Play mat recommendations

We had a lovely soft one with a mobile from mamas & papas, it was cushioned around the edge so worked well for some tummy time and propping up sensory cards. She enjoyed it as it had a mirror, rattle & stars dangling for her to play with. We also got given a rainforest one which she loved with the bright colours and singing pelican 🥰 I think they are worth it personally! When she started moving around we got a totter and tumble one x

I have the lovevery one and to be honest, its just so bulky it gets in the way! Im saving it to make into the tipi when my baby is older (had it for my first), we have one that folds away and its much more practical! But also use cards too 😊 xx i also got a large mat from Ikea, that was sealife theme for when my first was rolling as its more cushioned - looks like they still sell it! But its machine washable which i liked x https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/klappa-play-mat-30372640/

I wouldn't get one like this, they just get spit up all over them. We love totter and tumble ones and our 4 year old still uses it everyday!

Thanks for your comments! Really helpful. The totter and tumble ones I guess are better for older babies as they don’t have any external stimulation? But I like the others linked too so will have a look

@Ruby it depends whether you're looking for a play mat or a play gym, I guess. The one in the photo you've shared is basically just a thick blanket. The totter and tumble mats have been great from birth for us. I've just put toys and books on them for playtime.

@Holly could you perhaps link me a similar mamas and papas one you had or the other colourful one? I’ve had a look online but none have mirrors / rattles.

@Caroline ah I see! I just wonder if those mats and essentially the same as a carpet (why could I just put her on the carpet with her toys?) am I being dumb? 🤣

You could lie her on the carpet but if there's spit up or a blowout it's harder to just toss that in the wash. You don't need an expensive playmat or play gym but having something that can dangle toys above is great for their motor skills

@Ruby the one I've recommended is wipe clean so good for spit up or a blowout and easier than the one you've posted about. You can just pop them on the carpet with toys if you like, it's the cleaning that's the issue! Babies are gross!

Ahhhh the cleaning!! I knew there was something I was missing!

Lol sorry that's the biggest comment ever 😅 bought this and love it. Easy to wash and dries quick too

We have Kinderkraft teepee 3in1. It has a mobile and then it turns into a teepee when they're bigger. You can also use the mat on its own. I love it and it will last a while

Totter & tumble! Had it since he was newborn, 16m later and going strong x

My little guy loves his lovevery play gym! I see them all the time on Facebook marketplace if you don’t want to buy one that’s brand new.

Thanks everyone! 🥰