right now in the parenting space. Please be sure that no product will ever be included in our articles, paid or otherwise, if it doesn’t deserve to be there.
