Baby Play Mat vs Gym Mat: Which is Best for Your Baby?

Picking the right mat for your baby can be a crucial step in ensuring their comfort, safety and development. Currently, two very popular options are bound to help develop your baby. When picking between the baby play mats and gym mats there are a few things you need to keep in mind and that’s why today we will explore the differences between them. You need to make an informed decision and determine what will suit your little one best. At Muscle Mat, we strive to help you in the best way possible so feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions. 

When Should I Start Using a Baby Play Mat?

These mats are specifically designed to provide a soft and safe space for your baby which they can use to play on or explore. They have no age limit and a baby can use them as soon as it's born. They are especially useful for tummy time exercises and can be crucial for a baby’s physical development. This exercise helps a baby develop stronger muscles in the neck, shoulders and arms. Developing these muscles is a milestone for babies because it leads to the ability to roll over, sit up and eventually crawl. 

How Long Can a Baby Lay on a Play Mat?

Since most play mats are made to provide comfort, there is no actual limit to how long a baby can sit or lay on a play mat. They can spend a considerable amount of time each day, just make sure you don’t leave them unattended and make sure they are comfortable and have something to play with. You can even add some exercises such as tummy time for a few minutes each day, gradually increasing the exercise up to an hour. As your little one grows, you can start introducing other activities and they will love every second of their time spent on the mat. This can be especially true if the mat has different colours, shapes and similarities. 

Are Sensory Mats Good for Babies?

The short answer is YES, sensory mats are very good for babies. With their mix of textures, colours and sounds, they can stimulate your baby’s senses and help them develop or improve cognitive functions. These specific mats can improve hand-eye coordination, improve motor skills and provide overall sensory processing. Additionally, these mats can provide a comfortable, safe space where babies can engage with the environment and freely explore it.  

Why Do Babies Love to Play in Gyms?

Gym fitness mats are loved by babies because they can offer a variety of stimulating activities. Most gym mats have loops where you can attach different kinds of toys, mirrors or similar items that are designed to captivate your baby’s attention. The more colourful and irregularly shaped an item is, the more the baby will love exploring it. They encourage a baby to reach out, try to grasp and interact with different shapes and sizes of toys, thus promoting their physical and cognitive development. Additionally, gym mats are designed to provide a safe and comfortable space where babies can play and explore.

Relax Mat - Soft Touch Tatami Mat vs. Gym Activity Mat

Before you decide to get one for your baby, it's important to know which baby activity your baby can benefit from the most. The best playmat has many features, different colours and patterns which can help stimulate your baby and help it develop cognitive functions and stronger muscles. Here are the main factors you need to look out for in both mats. 

Relax Mat - Soft Touch Tatami Mat

• Thickness: 35mm for ultimate softness
• Material: Polyester outer and foam inner
• Features: Spill and stain resistant, anti-slip bottom, non-toxic, lightweight, foldable, high foam density and it does not require additional underlay
• Dimensions: Customizable from 1m x 1.5m up to 2m x 4m
• Price: $169 with free shipping within Australia
• Additional Benefits: 60-day cash back satisfaction guarantee, free AUS POST shipping from Sydney

Our Relax Play mat provides you and your baby with a comfortable and versatile option that has various other uses, and this includes a kids' play area. It can also be used as a pet resting spot, to upgrade your hard floors and create a cozy living space. We have some patterns that babies, toddlers and kids love exploring. The Soft Touch Tatami Mat is designed to be soft and easy to clean with additional spill and stain resistance. It’s ideal for the entire family because the anti-slip bottom helps ensure safety and the higher foam density provides excellent support. 

Play Gym Activity Mat

• Material: 100% cotton
• Features: Filled with quality wadding, removable padded grey poles, 12 loops to attach toys, 4 plastic toy links ( toys not included )
• Dimensions: 1m x 1m
• Thickness: Around 10mm
• Price: $250
• Additional Benefits:  Reversible, Large cotton canvas storage bag

The Activity Gym Mat offers a soft and inviting space for babies to play in. This baby gym mat features a reversible design with a plain grey on one side and a blue and white spot pattern on the other. It’s plush and filled with quality wadding which makes it quite comfortable for babies. The sides of the mat are lifted, ensuring that the baby won’t be able to roll out of the mat. The mat also includes several loops which can be used to attach toys and additionally, it has plastic toy links for added versatility. 

Does thickness affect infant playtime?

The thickness of your play mat helps ensure that the baby is comfortable and safe. Thicker mats provide superior cushioning which reduces the risk of injury from bumps or falls. Additionally, thickness plays a role in activities such as tummy time, play and crawling. Thickness is important for developing your baby's physical abilities in a secure environment. Additionally, thicker mats offer stronger insulation from hard, cold floors which enhances the overall comfort of your baby. If you decide to get a thicker play mat it can help with developmental and supportive play areas which benefits both your baby's overall well-being and your peace of mind. 

Conclusion

When comparing our Soft Touch Tatami Mat and a Gym Mat, you should consider your specific needs and preferences. Pick a mat that offers great comfort, great cushioning and something the entire family can use. Our high-quality mat has unique features and benefits and we believe that it can be the best choice you can make for your little one as well as your entire family. Choose the added softness, ease of cleaning and additional features that our Relax Mat has. Order yours TODAY and enjoy the benefits of free shipping and a 2-month money-back guarantee.