The Best Baby Floor Mats for Playtime

checked mark Fact-Checked by Erin Cavoto  | January 5, 2024
best baby floor mats

Quick Summary

The best baby floor mat is the House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat, according to What to Expect staff and testers in the What to Expect community. When choosing a floor mat, parents say to look for soft, cushioned material and a large enough size for baby to play and crawl.

Best Baby Floor Mats

For babies and toddlers, a padded floor mat can be a lifesaver. Literally: A baby floor mat will help cushion early crawlers and walkers from the inevitable tumbles. But it does more than protect your little one. A baby floor mat is a place for young infants to practice tummy time and can later become a safe, well-defined play area or even a launching pad for a future gymnast. Not to mention they can protect wood floors from toy-related dings and food spills. Because they provide slightly more padding than a nursery rug, your baby as a little more protection while they play.  

How we chose the best baby floor mats

A good baby floor mat provides a comfortable spot for your little one's playtime and exploration; and there are many to choose between. To make your decision easier, we chose the best floor mats based on feedback from the What to Expect community to see what parents typically look for when buying one. Based on their responses, we made sure that each floor mat met the following criteria:

  • Material: There are two main types of floor mats: foam and fabric. Foam floor mats are firm and often a good material for babies learning to crawl and walk as it provides a flat, yet cushioned surface to protect them. They’re also easy to clean as you can usually just wipe them down. The one downside: They’re often not very portable. Fabric mats, on the other hand, are much softer and easy to transport. They are typically made of cotton or another soft material and many can be put in the washing machine for easy cleaning. That said, they don’t have the flat, firm surface of foam mats. 
  • Size: Consider how much room your baby needs to move and play. Look for mats that offer ample space for tummy time, crawling and playtime activities while still fitting comfortably in the room where it will be used. Some foam mats come with interlocking pieces so you can modify the size and shape of your mat.
  • Design: Some mats are designed with engaging patterns, colors and textures to stimulate baby's senses and cognitive development, while others are more muted to match the style of the room. And, look for non-slip bases to keep baby extra safe during play time.

Each of the baby floor mats included on our list received positive reviews for these criteria. 

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Overall Floor Mat

House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat

House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat
Buying Option
House_of_Noa
House of Noa
$129 and up
See Now Opens a new window
Pros
  • Stylish
  • Comfortable
  • Easy maintenance
  • Multiple size options
Cons
  • Pricey

Material: Foam

Dimensions: 24.8 x 24.8 inches per tile

Why We Love it
Community Reviews
Why We Love It

The House of Noa Little Nomad Play Mat is a hit for both What to Expect staff and community members because it’s sturdy, soft and so stylish. It features a wipe-clean water-resistant EVA foam that’s firm for baby to practice walking and crawling. WTE parents love how beautiful the mat looks in their homes —the cool hand-drawn patterns give it a unique look — and appreciate that you can customize the interlocking mat pieces to fit your space.

"I loved the design and that it didn’t look like a typical child’s mat," says Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director at What to Expect. "It's easy to clean, too, as we typically vacuum it."

This interlocking play mat is also a favorite of Shelley Gingrich, Executive Director of Brand Solutions at What to Expect. "I love that these mats offer so many designs that look like rugs instead of playmats which makes the room look kid-friendly but not kid-centric," she says. "Fair warning that your kids will pick up the edges and toss them around from time to time, but they're easy to put back together!" she adds.

The Noa mat’s foam is made of non-toxic materials and free of lead, PVC, latex and harmful phthalates, so you can rest easy knowing your baby is safe to use it for tummy time and beyond.

Community Reviews
  • I love my House of Noa playmat. Looks like a nice rug.

  • “I recently got a House of Noa playmat and replaced my living room rug with it. It looks awesome, very much like a rug, and isn't an eyesore. I also don't have to pick it up and store it as it just stays there.”

  • I got a House of Noa one and love it! It’s definitely worth the price and not an eyesore.

Best Floor Mat for Newborns

Prince Lionheart Baby Playmat

Prince Lionheart Baby Play Mat
Buying Option
Pros
  • Compact and portable
  • Visually stimulating
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Some wish it was bigger

Material: Foam

Dimensions: 36 x 60 inches

Why We Love It

This medium-sized playmat is ideal for newborns, as the high-contrast black, white and red images keep baby engaged during tummy time. (As baby gets older, you can flip the mat for a lively farm scene with animals, people and trucks that stretch their imagination.) Parents say this mat allows for some traction so baby can practice holding herself up, another tummy time benefit. It also has cushioning that’s comfy for both you and baby. It rolls up like a rug and has a carrying case that resembles a bag for a yoga mat, making it easy to store and transport. Finally, the mat’s surface is easy to wipe clean, with one parent in the reviews saying it’s great for their daughter who is a “spit up queen.”

Best Floor Mat for Toddlers

Baby Care Happy Village Reversible Foam Playmat

Baby Care Happy Village Play Mat
Buying Option
Pros
  • Reversible
  • Cushioned
  • Can be used on soft and hard floors
Cons
  • Heavy

Material: Foam

Dimensions: 82.7 x 55.1 inches

Why We Love It

This massive play mat is over half an inch thick, providing plenty of cushioning in case your tot takes a tumble. It's reversible: One side displays colorful letters of the alphabet (plus words that start with each letter) while the other portrays a bustling town scene featuring cars, trucks and boats that’s great for imaginative play. In addition to the toddler-specific features, it's also easy to wipe clean, and the bright colors make it a perfect option for the nursery or playroom. Parents are pleased with how well-cushioned the mat is and note that it’s great for both babies and toddlers.

Best Affordable Floor Mat

UANLAUO Foldable Baby Play Mat

UANLAUO Foldable Baby Play Mat
Buying Option
Pros
  • Customizable
  • Easy to clean
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Not incredibly durable
  • Susceptible to stains

Material: Foam

Dimensions: 59 x 59 x 0.4 inches

Why We Love It

If you’re looking for a high-density foam mat that won’t break the bank, this foldable mat is a great option. It’s made of soft foam that’s comfy for baby, and it can be folded up when she’s done playing for easy storage. Its waterproof design makes it all the more convenient; just wipe away the spills and messes. It even offers double the educational value with reversible sides, one with cute and colorful animal patterns, and another with bright letters and numbers. And when you're on the go, the foldable and lightweight design, complete with a travel bag, lets you create a play area wherever your adventures take you.

While many parents say they like the design and comfort level, some note that its lightweight style may cause it to slide on some surfaces. It may also be hard to get some stains out of the grooves on the surface.

Best Floor Mat with Playpen

Tohifer Baby Playpen With Mat

Tohifer baby playpen and playmat
Buying Option
Pros
  • Includes travel bag
  • Foldable
  • Reversible
Cons
  • Large
  • Have to break down steel frame to transport

Material: Foam, steel

Dimensions: 79 x 59 x 26.5 inches

Why We Love It

This all-in-one play mat and playpen allows your little one to crawl, stand and play in one secure spot. The double-sided foldable playmat that goes inside the pen is made of soft foam to cushion baby if she tumbles. It also has reversible sides, one of which includes a street map that your toddler can drive their toy cars over.

At 26.5 inches tall, this playpen will last a long time at keeping your tot contained (before she outgrows it!). It’s crafted from strong cloth and steel tubes, so you know it can handle some wear and tear. Parents note that this playpen is massive, which was a huge draw for many looking to give their child a lot of space to safely roam and play. One main drawback is that it requires setup, although many note that it wasn’t difficult.

Best Cotton Floor Mat

Toddlekind Sandstone Striped Cotton Reversible Playmat

Toddlekind quilted cotton play mat
Buying Option
Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to clean
  • High quality
Cons
  • Not much cushioning

Material: Organic cotton

Dimensions: 48.4 inches

Why We Love It

This sleek-looking Toddlekind playmat is crafted from double-quilted organic cotton, making it a cozy cloud for your little one. The round design is aesthetically pleasing and there are tons of different colors and patterns to choose from, so you can easily find one that matches your space. Parents say that this mat is such a soothing place for both parent and baby to relax, whether playing with toys or reading a story. Many also note that they appreciate the large size. Worried about spills? Don’t be. You can simply toss it in the washing machine for a quick clean-up.

Our Research

We consulted What to Expect staff members, including:

  • Shelley Gingrich, Executive Director, Brand Solutions, mom of 4-year-old and 1-year-old
  • Alexandra Bisonó, Senior Art Director, mom of 2-year-old

We also canvassed What to Expect’s community boards to learn which baby floor mats parents liked best and what features they most appreciated.

FAQs

Yes, baby floor mats are safe to use for newborns, babies and toddlers. They're typically crafted from non-toxic and hypoallergenic materials to minimize potential risks and allergies, guaranteeing a safe environment for your baby. Many mats also feature non-slip surfaces for better stability during play, while soft cushioning provides protection against bumps and falls as your baby explores and gains mobility. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and supervise your baby during playtime for their safety on the mat.

Newborns can begin using play mats from the very start, usually around one to two weeks of age. While they might not actively engage with toys or visuals on the mat, the soft and comfortable surface provides a cozy spot for tummy time, gentle movements and bonding activities with parents. As your baby grows, play mats become more interactive, offering sensory stimulation and a safe space for exploration.

author image
Written by Haley Lyndes
Haley Lyndes is a freelance journalist passionate about helping people find what they need in the world of digital media and commerce. With a degree in Electronic Journalism Arts from Northern Vermont University and notable publishings in POPSUGAR, Buzzfeed, Travel + Leisure, and more, Haley is committed to delivering high-quality content and providing valuable resources to her readers. She's especially passionate about making life easier for expecting moms, from finding the right pregnancy products to navigating the ups and downs of parenthood.
 
Whether reporting on the latest pregnancy trends or sharing her personal experiences, Haley brings a unique perspective and a keen eye for detail to her work. So if you're looking for reliable information and advice on all things pregnancy and parenting, you can count on Haley to help you out.