Since you started writing your birth list , you have been interested in baby play mats. Except that there are many products on the market and you don't know what criteria to base your choice on a model.
Do not panic ! LeoLudo will enlighten you on the criteria to take into account when buying an activity mat , so that you can make an informed choice with confidence.
What is an activity mat?
The activity mat is a play area on the floor that stimulates baby in complete safety. Its arches made up of lights, music, mirrors and textures, are the ideal device to awaken your baby's senses.
At what age should baby be put on a play mat?
Your toddler will be able to fully enjoy his playground between 2 and 10 months.
However, during the first weeks of baby's life, his head is very fragile and deserves to be positioned on a comfortable cushion. Many carpet models offer removable cushions or padded borders, and are therefore preferred for toddlers.
What is the activity mat used for and why buy one?
As its name suggests, the activity mat participates in baby's awakening and therefore has many advantages in the development of your little one.
Cognitive development
The first advantage of the activity mat is to stimulate baby's senses (touch, sight, hearing, etc.) thanks to its many games and colours.
Baby learns to move elements, to shake them to hear noises and in fact, he quickly integrates the link of cause and effect: if the object falls, it makes noise, for example. Finally, baby gradually becomes aware of himself thanks to the presence of a mirror, for example.
Engine development
The first times baby uses his activity mat, he is lying on his back. First, he learns to roll over and crawl. He becomes aware of his small body. Eventually, he may try to sit down to play. If he wants to grab a toy or press a key, he needs to work on his muscles and the coordination of his movements.
To develop baby's motor skills, the play mat is therefore a significant asset.
Place of relaxation and exploration
In addition to improving certain abilities of your baby, the activity mat is also a real space for games and relaxation that allows babies to evolve in complete safety, following their own rhythm, and to discover the world around them. while having fun.
What criteria should be taken into account when choosing an activity mat?
To choose the right activity mat for your baby, you will need to consider certain essential criteria:
Safety: the priority
Young parents must choose a mat that complies with current Canadian and North American safety standards. This conformity is proof that the model has passed demanding tests relating to its quality and its resistance, in particular at the level of small suspended elements.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the criteria for choosing your activity mat, because it will accommodate baby for long periods of time. The thickness of the mat must be substantial in order to be comfortable, to provide cushioning in the event of a fall and to insulate baby from cold contact with the ground.
An attractive and multi-sensory carpet
The carpet must fulfill its function of awakening.
Colorful carpet : Colors and contrasts stimulate baby's sight. As he is less able to discern pastel or cold colors, opt for bright and warm colors.
If the colors play an important role in the development of baby's awakening, the possible activities with the carpet too. It is therefore essential to choose an activity mat with a variety of activities : pockets, flaps to lift, fabrics with different textures to develop touch, sound elements (bell, squeaker) to sharpen your ear, mirror to learn to recognize each other, teething toys to soothe baby when his teeth start to pierce the gums...
The possibilities are limitless! And you can even add an arch above the activity mat to enjoy additional entertainment.
In which material to choose the awakening mat?
The ideal material for a play mat is fabric, for its soft and easy-to-maintain appearance. To avoid allergies, go for a 100% cotton activity mat. In addition, there are also foam or plastic activity mats which have the merit of being easy to clean with a sponge.
The practicality of the mat, a criterion not to be overlooked
A criterion not to be forgotten: the practical aspect of the activity mat . For hygiene reasons, prefer a machine-washable activity mat, because baby will use it a lot and get it dirty quickly (especially for a baby who regurgitates a lot!). Luckily, most activity mats are either machine washable or simply sponge-washable.
Also, the rug should be easy to transport and store , so you can move it from room to room or take it on a trip with you. Some models are even foldable and have a handle or a storage bag.
So think about how you will use it for the next few years to choose the most practical model.
A little extra: for the summer, know that the manufacturers have created mats with mosquito nets and tents so that your little one is protected from UV rays.
Precautions for use
We advise you to air out the mat for one day after receiving it and unpacking it for the first time, knowing that most mats are machine washable at 30°C.
Always be vigilant and never leave a baby alone in a room on his carpet.
LeoLudo's selection
Boutique LeoLudo offers you a large choice of activity mats : mats with arches or "gym" of activity for the first months, and mats more suitable when baby is older and knows how to turn around, sit or get on all fours.
