Tips and advice on choosing a play mat for you baby

Baby play mats have taken the market by storm over the last few years, and for good reason. Studies show that it’s never too soon for babies to be exposed to a very stimulating environment. I am a father of two, and if you’re like me you’ll also enjoy the fact that many play mats offer a clean and comfortable area for your baby to play on the ground.

Play mats are usually constructed of soft yet durable material that is ideal for young children. They have bright vibrant colors that attract baby and stimulate their visual senses. Most play mats are also created to have different textures and make unique sounds to appeal to baby’s attention and help aid development of their tactile senses. When shopping for these items, try to find one that incorporates stimulation of as many of their senses as possible

Another great thing about play mats is knowing that it’s okay to have some time to yourself and put baby down for a bit. As it was for me and my wife most first time parents struggle with the guilt of putting their baby down for a bit. It helped quite a lot for me and my wife knowing when we did put our babies on the play mat, it was still healthy place for them. As you’ll learn, it’s just as important for babies to spend some time moving about by themselves instead of always being to their parents. Don’t worry if you feel this way to begin with, know that it is a good for baby as it is for you to spend some time playing on the ground. It will help your baby in the long run to take part in activities that aids in them gaining strength and coordination they’ll need as they grow.

Advice for choosing and using a play mat:

-Don’t skimp. While price may be an important determiner for your purchase, you should find a play mat that offers stimulation of the most senses possible. It may cost a little more, but you’ll get the most out of baby’s time on the mat, and you’ll save money and space.

-Buy a name brand product. Again, don’t skimp here. Name brand products usually make the best product and have a much more capable customer support department if the need to contact them arises.

-Keep it clean. Just because baby is the only one using the mat, doesn’t mean it doesn’t collect dust and dirt from the rest of the house. Just like anything else that baby touches it needs to be washed. It’s best to use organic/non-toxic cleaners when you do to limit the chances of a negative skin reaction to baby.

-Balance time. When placing baby on the mat, make sure you alternate between having them on their tummy and on their back. Our first child hated being on his tummy and spent most of the time on his back while on the mat. Because their skulls are still forming, pro-longed time on their backs can cause a flattened skull as baby grows. While the problem almost always corrects itself (as it did for our baby), it was a big concern as first time parents.

Before you head out to get anything for your child, take a minute to peruse your selection of Baby Gym and Activity Gym here at the Baby Gym Marketplace.