We’ve been there. We know. The baby shopping list can feel never ending! It can be tricky to prioritise what you really need and what’s nice to have. One product that may not be on the top of your shopping list but one that we think is definitely worth considering as bub starts to become more mobile is a baby play mat.

A baby play mat is a soft, padded mat that offers your baby a designated, padded space to play or lounge. 

Baby mats can be great when your little one begins tummy time. Tummy time helps your baby build strength in their neck, arms and shoulders and a soft, padded surface will give them a little extra comfort than the floor. You can also pair your baby mat with a baby play gym to stimulate their imagination and hand and eye and coordination. As your little one grows they will also help protect your floors during playtime.

What to consider when shopping for a baby play mat

Soft, padded texture: Ensure your baby play mat is a soft, padded texture that offers your little one a comfortable surface. When your baby starts getting a little mobile and exploring on their hands and knees, a soft baby play mat will help protect their hands and knees.

Easy to clean: Trust us when we say you’ll be washing your baby play mat a lot! Things with a baby can get very messy, so a baby play mat that is either machine washable, water proof or wipeable is super convenient.

Size and portability: Think about where you plan to use your baby mat and the floor space you’ll need. Also consider how your baby play mat folds or rolls in-between uses and if it’s easy to pack with you when you’re out and about at a friend’s house.

Non toxic: As your baby is going to be up close and personal with their play mat, you’ll want to ensure the play mat is made from non toxic materials and plastics.

Now that you know what to look for when searching for the ultimate play mat, we rounded up the best places to buy play mats in Australia in 2023. We compiled this list after surveying our TBE community of parents to find out which ones they used, loved and would recommend. Here are the results:

1: Grace & Maggie  

Score: 9.7/10
Price: From $109
Purchase here

Grace & Maggie’s play mats come in a range of incredible prints featuring geometric patterns to bears in the forest. The neutral palette of these rugs please both children and parents alike and are designed to seamlessly integrate into any interior setting. Grace & Maggie play mats also come in a range of sizes and shapes, so you can pick and choose based on the floorspace available too.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents:

• Parents loved the prints available in neutral tones

• These rugs are available in rectangle and circle shapes

• Parents found these rugs super lightweight and easy to travel with

• Grace & Maggie rugs are made from thick non-toxic PU foam material

• These play mats are free of latex, BPA and PVC

2: Munchkin & Bear

Score: 9.5/10
Price: From $99.95
Purchase here

Munchkin & Bear have a diverse range of prints, shapes and sizes, so you’ll have no trouble finding a play mat for bub here. The prints range from classic stripe and gingham patterns to geometric shapes and woodlands creatures. These play mats are also reversible design and made from shock absorbent memory foam core and non-toxic materials.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Parents loved the variety of prints available to choose from

• Parents found these play mats to be relatively padded and comfy for bub

• These mats like most on this list are waterproof and easy to wipe away mess in seconds

• Parents recommend measuring the dimensions of the play mat and see how it will fit with your preferred floor space before purchasing

3: Freddy & Co 

Score: 9.4/10
Price: From $159.95
Purchase here

Every Freddy & Co play mat is individually printed not digitally printed in their eye catching range of illustrations and patterns. These play mats are also non toxic and free from nasties such as PVC, BPA, phthalates and heavy metals. Freddy & Co play mats are also reversible, so you get the best of both worlds when it comes to the print you choose to use and display in your bub’s nursery or their park play date.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Parents found these rugs super easy to roll up and use on the go (predominantly the rectangle shape)

• These rugs are also available in both round and rectangle shapes

• Parents also like that these rugs are reversible so you get two prints for the price of one

• Freddy & Co play mats are also non toxic and free from PVC, BPA, phthalates and heavy metals

• Freddy & Co has colourful prints and patterns

4: Mikro 

Score: 9.3/10
Price: $109.99
Purchase here

The Mikro play mats come in 3 sizes, are super durable, easy to wipe down and made from non-toxic material. They’re thick and squishy, perfect for bubs little bodies as they learn and grow. They come in a range of stylish, minimalist prints that are reversible so you can change up your play space when you want a change.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Parents loved the prints available

• Parents loved that these playmats were thicker than some others on the market

• Can be wiped down

• Some parents felt the size of the play mat could have been bigger

  5: Kmart Reversible Padded Play & Floor Mat

  Score: 7.8/10
  Price: $39
  Purchase here

This play mat from Kmart is super affordable and easy to use. These play mats are available in a variety of prints and every play mat comes with a reversible design. This range is also BPA, PVC, and lead free, and super easy to clean.

Key takeaways from surveyed parents

• Good value for money and did the job it’s meant to

• Easy to clean and use

• Parents liked the prints available to choose from

This is general information only. If you need personal, health, medical or technical advice when it comes to your growing family, please seek out a professional.