I know it’s hard to believe you’ll ever want to put these sweet babies down from your hip, but you will. And when you do, you’ll need a safe, comfortable play mat for your little one to kick their legs, get some tummy time or busily play and scatter toys upon. We’ve done the leg work for you, bringing you ALL the most beautiful play mats on offer!
Gone are the days where kids’ play mats stuck out like a sore thumb in the room, now they’re elegant, stunning, aesthetically pleasing decor pieces that complement any design style. Style doesn’t come at the sacrifice of fun either, scroll on down to see our favourite play mats.
What to look for in a play surface for kids
There are a few things to consider when buying a play surface for your little ones:
COMFORT – look for a play mat that is firm but comfortable. After all, little ones spend a lot of time crawling and crouching on their knees to play and get around. They need comfy support, even when kicking back to play.
CLEANING – a play mat is an extension of the floor surface so you ARE going to need to keep it clean. Crawling babies, family pets, older kids and shoes bring all sorts of added extras (where does all that sand come from?) to a play zone. Not to mention dribbling or reflux babies, soggy rusks and sticky fingers. Washability and wipe down / waterproof surfaces get ALL the extra marks!
HOW IT LOOKS – an obvious consideration to factor in, we want you to LOVE your play surface, not grimace every time you see it. So pick something you love the look of too!
SIZE – Are you looking for something portable that you can roll up and take with you when you visit friends and family? Or perhaps you’re looking for something to fill the floor of the playroom.
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Rudie Nudie Waterproof Playmats
PRICE: From $75
WHERE TO BUY: Rudie Nudie
A soft, waterproof, absorbent and machine washable playmat? YOU BET! Rudie Nudie Waterproof Playmats are all about the fun and making any nappy-free time and sensory playtime mess super manageable. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without one!
Made with a 100% soft cotton top layer, you can choose from three playmat sizes – 90 cm (perfect for a portable playmat or change mat), 130 cm (terrific for tots, sensory play stations and nappy-free time) and 200cm (the best outdoor/ picnic / do all the things size playmat!). Beautifully emblazoned with artwork from local and overseas artists, your playmat (and easy clean up) will be admired by all!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 10% OFF all Rudie Nudie Playmats using the code ‘MUMCENTRAL10’. Get in quick, the discount expires October 31, 2021!
Little Wiwa® Play Mat
PRICE: $179
WHERE TO BUY: Little Wiwa
Play mats for the minimalist, there’s no sacrificing your personal style with Little Wiwa®! These plush mats are completely reversible and feature two timeless designs with colours you can switch up with a simple flip. Most importantly, they are non-toxic, free from PVC, BPA, and toxic chemicals, making them the safe choice for babies, adults, and the environment.
Designed and tailored with the entire family in mind, the thick shock-absorbent cushioning provides added safety and comfort for tummy time support of our little adventurers. Even as they learn to crawl, walk and play – they can do it without sacrificing the aesthetics of your existing home décor. Winning!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE $10 OFF using code ‘MUMCENTRAL’ at checkout.
Harlow & Co Luxe Eco-Friendly Play Mat
PRICE: $189
WHERE TO BUY: Harlow & Co Kids
Designed in Australia, Harlow & Co play mats feature a contemporary aesthetic and neutral colour palette to compliment design-conscious interiors and fit seamlessly into any space, big or small.
These soft premium play mats are eco-friendly (PVC/BPA free), non-toxic, water-resistant, reversible, softly padded and suitable for little ones of all ages. No matter the activity, whether it be playtime, tummy time or bath time – even supportive enough for mama’s yoga time – Harlow & Co has you covered.
Freddy and Co Large Baby Play Mat
PRICE: $179
WHERE TO BUY: Freddy and Co
Folks, this mat is clever in servicing the design needs of both kids and adults. Freddy and Co have thought of both design-conscious parents and fun-seeking kids needs with their play mats. This makes them completely reversible so families can enjoy the best of both worlds. Ahhhhh, sweet harmony.
Made from non-toxic waterproof polyurethane material, these unique cushioned foam playmats are easy to clean and beautifully light. They’re also a cinch to flip over to reveal an aesthetically design-pleasing side and of course, a fun and educational play side of road trips, Australian alphabet or Australian native floral designs.
Rugabub Designer Play Mats
PRICE: from $159.95
WHERE TO BUY: Rugabub
For play mats that look as elegant and amazing as a décor rug, Rugabub nails it every time with their Designer Play Mats.
They’re so stylish, it’s hard to believe these mats are made from super soft, thick memory foam. Double-sided for twice the fun, each mat has a reversible print – a stunning décor-friendly print on one side and Little Trooper road print on the other. Waterproof and easy to clean, Rugabub Designer Play Mats are made for serious play!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE $10 OFF using code ‘mumcentral’ at checkout until September 30, 2021.
Softly Summer Padded Play Mats
PRICE: from $109
WHERE TO BUY: Softly Summer
These play mats make a stunning addition to your home. They’re inspired by sunshine, palm trees and coastal living and are an absolute family ‘must have’. They’re soft, squishy and waterproof making them perfect for tummy time, rolling, crawling, wriggling, nudie play, messy play and all the rough and tumble that comes with little people play.
Not just for little ones, mamas these are also perfect for pilates, yoga, meditation and getting down on the floor to relax and play with your children. Softly Summer play mats have been thoughtfully designed to be beautiful additions to your home decor. Whether you’re after a large play mat for your living area or a circular, small play mat for bedrooms, nurseries or for on-the-go, Softly Summer has you sorted!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE $10 OFF using code ‘MUMCENTRAL10’ at checkout.
Toki Mats Play Mat
PRICE: $165
WHERE TO BUY: Toki Mats
Cushier than carpet and far easier to clean, Toki play mats are modern, stylish, safe and made for everything babies and tots can throw at them.
Play can be messy but you need not worry – these mats come with washable, 100% cotton covers. They’re completely removable and zip on and off for easy washing. Plus, for comfort, the non-toxic and chemical-free natural foam insert provides just the right amount of squishy comfort for little ones. Made with two foam inserts, Toki Play Mats are cleverly designed to be folded in half for easy storage and portability.
Cork Kids Play Mats
PRICE: From $149
WHERE TO BUY: Zen Vibes
Stylish, safe and eco-friendly, featuring a cork top and natural rubber bottom, Zen Vibes Cork Play Mats are as unique as they are practical, pretty – and perfect for non-slip play!
Perfect for nappy-free time or sticky toddlers, the mat’s top layer of cork is a naturally anti-microbial material. It eliminates odour, bacteria, germs and remains a low-maintenance and hygienic play surface for years. Generously sized, you can choose from rectangular or round play mats with several enchanting designs. They have a gorgoeus Scandi-inspired ABC Zoo print or family-room friendly design Brush Strokes and Dots Abstract print. SO BEAUTIFUL!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE 20% OFF all Kids Play Mats by using the code ‘Cork20’ at the checkout.
Luxury Padded Play Mats
PRICE: From $109
WHERE TO BUY: Luxe at Play
Stylish, supportive and safe – these play mat criteria boxes are all firmly ticked by the crew at Luxe at Play.
A collection of play mats brimming with exquisite, one of a kind designs specially created with stylish living in mind. Not only are these play mats serious eye candy, but they’re also awesome for littlies too. There’s plenty of support for tummy time, rolling, crawling and mastering those first steps. It’s also soft enough to cushion and falls or tumbles that are bound to happen from time to time. Made from non-toxic TPU material, they can even be wiped clean in an instant. SWEET!
MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: SAVE $10 OFF using code “MUMCENTRAL“ at checkout.
Done By Deer Activity Play Mat
PRICE: $189.95
WHERE TO BUY: Danish By Design
An all-in-one play mat complete with an attached activity gym, what more could a curious baby want?! It’s easy to see why the Done by Deer Activity Play Mat is a winner of a prestigious Red Dot Design Award for innovation and integration.
At 90cm round, this mat is the perfect size for bringing with you. Take it from room to room or from your house to Grandma’s, this is entertainment on the go! A gorgeous buttery soft quilted mat provides a comfy base for the soft toy arches with five included toys attached. You can take the toys off and swap them or add others to keep little ones entertained. You can even remove the toy arches altogether to just play on the mat. Available in three colours, this is one brilliantly versatile play mat!
So there you have it folks, all of our top picks for design-friendly, baby-friendly, toddler-friendly – even yoga friendly play mats! We hope you find a mat here that you love as much as we do!
