Since you started writing your birth list, you have been interested in baby mats. Except that there are many products on the market and you don't know on which criteria to base your choice on a model.
No need to panic! LeoLudo is going to enlighten you on the criteria to be taken into account in the purchase of a mat of awakening, so as to make an enlightened choice in all confidence.
What is a play mat?
The playmat is a floor-level play area that safely stimulates baby. Its arches made 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 playmat?
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 mats have removable cushions or padded edges, and are therefore best for toddlers.
What is the purpose of a playmat and why should I buy one?
As its name suggests, the playmat helps to awaken your baby and therefore has many advantages in the development of your little one.
Cognitive development
The first advantage of the mat is to stimulate baby's senses (touch, sight, hearing, etc.) thanks to its many games and colors.
Baby learns to move elements, to shake them to hear noises and in fact, he quickly integrates the link between cause and effect: if the object falls, it makes a noise, for example. Finally, baby gradually becomes aware of himself thanks to the presence of mirrors, for example.
Motor development
The first few times that baby uses his playmat, he lies on his back. At first, he learns to roll over and crawl. He becomes aware of his small body. Eventually, he may try to sit up to play. If he wants to grab a toy or press a button, he has to work on his muscles and coordination of his movements.
To develop baby's motor skills, the play mat is therefore an important asset.
A place to relax and explore
In addition to improving certain abilities of your baby, the mat is also a real space of play and relaxation that allows baby to evolve safely, following their own rhythm, and discover the world around while having fun.
What criteria should I take into account when choosing a playmat?
To choose the right playmat for your baby, you will need to consider some essential criteria:
Safety: the priority
Young parents should choose a mat that meets current Canadian and North American safety standards. This compliance is proof that the model has passed stringent tests for quality and strength, especially for small suspended elements.
The comfort
Comfort is one of the criteria for choosing your playmat, as it will accommodate baby for long periods. Thethickness of the mat must be consistent to be comfortable, to provide cushioning in case of a fall and to isolate baby from cold contact with the floor.
An attractive and multi-sensory carpet
The carpet must fulfill its function of awakening.
Colorful rugs: Colors and contrasts stimulate baby's eyesight. Pastel or cool colors are less discernible, so opt for bright, warm colors.
If colors play an important role in baby's development, so do the activities that can be performed with the mat. So it's essential to choose a mat with a variety of activities: pockets, flaps to lift, fabrics with different textures to develop touch, sound elements (bell, pouet-pouet) to sharpen baby's ears, a mirror to help baby recognize himself, teethers to soothe baby when his teeth start to erupt through his gums...
The possibilities are endless! And you can even add an arch above the play mat for extra entertainment.
What material should I choose for the play mat?
The ideal material for a playmat is fabric, because it is soft and easy to care for. To avoid allergies, choose a 100% cotton playmat. There are also foam or plastic mats that are easy to clean with a sponge.
The practicality of the carpet, a criterion not to be neglected
A criterion not to forget: the practical aspect of the mat. For hygienic reasons, you should choose a machine-washable playmat, because baby will use it a lot and get it dirty quickly (especially for a baby who spits up a lot!). Fortunately, most playmats are machine washable, or can be washed with a simple sponge.
In addition, the mat should be easy to carry and storeIt should be easy to carry and store, so you can move it from room to room or take it with you on a trip. Some models are even foldable and equipped with 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, manufacturers have created mats with mosquito nets and tents so that your little one is protected from UV rays.
Precautions for use
We recommend that you air the mat for one day after receiving 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 a wide range of activity mats: mats with arches or activity "gym" for the first few months, and mats that are more suitable when baby is older and can roll over, sit up or crawl.
