Best Play Mat for Hardwood Floors

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best playmat for hardwood floors is, I’d recommend the Skip Hop Treetop Friends Baby Play Mat.

You love those sweet baby snuggles, but you’ve got to get things done, too. Give yourself two free hands and keep your baby entertained at the same time with a playmat. Music, lights, toys, and colors engage your curious little one––and give you a break. Check out these playmats that are perfect for hardwood floors and keep baby comfortable while they play.

Here are the playmat for hardwood floors I will be reviewing:

• Skip Hop Treetop Friends Baby Play Mat
• Baby Care Play Mat
• Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat
• The Play Gym by Lovevery
• Haute Collection Baby Care Play Mat
• Premium Stylish Foam Floor Mat
• ECR4Kids Softzone Patchwork Toddler Foam Play Mat
• Infantino 4-in-1 Twist-and-Fold Activity Gym
• Bright Starts Sesame Street Spot Elmo! Prop Mat
• JumpOff Jo Play Mat
  

Baby Play Mat: The Basics

Baby play mats come in many styles, but they all have the same purpose: to create a safe, soft spot where your baby can play. These play mats make hardwood floors less dangerous for little ones who might be unsteady when they’re sitting up or even learning to crawl or walk. They provide just the cushion that your baby needs to stay safe should they tumble over during playtime.

Baby playmats feature colorful designs that engage your little one. Fun, kid-friendly patterns add a pop of color to your hardwood floors. These play mats are made of durable, easy-to-clean materials, which is a must when you’re investing in a mat for your little one. After all, spills and spit up are seemingly inevitable with a baby in the house.

As you search for the right playmat for your home, you’ll notice that these mats fall into two categories.

Simple Playmats

Simple playmats are just that––simple. These basic styles are designed exclusively to create a safe, soft spot where your baby can lay, roll, sit, or crawl. They aren’t packed with features outside of their durable, easy-to-clean design and fun, kid-friendly patterns. However, what these mats may seem to lack in bells and whistles, they make up for in practicality. These play mats work well on hardwood floors, and they incorporate easily into your home. While you might not want a musical mat on the floor of your formal living room, you won’t mind a plush, colorful mat that keeps the baby entertained while you kick back after a long day.

Toy Play Mats

On the other hand, toy play mats can be a great option for a playroom or baby’s nursery––or any space that’s packed with toys for your little one. These playmats are more engaging because they include built-in activities. So, you won’t need to fill the mat with toys, books, and balls because they come with it. Instead, your baby will be able to reach for and play with integrated toys like teethers, ribbons, and even baby-safe mirrors. Some styles even play music that your little one can enjoy.

When to Use Your Baby Playmat

Baby playmats are a practical addition to your home. These mats grow with your baby, so they’re a versatile piece of baby gear that you can use for months or even more than a year. As your child’s mobility changes, they will use the play mat for different purposes. To begin, you might lay your baby on their back or practice tummy time on the play mat. It serves as a softer spot to build motor skills and strength, protecting your little one from the impact of hardwood floors.

Just a few months later, your baby will be learning to sit unassisted, and these play mats are a safe spot to practice this new skill. While these play mats provide adequate cushioning should they fall backward or forward, you can offer additional protection by placing a throw pillow or breastfeeding pillow behind them to soften their fall.

If you choose a spacious playmat, you’ll find that it grows with your child even more. Once your baby becomes mobile, the play mat will serve as a safe space to explore. They can crawl around the mat, playing with toys. Or, they can start to toddle and maybe even take those first steps to you on their playmat.

Features to Evaluate When Shopping for a Playmat

Selecting the right playmat for your baby requires a number of considerations, including those related to your needs, your baby, and your home’s layout. Consider these features when checking out different types of playmats:

• Size: Consider your space when selecting a play mat. If you’re choosing a mat for a small room, opt for a sleeker style. On the other hand, if you plan to cover your area rug in the family room with this mat, consider a larger style that offers more space for your baby.
• Colors: If you want a coordinated look throughout your space, consider the colors and design of the play mat so it matches your room. While many kid-themed styles are available, you can also find more muted tones and mature patterns that can work well in family living spaces.
• Toys and accessories: Envision how your child will use the play mat. You can choose mats with plenty of built-in features, including toys, lights, and music, or simpler styles that serve as a defined space where your child can play.

My Playmat for Hardwood Floor Reviews

We have checked out all of the play mats on the market, and reviewed our favorite ones for hardwood floors below.

Skip Hop Treetop Friends Baby Play Mat

The Skip Hop Treetop Friends Baby Play Mat is our choice as the best baby playmat for hardwood floors. It’s loaded with features that your baby will love, and it’s small enough that it won’t take over your room. As a result, the whole family will love having this in their house.

Parents love this mat because babies can use it practically from the start. Just a couple of months into life, your baby will be able to lay on the mat and start looking at––and eventually reaching for––the built-in toys. It also includes a soft tummy time pillow that’s perfect for young infants who are working on building their strength.

Once your baby can reach for and grasp toys, they’ll stay plenty busy with this playmat. It offers 17 developmental activities, including crinkle leaves, squeaker flowers, a baby-safe mirror, and loops for hanging your own toys. Built-in sounds make the mat even more fun for curious little ones.

Parents generally like the design of this playmat. Babies can find entertainment both above the mat and on it, which means they can find entertainment whether they’re on their back, on their tummy, or crawling around. Some parents note that this playmat is a bit tricky to move from one spot to the next. While you can easily pick it up and transport it with the arched arms, the mat doesn’t lay flat, so you’ll have to adjust it once it’s positioned in its new spot.

Baby Care Play Mat Foam Floor Gym

The Baby Care Play Mat Foam Floor Gym creates a plush space for your child to sit, crawl, and play. It is designed with thick foam, which gives your little one a cushy spot that absorbs the impact of any falls or tumbles. Plus, it’s crafted of 100% recyclable materials, which make it an environmentally friendly option.

Parents love this playmat because it arrives in one piece. You don’t have to worry about piecing it together or having your curious little one take it apart. It rolls up easily, too, so you can always tuck it away if you’re hosting an event that doesn’t involve having your little one crawl around on the floor.

This play mat also features a reversible design that kids will love––and learn from. One side features animals that your little one will love pointing to. Once they’re ready to start learning their ABCs, flip the mat over to uncover the alphabet with coordinating pictures.

The construction of this playmat has both good and bad features. The good? It’s easy to wipe clean, which means that spit up or milk will come up in a cinch. The mat is also free of BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, formaldehyde, and EVA, making it a safe choice for your family. The downside? Customers report that this mat comes with a rubbery smell that takes a week or so to get rid of. So, consider airing the rug outside on a sunny day before setting it up in your home.

Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat

Plush padding on the Tiny Love Meadow Days Super Play Mat ensures that your baby can safely play and explore on hardwood floors. Tiny Love describes this playmat as a “developmental playground,” one that allows babies to explore and learn in a safe environment.

Fun and engaging features include plenty of opportunities for tactile play, which is perfect for babies who want to explore with their hands. You can find satin ribbons and a soft, padded mirror where your little one can see their reflection. This play mat even includes an attached carrot teether perfect for the infant who is getting new teeth and needs to chew.

This playmat might not be one that you leave out all of the time, which makes it extra portable. Fold it up and use the integrated handle to transport it around the house or even take it with you when you’re traveling. 

Some parents wish that the mat had a bit more padding, but adding a rolled up blanket or pillow behind babies new to sitting can help reduce the risk of any injuries. However, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives when it comes to this playmat. You’ll love that it’s machine washable, which is a must when you have a baby who is––let’s face it––rather messy. No worries about a little spit up or a dirty diaper on this mat because you can simply toss it in the washing machine, and it’ll turn out as good as new.

The Play Gym by Lovevery

The Play Gym by Lovevery is a durable, sturdy playmat perfect for keeping your little one entertained. Its design includes sustainably sourced wooden legs, which add stability to the mat. It takes just two minutes to set up and take down, with no tools required. Plus, it’s machine washable for your convenience.

But this play gym isn’t just durable. It’s also plenty of fun for your curious little one. It was thoughtfully designed to promote cognitive, visual, and motor development from newborns to toddlers. Safe, sustainable accessories are organic and crafted of always reliable wood. Babies can play in five development zones and remove the organic accessories to explore and play. 

Perhaps the best part? This play gym turns into a fun fort that your toddler is sure to love.

Parents love The Play Gym because of its durability. Not many play mats are crafted of organic wood, which instantly lends an unmatched sturdiness to this mat. While the wooden design brings many benefits, it also means that this mat isn’t collapsible and easy to tuck away, which may mean it is less appealing to some parents. However, its durability outweighs its lack of portability, making this play gym popular among parents and kids alike.

Haute Collection Baby Care Play Mat

The Haute Collection Baby Care Play Mat combines a spacious size with a soft, cushiony texture that makes it perfect for use on hardwood floors. It’s about the size of a queen-sized mattress, which makes it big enough to give your baby plenty of space to crawl around. Plus, these mats are hypoallergenic and waterproof. They’re also nontoxic, making them perfect for your playtime.

Parents love these playmats because they feature an adult-friendly design that, while cute, doesn’t scream playroom. So, you can incorporate them into your family room without having it feeling too childish. Choose from four color schemes to find one that coordinates with your space.

This playmat is perfect if you’re looking for a simple option for your home. Parents praise its thick cushion, which makes it ideal for babies who are just gaining their mobility––that inevitably brings with it some falls. They compare it to a yoga mat, which shows just how soft and comfortable this playmat can be.

Parents are also pleased with this playmat’s portability. It rolls up easily, which allows you to transport it from room to room. You can also tuck it away when you don’t want it displayed on your hardwood floors.

Premium Stylish Foam Floor Mat

The Premium Stylish Foam Floor Mat is a popular option thanks, in part, to its expansive options. You can find it in a number of styles, including both colorful and neutral patterns. As a result, this playmat incorporates seamlessly into your decor and can even double as an area rug thanks to its more mature designs.

This play mat features a ½-inch thickness, which provides just the support your baby needs in case they tumble. It has a waffle-like texture that creates supreme comfort for your little one. While parents haven’t had much luck using a vacuum on it, it’s easy to wipe down with your favorite multipurpose cleaner or simply soap and water to ensure it stays clean for your little one.

This mat is truly versatile because it can be used directly on top of your hardwood floors, or it can be layered on top of an area rug. However you choose to use it, it’s easy to roll up and move around as needed. Perhaps you want to set it up in your baby’s nursery sometimes and in your family room others. You’ll have no issue transporting this mat from one room to the next.

ECR4Kids Softzone Patchwork Toddler Foam Play Mat

A colorful and captivating kid-friendly pattern defines the ECR4Kids Softzone Patchwork Toddler Foam Play Mat. While its colorful design might first attract your attention, you’ll be delighted by the other features as well. It features a 1-inch foam pad that creates just the cushion your baby needs to keep them safe when playing, sitting, crawling, and walking unassisted.

The playmat’s exterior is a soft, leather-like design that is both comfortable and durable. As a result, you’ll have no trouble keeping it clean after your baby plays on it. Simply wipe and go for effortless cleaning.

This playmat takes up plenty of space, which means you can give your baby ample square footage for crawling around and exploring. However, if you don’t want to leave this mat out all of the time, you can pack it up easily. In fact, it folds to just a 29-inch square, which promises easy storage.

This mat has a variety of uses, which is why it’s a popular choice among parents. It’s thick design means that it’s a safe space where babies who are just gaining their mobility can sit, crawl, and eventually walk. However, it will grow with your child as well. Parents report that preschoolers and even older kids love using this as a makeshift gymnastics mat for some flipping fun.

Infantino 4-in-1 Twist & Fold Activity Gym & Play Mat

Independent playtime is achievable with the Infantino 4-in-1 Twist & Fold Activity Gym & Play Mat. That’s because this playmat is packed with features that babies will love. In fact, it gives babies four ways to play with it. They can lay on their back and discover dangling toys overhead. A tummy time pillow makes it easy to build strength while exploring and engaging the senses. When your baby outgrows the playmat, you can detach the toys and affix them to the car seat or stroller to keep your little one engaged when you’re on the go. At the same time, the mat will serve as a plush spot where your baby can sit safely on hardwood floors while crawling, walking, and playing.

Parents love this playmat because it keeps the baby entertained with little effort on their part. Finally, it’s time for parents to relax! This playmat comes with four repositionable toys that encourage sensory play.

A twist, fold, and go design makes this playmat easily transportable. When you’re visiting family or going on vacation, you can pack up this playmat and bring it with you so that your baby is entertained, no matter where you are. Some parents struggled with the assembly instructions, but once the playmat was assembled and ready to use, they were pleasantly surprised.

This playmat is easy to care for. You can remove the attachments and machine wash the different elements of the mat to ensure it’s always clean for your baby.

Bright Starts Sesame Street Spot Elmo! Prop Mat

If you have a Sesame Street fan in your house––or you want to create one––look no further than the Bright Starts Sesame Street Spot Elmo! Prop Mat. This mat features a sleek size that makes it easy to fit in any room of the house. Tuck it in the corner of a family room, or set it up on the floor of the playroom or nursery.

This Elmo playmat includes two attached toys: a bead chaser and cookie rattle that will keep your little one entertained. An attached pillow serves as the perfect spot to rest your baby, whether they’re lying on their back or building their strength during tummy time. As your baby grows, you can remove this pillow, which will give them more space to crawl and explore. Bright colors and Elmo’s smiling face make this playmat truly engaging for your youngster.

If you’re looking for a playmat to cover your room’s hardwood floors and keep your little one safe from injuries, a larger style might be right for you. However, if you prefer a smaller playmat––one that’s easy to tuck away––consider this cheerful Elmo playmat that’s small, easy to store, and easy to enjoy for babies of all ages.

JumpOff Jo Playmat

If you have a large room filled with hardwood floors that can be hard on your mobile baby, you need a spacious playmat that creates a safe space for your little one. The JumpOff Jo Playmat is spacious, clocking in at 76 inches by 58 inches. It features soft, thick padding that adds a plush layer of comfort to hardwood floors. Its anti-slip construction promises sure footing for your early walker, minimizing their falls.

Caring for  your JumpOff JO Playmat is easy, too. It features a waterproof design that is easy to wipe clean. Plus, it won’t absorb moisture, stains, or odors, which extends its life. 

This playmat is double sided, which gives you two styling options when you purchase it. Both sides feature a white background. One showcases a pastel floral pattern, and the other showcases rainbow unicorns. Your little one will enjoy choosing between designs.

This playmat might be spacious, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to store. It features an accordion fold design, which allows you to easily and compactly fold it up and tuck it away when it isn’t in use. Even more, you can bring it with you when you’re traveling so that your baby always has a comfortable spot to play on the floor.

Final Thoughts

As your little one grows, so does their desire to move around, explore, and––let’s face it––get into a little bit of trouble. With a baby playmat on your hardwood floor, you can create a space that serves as a safe spot for your baby to roll, crawl, play, and eventually walk. Then, it’s time for babyproofing to begin.