Baby Play Mats That Are Sweet, Chic, and Travel

Jun 30, 2023

By Jane Keltner de Valle

Tummy time, but make it chic. Baby play mats serve a vital role in a little one’s developmental growth, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be cute too. After all, they’re going to take up plenty of real estate in your living room or play space. We’ve curated an assortment that will encourage your child to practice motor skills in a safe place and hang out in style—think sweet motifs, travel-friendly details, and prints so charming you’ll want to steal them for yourself. These are the best baby play mats for a great-looking activity center that won’t compromise your home decor.

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Blabla Kids Leafpad Play Mat

Maisonette

The leaf shape of this floor mat brings a touch of nature to tummy time—and it looks just as good on a carpet indoors as it does frolicking in the grass en plein air. Available in a variety of bright colors, these Peruvian cotton mats are the perfect place for peekaboo.

Botanical Floral Leaf Baby Fabric Playmat

Wayfair

In addition to being a symbol of peace, the olive branch makes for a beautiful print, as evidenced on this activity mat. The machine-washable style folds easily for storage or travel, and is an ideal companion for both play and quiet time.

Floral Stripe Tummy Time Mat

Hill House Home

Nell Diamond, the purveyor of the Instagram-famous Nap Dress, is also a mom of three who knows what babies want: a non-toxic play mat in the shape of a heart with a print that’s both sweet and chic. Kid tested, parent approved.

Liewood Sofie Activity Playmat in Safari Sandy Mix

Scandi Born

Having wanderlust? This soft sensory blanket comes complete with an enchanting safari scene in a soothing color palette. First-class amenities for little imaginations to travel far and wide.

Machine washable faux fur rug

West Elm

Sheepskin rugs have been a classic companion to babies since probably the caveman era. This updated faux-fur style has all the timeless allure of the originals, only it’s cruelty-free.

Dakota Woodland Muslin Travel Play Mat

Pottery Barn Kids

Into the woods we go. This charming mat features woodland creatures atop an organic cotton pad. Handles affixed to the underside assure it can go the distance when rolled up.

So Handmade Car Play Mat

Rose & Rex

For babies who prefer life in the fast lane, this handmade play mat, screen-printed in Woodstock, New York, is full of adventure. It comes with pockets for storing cars and baby toys, and conveniently folds up for long-distance adventures.

By Paola Singer

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By Ilana Kaplan

Over the Rainbow Play Mat

Bohemian Mama

Somewhere over the rainbow is here! This organic cotton muslin baby playmat features a plush hypoallergenic microfiber padding and easy-to-roll tassel tie. The stuff dreams are made of.

Blue Floral Play Mat

Acorn Toy Shop

Covered in liberty florals on one side and 100% nontoxic Oeko-Tex cotton on the other, this versatile play mat offers the best of both worlds for playtime. It’s also foldable for easy travel and storage.

E&E Teepees Play Mat

Maisonette

Hand-tufted in a sophisticated stripe pattern, this square play mat is inspired by Turkish mattresses and ethically handmade by a female-founded business that employs refugee women to work inside their homes. Beyond that, a portion of every product purchased goes to an early literacy program that helps children in need.

By Paola Singer

By Elizabeth Stamp

By Ilana Kaplan

Toki Mats Grid Playmat With Classic Insert

The Tot

You won’t have to worry about gridlock with this extra-large “mega” baby activity mat featuring a timeless check pattern. Plus, the modular design allows you to remove the cover and switch it up. It also comes complete with loops for toys or pacifiers, making it the perfect companion for both play activity and rest time.

Woolly Plush Lamb Play Mat

RH Baby and Child

Tummy time with a friend is always more fun. Choose between a lamb, elephant, or bunny, and let your little one explore and cuddle from there. Each plush mat features floppy arms and legs, embroidered accents, and lots of textures.

Modern Activity Mat

Crate & Kids

This tropical-themed activity gym includes squeakers, crinkle paper, rattle, and a mix of fabrics in the shapes of a palm tree, pineapple, and the sun to stimulate baby's senses. Cue up Watermelon Sugar High, and you'll almost be able to feel the ocean breezes.

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