5 Benefits of Activity Mats for Babies

Activity mats are great ways to keep your baby occupied, especially when they’re so young they can’t engage in more substantial activities like tummy time and crayon coloring yet. They’re also easy to clean and easy to store, which makes them an excellent choice for busy parents on the go. For these reasons and more, activity mats are one of the best things you can get your baby as he grows from an infant into a toddler and beyond, so we’ve got five benefits of activity mats to consider if you’re shopping around for one for your little one.

1) Improve Motor Skills

Whether you’re a new mom or dad, you’ve probably seen your child use an activity mat, either in person or on a commercial. The idea behind activity mats is simple: they keep babies entertained while you take care of other things—so that baby has something fun to do (such as play with colorful toys), and you have some time to work. If your child has just learned how to sit up unassisted, it may be time to think about getting him an activity mat. Such a simple toy could not only help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination; it also encourages young children who don’t yet understand cause and effect to start experimenting—and learning through trial and error.

2) Encourage Cognitive Development

Why you should see for affordable activity mat? Because they help stimulate your child’s senses, from sight to touch, activity mats provide great entertainment that encourages learning at a young age. An activity mat can also keep your baby occupied while you get things done around the house or take care of other chores.

3) Are Portable

Using an activity mat is a great way to keep your baby occupied when you need to get something done. Many activity mats are lightweight and portable, which makes them easy to travel with. If you’re going on vacation or visiting family, it’s easy to take along an activity mat so that your little one can play while you’re busy doing other things.

4) Provide Comfort

Your baby’s activity mat may not be the most popular place in your home, but it is a highly sought-after one. There are no hard corners or parts on an activity mat—making it a comfortable place to rest. For example, you can place your baby on his back to play with rattles or toys—and because there are no hazards such as cords or strings present, there’s less risk of him accidentally falling off while playing with these types of items.

5) Stimulate Imagination

Baby-entertainment products are a multibillion-dollar industry and seem to be growing every year. But most parents don’t realize that there are affordable (and sometimes even free) ways to stimulate your baby’s imagination with everyday household items. An activity mat can help your child explore new senses and develop important motor skills. To create one of these low-cost play mats, simply gather an old blanket, some pillows, or even an old bed sheet.