Playmats

Whether you call it a playmat, play gym or an activity gym, the idea is the same: a brightly colored and interactive mat for your baby’s play time. They come in lots of different sizes, shapes and themes and provide a safe, comfy spot for your little one to relax, play and work on their developing skills. These entertaining playmats will keep your baby busy and offer a clean space for babies to practice tummy time, develop motor skills, and engage in sensory play.

Consider features like soft and durable materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, non-slip bottoms, colorful patterns, stimulating textures and additional features like toys or hanging mobiles. The best playmats offer a variety of visuals, sounds and textures, whereas our editor’s favorite swings and bouncers may only have one or two small plush toys.

Most baby playmats are versatile and can be used on various floor types, including hardwood, carpet and tile. Ensure the playmat has a non-slip backing for stability. As your little one goes from cuddly baby to curious crawler to playful toddler, a larger designated for play can be helpful. Our baby floor mat buying guide can help you find durable options that stand up to playtime and look great in your home.

You can use a playmat or play gym from day one, but interest peaks when they are a few months old. During this stage, your baby is developing hand-eye coordination, so grasping for the dangling toys is good practice. Once your baby starts to crawl, they’ll move on to other toys (literally!). Here’s our guide to play gyms 3-6 month old babies love the most.