The Best Baby Playmats and Gyms of 2025

The Lovevery Play Gym is the crème de la crème of baby play gyms—and yes, it lives up to the hype. It has an impressive 4.9-average star rating on the Babylist Shop with thousands of rave reviews. Over 600 Babylist parents, a whopping 30% of those surveyed, rated it their favorite, with one parent proclaiming it “the best developmental toy,” for all the reasons I’m obsessed with it myself. It’s incredibly well-made, looks great in any room and is thoughtfully designed (by child development experts no less) with five developmental zones to foster early growth and exploration. 

Each zone promotes learning in key areas, like learning to focus (think high-contrast cards and a mirror), object permanence and exploring colors, sounds and textures. You can close each zone to save space or to direct your baby’s focus to avoid overstimulation.“My baby spends so much time playing independently on the mat exploring the different zones,” says one parent. “There continues to be something that captivates him at each new milestone—the ‘making sounds’ zone encouraged his kicking and the ‘how things feel’ zone encouraged mouthing.”

Lightweight, portable and tested to be baby-safe, the Lovevery mat is made without flame retardants or PVC with high-quality organic cotton and silicone pieces they can safely mouth on. I like that it can be used solo or with the included arch for back, tummy time or seated play. The arch is made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood with space to attach the included teething ring, batting ring and high-contrast ball, which my two-year-old still plays with today. 

Like many parents, I really appreciate that this play gym comes with a parent play guide so you know exactly how to play with your little one at each age to get the most out of the mat—and help them reach their milestones as they reach for and explore all the things. There’s a Sensory Strands accessory (sold separately or as a bundle) to add even more excitement. While pricey, this playmat converts into a fort with the included play space cover for older babies so your little one can use it for several years.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 23.9”H 37.9”W x 42.9”L (closed) and 23.9”H x 50”W x 47”L (open)

• Material: FSC-certified wood, polyester, silicone and organic cotton

• Care: Machine-washable in cold water and on gentle air dry

This sleek, galaxy-themed activity gym is well-priced considering the quality and abundance of features, with three ways to play (tummy, back and seated) and over 17 developmental activities so your baby never gets bored. “I used this activity gym with my first son, and he loved it,” says Babylist gear editor Jen LaBracio. “The dangling toys caught his attention and helped him work on grabbing and reaching. And the moon pillow was great for supervised tummy time propping. I also loved the fun look of the playmat and that it didn't take up a ton of room in my family room.”

The extra-plush mat features high-contrast colors for visual stimulation, a removable shooting star mirror, a tummy time pillow and detachable, tactile hanging toys. “Interactive features that provide feedback, like rattles, mirrors or squeakers, can help babies begin to learn cause and effect,” notes Dr. Christakis.

I also like that the mat features 12 toy loops, including two on the mat and two on the pillow, so you can add your own toys to keep things interesting. It’s lightweight and easy to move around the house or to break down for travel and conveniently folds away when not in use. The mat is machine washable and dryer-safe too so cleanup is simple. However, some reviewers note that it tends to attract dust, fuzz and hair, so pet owners may find themselves washing it more frequently.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 38”L x 38”W x 19”H

• Material: Polyester

• Care: Machine wash and tumble dry (arches, mirror, musical star and rattle raccoon are spot clean only)

Fisher-Price’s iconic Glow and Grow Kick & Play Gym is a huge hit with little ones and their parents, with 27% of Babylist parents dubbing it their favorite. It’s also a favorite of celebrity parent John Legend, who famously covered the toy’s popular “Purple Monkey In A Bubble-Gum Tree” song in a viral Instagram post. 

What really sets this play gym apart is the detachable piano that lights up and plays over 85 catchy songs, sounds and phrases with every kick or bang. The piano features three smart-stage learning levels, including a freestyle mode with real piano notes. It may drive sensory-sensitive parents like myself a little bonkers, but the entertainment value for most little ones is off the charts, completely enthralling them, which is especially valuable if you have a baby who hates to be put down. One parent told us, her baby “has so much fun [on it]. I’ll hear her screaming from excitement while she’s lying there.” I appreciate that there are two volume settings, neither of which is too loud, and you can turn the music off altogether if you both need some quiet time. 

I also really like that this play gym can grow with your baby. Babylist’s associate editor Amylia Ryan says her oldest “loved his kick piano, and he was able to keep playing with it for a lot longer than we expected since it grew with him through different stages. My nephews had played with it for a few years when they were babies, and then my niece after that, so it was well-loved by literally ALL the children in my family.”

The mat is machine washable, and since the piano is made of plastic it’s easy to wipe spit-up or drool off. My only complaint is the lack of cushioning. The mat is a bit thin so it’s best set up on a soft surface, like a rug or carpet, to enhance comfort. It’s also rectangular-shaped, making it less ideal for rolling.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 36” x 27” x 18”

• Material: Plastic and polyester

• Care: Machine washable

The Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe is just the right size for newborns with a compact mat and lower toy bar to bring the fun down to their level. It was ranked among the top four baby play gyms by Babylist parents, who loved the simple but stylish design of high-contrast black and white colors.

The play mat and stand-alone wooden arch offer plenty for little ones to see, touch and explore and can be used together or separately. The mat’s various sensory elements, like a crinkly peek-a-book tree and rainbow rattle kicker, make tummy time more fun. Pediatric occupational therapist Emma Hubbard is also a big fan of interactive and adjustable sliding toys, like the adorable musical lion and crinkly mobile. And there’s a soft black and white book you can take on the go.

As for downsides, the mat isn’t very thick, so you may want to place it on a rug or carpet for extra cushioning. Some parents noted that while the ribbons on the mat frayed a bit quicker than expected, they appreciated the overall design. A few also mentioned that the hook-and-loop accessory straps for the toys that wrap around the legs could be a little longer for added convenience.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 34.6” x 17.7” x 31”

• Material: Polyester

• Care: Machine-washable mat

If you’re interested in Montessori for babies, this simple, beautiful activity gym from Skip Hop is a good option. Designed with the help of Montessori experts, it features a sustainable wood arch and a calming design—you won’t find any bright lights or sounds here—to engage your baby’s sensory exploration. “The combination of simple and engaging is what makes this wooden activity gym stand out,” says Jen LaBracio. “The overall aesthetic and wood accents give the gym a natural look and help distinguish it from many other activity gyms on the market.” 

While the Discoverosity is easy on the eyes, it’s also jam-packed with features, with over 27 developmental activities to nurture babies’ natural curiosity, strengthen hand-eye coordination, increase focus and concentration and aid in cognitive, visual and fine and gross motor development. “The black and white contrasts are perfect for catching the attention of younger babies, and I loved the hanging toys as my baby got older and became more interested in exploring,” says LaBracio. There are five fun, sensory-rich toys included: a gradation mobile, exploration mirror, wooden ring, rainbow rattle and teething tree. The extra-plush mat comes with a cozy cloud tummy time pillow too so babies can comfortably play for longer.

“The parent cards were also an excellent addition,” says LaBracio. “Many new parents have no idea how to ‘play; with a newborn (myself included), so these are really helpful.” Each of the six cards features stage-based activities and expert tips to make the most of playtime, providing valuable guidance to support your baby's development at every stage.

Keep in mind that the wooden frame doesn’t fold for storage, so this play gym is a bit bulkier and less portable than some other options on our best-of list.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 42” x 33.5” x 19”

• Material: Oeko-Tex-certified polyester & FSC-certified wood; PP & PVC

• Care: Machine wash mat, pillow and rainbow toy cold on gentle cycle, and tumble dry on low. Spot clean wooden arches, mobile, ring, mirror and tree toy.

This chic, reversible playmat was made for lounging, rolling, reading, playing and everything in between. It’s an excellent minimalist option for any parent looking for a luxe, versatile playmat that can stand the test of time. Because it’s so simple, it’s easy to customize for any age or stage. Add their favorite toys for tummy time and safe floor play when they’re still sitting, or transform it into a cozy reading spot or soft landing pad in the toddler era. 

The Piccalio Play Mat features two stylish sides and two covers (an inner waterproof cover and an outer printed one) so when they drool too much, spill or spit up on one side, just wipe and flip it over to avoid washing immediately. “Drool and spit up beads up on the fabric and what's left after dries super quickly,” writes one parent. Both covers are machine washable, so even when your baby makes a mess, it won’t ruin the mat, and it’s easy to clean up before the next play session.

Crafted from breathable GOTS-certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX natural latex (AKA rubber trees), this playmat is free of phthalates and polyurethane foam. The mat is “firm enough to provide good support but squishy enough to be comfy,” says one parent. It's also built to last, making it perfect for passing down to future siblings. Plus, it's incredibly portable with a convenient cotton tote storage bag included, allowing you to easily move it from the living room to the nursery and back, or store it compactly in a closet.

While it’s three and a half feet on all sides, some parents may prefer a bigger foam playmat when their baby becomes a toddler.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 42” x 42” x 1.5”

• Material: OEKO-TEX certified natural latex foam and 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton

• Care: Machine wash covers cold, tumble dry low. Hang to dry the inner waterproof cover

If you’re looking for an elevated, basic but Instagram-worthy playmat to snap monthly baby photos, practice rolling or tummy time, Toddlekind’s Quilted Cotton Reversible Playmat should be at the top of your list. Its lightweight, minimalist design makes it ultra-portable for playtime or chill time at any age, anywhere, whether hanging at home, playing at the park or going to grandma’s house. “It’s easy to transport, rolls up quickly and fits in any bag,” writes one parent. And it’s reversible, with two different neutral designs, making it a chic addition to both your nursery or your living room.

Babylist reviewers praise the exceptional quality and luxurious softness of this premium playmat. It’s made from 100% organic cotton and features a double-quilted core for added absorbency (good for drooly babes) and plushness, providing proper tummy time support and cushioning against falls as baby learns to sit up. It’s also quite large, with a four-foot diameter.

You can throw this cotton playmat in the wash for easy cleaning, but it can’t be tumble-dried. According to one parent, these mats “wash really well,” and fortunately “don’t take long to dry which is so handy!” While it's an investment, parents can expect years of use from this playmat, unlike a baby-specific play gym.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 48.4” round

• Material: 100% organic cotton outer layer and 100% polyester inner layer

• Care: Machine wash, don’t tumble dry