An absolute must-have in a house with a baby or toddler is a play mat and/or gym! Regardless of the type of flooring in your home, having a designated floor area for safe play is essential. There are so many aesthetically pleasing options for both. They also come in affordable price points, which is always a bonus! I have narrowed down my picks for the best playmats and gyms below.
20 Best Playmats and Gyms
1. House of Noa
We own one of these playmats in our home. It is beautiful, durable, and easy to clean. I have had so many people mistake it for a “real rug.” We have hardwood floors, a one-year-old boy, and two dogs that shed a lot, which means we need practical protection. We can sweep or vacuum this mat easily. We love how the tiles can be put together in a shape of your choice to accommodate the area in a custom fashion. It also offers a little extra padding for our son when he is in the playroom, which we appreciate. My husband and I often do yoga on it as well! It’s a great multipurpose play mat for any room.
2. Toki
These mats are an extremely functional and cute option! They have a fabric cover that zips off, and you can easily remove the cushions from the inside. It is machine washable for easy cleaning, and you can fold it in half for optimum space-saving storage. A nifty feature the mat has are loops for attaching toys and pacifiers for your little one!
3. Gathre
A more sophisticated play mat option for your home or on the go. These come in different sizes and colors. We love the scalloped detail of the midi mat but recommend their padded play mat options for a soft landing should your little babe take a tumble. They are the perfect thing if your little one drools or spits up a lot because you don’t have to put it in the wash constantly. All you have to do is wipe it up, sanitize, and you’re good to go! Their mats are made from soft vegan leather with a durable suede bottom. You can use them for even more functions like a picnic blanket, tablecloth, tapestry, or a beach day.
4. Totter + Tumble
These mats come in so many fun colors and prints! They can be easily rolled up and stored as needed. I love that they are usable from the newborn stage up through adulthood! They are free of any harmful chemicals and have passed the same level of testing as a teething toy. These antibacterial mats just need a quick wipe down to clean, saving you plenty of cleaning time. And after our team tested them, we are obsessed. They feel like you are walking on a cloud.
5. Ruggish
This waterproof playmat is double-sided, with one side for play and the other decorative. It is a standard rug size that provides plenty of room for whatever you may need it for! The playmat has plenty of cushion with a thick memory function. It is designed specifically by moms, so you know that it will be a great investment for your home! They even include a one-year manufacturer warranty for extra peace of mind.
6. Wee Gallery
This GOTS-certified organic reversible playmat is another favorite for babies and parents alike! The high contrast safari graphics make it ideal for tummy time, playtime, or decor. It includes a convenient drawstring bag for storage and no need to stress over the mess because this playmat is machine washable.
7. Pehr
Another favorite, the Pehr reversible playmat, is the perfect playtime companion. Made of premium cotton and quilted for extra comfort, this mat is perfect for tummy time, playtime, and travel! Not to mention, the sweet and modern designs will add a little cheer to your home.
8. Crate & Kids
This Magical Garden playmat is as functional as it is beautiful! It is full of delightful activities to stimulate the senses, including squeakers, crinkle paper, a reflective surface, and more! The perfect way to keep your baby busy during tummy time and playtime. Also available in an Ocean theme version!
9. Nook
Hypoallergenic and non-toxic, this eco-friendly playmat is soft and breathable, creating the perfect play spot for your baby. I love the pebble design and portability of this mat. With various colors to choose from, this mat will blend seamlessly into your living room or playroom.
10. Lovevery
A true favorite! This is such a fun play gym for any baby, and it can grow with them as they age. All the Lovevery products are extremely sustainable as well as Montessori-inspired. It also comes with relevant toys to the play gym that helps with child development. All the products are backed by brain research as well! This would be a wonderful gift for any new mom-to-be.
11. Sassy
This play gym takes you from playtime to tummy time to tracking baby’s growth! The only mat with six developmental zones designed to guide you through your baby’s milestones. Baby will be busy all day with the 12 included toys and activities. Bonus, just flip the mat over for perfect monthly photos!
12. Crate & Kids
Rain or shine, this Rainbow Baby activity gym is ready to play! Baby can play with the weather-themed rattles while lounging on a cloud . . . literally! This cute rainbow will brighten up any nursery or play space.
13. Carter’s
Take an adventure under the sea with this developmental playmat and play gym! The 15 included toys and developmental features will keep your baby engaged while playing. We especially love the whale soother with music and lights, which you can also throw in your diaper bag or stroller when on the go!
14. Pottery Barn Kids
This aesthetically pleasing play gym comes in a precious Winnie the Pooh theme. Such a classic theme for any baby. It would complement any gender-neutral nursery! It includes beautiful hanging décor. This mat has plenty of room for your little one to stretch out!
15. Skip Hop
A great play gym choice for hours of fun for your baby! Five hanging toys include features like lights and music. The bright pops of color throughout will help stimulate your child’s sight. One side of the mat has a plush, soft feeling, with the other having a fun print on it. The mat is also cushioned for extra comfort!
16. Infantino
Made to last, this 4-in-1 activity gym will provide hours of entertainment. This adorable playmat and play gym features overhead play, tummy time, and a sit-and-play toddler ball pit. This will carry your little one through the various stages of toddlerhood.
17. Bright Starts
Playtime will be a ball (literally) with this 5-in-1 activity gym! This gym will carry you from tummy time to toddlerhood. This unique playmat can be adjusted up or down to create walls. Drop the walls for tummy time, play with crinkle fabric, rattles, music, and more, or put the walls up for some ball pit fun.
18. Ingenuity
Not only is this playmat and play gym aesthetically pleasing, but it’s the coziest spot for baby to play! It features a unique duvet design that makes this gym so soft—only the best for baby. I love how easy this gym is to move and store. The toy bar features an easy fold design that folds the whole mat in two with handles to create a self-storage bag.
19. Finn and Emma
This is a gorgeous boho-style gym for your home or nursery. Each one is handmade by artisans in India. Details include beautiful macrame tassels and hanging toys. This neutral option is perfect for boys or girls. And we love how unique these play gyms are! We haven’t come across anything else like them yet.
20. aden + anais
This beautiful wooden gym is themed with mostly neutrals and pops of color. It includes hanging toys and a tummy time pillow. The birch arch is eco-friendly and sustainable. There is also a mirror that is perfect for your little ones to explore themselves and the world around them! An adult can easily assemble it with no tools needed.
20. Wander & Roam
Wander & Roam’s vegan leather mats can go wherever life takes you. To the beach, park, picnics, or right in your backyard. Use it indoors as a play mat or activity mat (think painting, play dough, & crafts). We love this limited edition Erin Gates print that will fit seamlessly into any room in your home!
These playmats and gyms will give your baby hours of fun and sweet baby laughs. Which one is your favorite?
