Parents,

Like every baby product on the market, we know you spend hours and hours researching every single item, and rightfully so. We did the same, and it’s the reason we started Poppylist. We wanted to curate a community where every single product recommendation came directly from moms and dads — and it’s exactly what we’ve done, and what we’re doing.

A few weeks ago, we polled our Instagram community and asked them to pick the next product roundup. ‘Easy to Clean Play Mats’ was the number one selected item. It was voted higher than Easy to Store Highchairs, Handheld Breast Pumps, Double Strollers and even Portable White-noise Machines.

We know you’re looking for products that are durable, safe, practical, and even aesthetically appealing. And play mats are no exception.

So, how did we pick the Top 5? We aggregated the Top 5 product recommendations, did further research, and asked follow-up questions of the parents that submitted feedback. Then, we reached out to the brands for additional questions, and worked on compiling all the research — so you don’t have to.

Which mat will you pick for your growing family?

Get comfy. Here are the Top 5 Play Mats:

1. Gathre, Mini Play Mat, $82

Why our Poppylist Parents love this mat:

  • Wipeable and water-resistant.
  • Mat folds compactly for easy storage and transportation.
  • Lightweight and easy to pack in a diaper bag or suitcase.
  • Free of toxins, PVC, phthalates, and lead.

What you should know about this mat:

  • There isn't padding on the Mini Mat, so place it on a blanket, carpet, or another soft surface for tummy time.
  • This mat cannot be washed in the laundry machine.
  • Avoid markers on this mat as they will stain both sides
  • Water-resistant doesn't mean waterproof. This mat can withstand water penetration to some degree, but you wouldn't want to use it on a soaking wet surface. We've also tested it out as a bath towel and do not recommend it as the material does not absorb water.
  • Mineral sunscreen & other oils will stain the mat, so keep this in mind if you're using it as a surface to lay your baby on in the sunshine or for diaper changes.

How our Poppylist Parents have used this mat:

  • Placed under the highchair to catch food
  • Picnic blanket on a dry surface since the mat folds tiny, lightweight, and is easy to haul around
  • Tummy time & playtime for infants under a soft, flat surface
Gathre Play Mat

Meet the founders of Gathre, Jess and Mare. Best friends, business partners, and the creators of Gathre (pronounced gath-ur). Their original mats were born out of wanting to create a space to gather with their families. With internationalist and minimalist at the forefront, their leather mats that could travel anywhere were born.

📷: @lizzyography styling: @sarahslowe

2. YETI, Lowlands Blanket, $199

  • Dimensions: 55” × 78”
  • Weight: 5.8 LBS
  • View Here

Why our Poppylist Parents love this mat:

  • Durable and waterproof on the outside, padded and insulated on the inside.
  • Mat folds into a travel case for easy storage and transportation.
  • This is the only mat of the 5 that’s machine washable, and that’s something we really love!

What you should know about this mat:

  • This mat weighs in at almost 6 pounds. Although it does come with a carrier, it’s probably not something you want to lug around with you constantly. We had a parent register for two, and they keep one in their car and one in their house.

How our Poppylist Parents have used this mat:

  • Placed under the highchair to catch food.
  • Picnic blanket on any surface. The waterproof layer guarantees your blanket stays dry - always.
  • Potty training! We loved this recommendation. Use this to save your floor/carpet in an area where you're potty training.
  • Tummy time and play time for years to come.
YETI Lowlands Blanket

According to YETI, The Lowlands® Blanket helps transform every outdoor concert, tailgate, or backcountry post-up into your personal base camp. But according to parents, we think it could transform (and save) your floor during potty training, tummy time on the go and in your home, and save you time by throwing this in the laundry vs. cleaning it by hand. Built for the wild, or built for babies? You decide.

Are you surprised by this option? We are too. But the more we researched this option, the more it made sense. We were completely shocked by the amount of recommendations the YETI Lowlands Blanket received. When you start to consider the longevity and practicality of using this as a “mat,” it seems like a no-brainer and a must-add to your baby registry. Let us know what you think about this one in the comments!

📷 of this sweet baby courtesy of @clayhudnell via Instagram

3. Colored Organics, Quilted Round Play Mat, $65

These 100% organic cotton play mats (filler is polyester) are a must-have for any parent looking for a safe and comfortable play surface for their little one.

Generously sized at 115cm (45in) in diameter, this play mat provides plenty of space for your baby to move around, allowing them to develop their motor skills in a cozy environment

Perfect for tummy time, rolling over, crawling, nap time, and more!

With its stylish quilted design, this adds a cozy and inviting feel to your baby's play area, making it a perfect addition to any home while complementing any nursery decor.  

4. Little Nomad Play Mat, $99-$439

  • Dimensions: 4x6 ft. up to 10x12 ft.
  • View Here

Why our Poppylist Parents love this mat:

  • This mat might become everyone’s favorite. It’s 1.2cm thick - perfect for tummy time, rolling and crawling - plus it's easy on mom and dads knees.
  • Our community of parents love this mat because it’s made with premium quality, non-toxic EVA foam that exceeds US and EU safety requirements - so baby can play safely (and you have peace of mind).

What you should know about this mat:

  • Since this mat is over an inch thick, the legs of the highchair will leave an indentation. Although the  indentation will correct itself, it’s not a completely secure surface to set the highchair on.
  • The mat requires soap and water to clean them and cannot be laundered any other way. Just wipe, air dry, and the Little Nomad Play Mat is good as new.

How our Poppylist Parents have used this mat:

  • As an area rug in their nursery to protect their carpet or hard wood floors.
  • Picnic blanket on any surface. The waterproof layer guarantees your blanket stays dry - always.
  • Tummy time and play time for years to come.
  • Our parents love to arrange the shape of the tiles to best match their own space.

5. Regalo, Sensory & Learning Play Mat, $44.99

  • Dimensions: 70x71”

Why our Poppylist Parents love this mat:

  • It’s Amazon’s Choice of baby play mats, but it’s also the choice of several Poppylist parents, too. We have parents who still care about function, safety and durability, but are looking for something with more color. And this mat if the perfect option if that’s you.
  • Our community of parents love this mat because it’s made with premium quality foam while still being non-toxic, but without the price tag that’s sometimes associated with safe, cleaner products.
  • Our parents love that this mat is portable, and included a carry case for when you’re on the go.

What you should know about this mat:

  1. Since this mat is over an inch thick, the legs of the highchair will leave an indentation. Although the  indentation will correct itself, it’s not a completely secure surface to set the highchair on.
  2. The mat requires soap and water to clean them and cannot be laundered any other way. Just wipe, air dry, and they’re good as new.

The play mat is reversible. One side has a gray and white chevron pattern and the other side, pictured here, has an alphabet with a corresponding image to each letter.

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