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  • 10 Best Baby Play Mats UK 2024 | Fisher-Price, Bright Starts and More 1
  • 10 Best Baby Play Mats UK 2024 | Fisher-Price, Bright Starts and More 2
  • 10 Best Baby Play Mats UK 2024 | Fisher-Price, Bright Starts and More 3
  • 10 Best Baby Play Mats UK 2024 | Fisher-Price, Bright Starts and More 4
  • 10 Best Baby Play Mats UK 2024 | Fisher-Price, Bright Starts and More 5

10 Best Baby Play Mats UK 2024 | Fisher-Price, Bright Starts and More

A baby play mat is usually one the first pieces of entertainment equipment that we buy for our children. Playmats and activity gyms are known to improve hand-eye coordination, motor skills, stimulate their senses, boost cognitive progress and encourage confidence in freedom and movement. 


However, choosing a play mat can be tough! After all, they need to survive playtime with a small child. To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together this buying guide to help you find a play mat to keep them amused and interested, while aiding their development. Read on to find out which ones made our ranking list of the top 10 best in the UK, all of which are available from Amazon, eBay and Argos. 

Last updated 21/03/2024

Quick List - Top Baby Play Mats

1

Taf Toys

Musical Newborn Cosy Gym
Musical Newborn Cosy Gym

Great Quality and Great Value Guarantee a Great Play Mat

2

Disney Baby

Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat
Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat

Multi-Sensory Mat With Ocean Theme

3

Early Education

Activity Gym with Piano Playmat
Activity Gym with Piano Playmat

An Epic Play Mat for a Fantastically Low Price

4

Baby Einstein

Sensory Place Space Activity Gym
Sensory Place Space Activity Gym

A Play Mat With More Entertainment Stations Than Some TVs

5

Tiny Love

White Gymini Baby Play Mat with Modern Design
White Gymini Baby Play Mat with Modern Design

An Adjustable Play Mat That Can Grow Up With Them

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Baby Play Mat in the UK – Buying Guide

Finding a baby play mat that has everything you want can be tricky. Often it's best to identify what you believe to be most important and go from there. In this section, we’ll look at the main features to consider to help you decide how high, or low, they should be on your priority list. 

1

Choose a Mat With an Engaging Design

There are a few features to look out for when selecting a play mat to entertain your baby. Understanding which toys and designs will hold their attention will help you find the best options online.

Look Out for Interactive Toys and Tummy Time Helpers

Look Out for Interactive Toys and Tummy Time Helpers

We believe this is the most essential factor when purchasing in a baby play mat. If it hasn’t got any toys, then it’s just a mat and you may as well throw down a towel. 


When it comes to amusements, generally play mats and activity gyms will have between 4 - 8 toys, although some can be much higher. These will often be rattles, musical toys, take-along books, baby-safe mirrors or even some stimulating lighting. As far as we're concerned the more the merrier, as it will be able to entertain your child for longer. 


Another component to look out for that's not quite a toy, but does aid in play and development, is a tummy time helper. These little cushions engage lesser-used muscle groups and help your baby master head control. You can always use a small cushion from home or purchase one separately, but we figured if you can get one alongside your mat, why not? 

The Colours and Patterns of the Mat Will Help Keep Their Attention

The Colours and Patterns of the Mat Will Help Keep Their Attention

Another factor to think about is the colour scheme, or theme of the mat. From the moment they’re born your little one is studying the world around them, so the colours, pictures and toys on the play mat will be being paid some serious attention. 


Bright, vivid colours or black and whites are best as these create contrast that will keep your baby's concentration for longer. They’re also much easier for younger babies to see. 

2

Bigger Isn't Always Better - Get a Size That Fits Your Child

Bigger Isn't Always Better - Get a Size That Fits Your Child

As always, when buying what is essentially a piece of furniture, you need to be aware of the size. Remember, while a huge play mat may be tempting, they can’t move around too much so it isn’t a necessity. 


The average baby is 48 – 53 cm in length, so as long as the mat can comfortably fit the baby both length and widthways, then we think that it’s big enough. 

3

Sides Are a Good Way to Promote Independent Play

Sides Are a Good Way to Promote Independent Play

Some parents may want to look for a mat that has sides. These are particularly useful if you have a mischievous and rambunctious little nipper that is always trying to be somewhere they shouldn't. 


The sides on play mats can easily be lowered and raised, which is great as when you’re playing with baby they likely won't be needed. However, if you’re encouraging independent time, while still in the room, you can pop them up knowing they’re not going to hurt themselves if they accidentally escape. Which they will, even if you only take your eyes off them to blink. 

4

Look for Folding Mats If You Want a Portable Playground

Look for Folding Mats If You Want a Portable Playground
Source:argos.co.uk

Looking for a mat that is foldable and portable certainly has its advantages. This is great for both you and your baby. After all, you have a compact and moveable playground with you at all times


However, some parents may want to leave their mat at home, for example, if Nan and Grandad have already bought their own. You can generally tell if a mat is foldable by whether or not it comes with handles. But to save you time, we’ve put it in the specification table underneath each product in the ranking!  

5

Make Sure It Is Easy to Clean

Make Sure It Is Easy to Clean

Next up, you'll want to consider how easy the play mat will be to care for. Generally, there are two options; hand wash, or wipe clean, and machine washable. 


It’s more a question of preference, than whether one is better than the other. Machine washable play mats will likely be easer to clean thoroughly, but you’ll have to wait for them to dry on the line as they usually don’t like going in the tumble dryer. On the other hand, hand washing can be done fast and will dry much quicker, but they won’t be as clean unless you get really stuck in.  

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Top 10 Best Baby Play Mats in the UK

So, know that you know what you’re looking out for, take a look at our ranking list of the top 10 best baby play mats in the UK. From cute Disney themed classics, to classy black and white numbers, we have something for every baby to enjoy!
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

Taf Toys

Musical Newborn Cosy Gym

Taf Toys Musical Newborn Cosy Gym 1

Great Quality and Great Value Guarantee a Great Play Mat

2

Disney Baby

Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat

Disney Baby Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat 1

Multi-Sensory Mat With Ocean Theme

3

Early Education

Activity Gym with Piano Playmat

Early Education  Activity Gym with Piano Playmat 1

An Epic Play Mat for a Fantastically Low Price

4

Baby Einstein

Sensory Place Space Activity Gym

Baby Einstein Sensory Place Space Activity Gym  1

A Play Mat With More Entertainment Stations Than Some TVs

5

Tiny Love

White Gymini Baby Play Mat with Modern Design

Tiny Love White Gymini Baby Play Mat with Modern Design 1

An Adjustable Play Mat That Can Grow Up With Them

6

Skip Hop

Vibrant Village Activity Gym

Skip Hop Vibrant Village Activity Gym 1

Clever Light Features and a Brilliant Design

7

Fisher-Price

Butterfly Dreams Musical Playtime Gym

Fisher-Price  Butterfly Dreams Musical Playtime Gym 1

Bright and Vibrant With a Peephole for Curious Kids

8

Bright Starts

5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play, Mat & Activity Gym

Bright Starts 5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play, Mat & Activity Gym 1

What Baby Wouldn't Enjoy a Home Ball Pit?

9

Ingenuity

Reversible Duvet Play Mat

Ingenuity Reversible Duvet Play Mat 1

A Gender Neutral Play Space With an Ultra-Soft Duvet Design

10

Done by Deer

5 Toy Activity Playmat

Done by Deer 5 Toy Activity Playmat 1

A Simple Circular Play Mat With Plush Toys

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Taf Toys
Musical Newborn Cosy Gym

Musical Newborn Cosy Gym 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Musical Newborn Cosy Gym 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£59.95
Mid
Reference price
£59.95
Mid

Great Quality and Great Value Guarantee a Great Play Mat

This musical gym is brilliant in so many ways, but what we admire the most is its ability to evolve as your little one grows. Easy to adjust, the drawstring mechanism enables you to pop up and fold down the sides for a larger playing area with four different stages from newborn nest, to a full-sized interactive mat that's ideal for tummy time.


It boasts a supremely comfortable padded mat for a perfect, playful refuge with a bunch of great toys. As you marvel at the value for money, your baby will adore the rattling penguin and Star the Seal teether!

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No.2

Disney Baby
Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat

Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Mr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£59.99
Mid
Reference price
£59.99
Mid

Multi-Sensory Mat With Ocean Theme

Climb aboard this play mat and make the world your baby's oyster with this activity gym filled with all their (or maybe even your) favourite Disney characters. Nemo and his friends are all completely detachable so they can be taken with you on the goto keep your little one happy

 

It comes with a seaweed prop pillow to aid and encourage tummy time, as well as bioluminescent musical canopy lights that will help strengthen those little neck muscles. Best of all, Dory is a finger puppet so you'll be able to get involved too!

No.3

Early Education
Activity Gym with Piano Playmat

Activity Gym with Piano Playmat 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Activity Gym with Piano Playmat 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£26.99
Low
Reference price
£26.99
Low

An Epic Play Mat for a Fantastically Low Price

We love that this play mat comes with a kick piano. Not only will it play gentle music to soothe and delight your child, but it offers a clever way of teaching young children about cause and effect. Each key also lights up, so that they're fully aware of what they hit. 


The material of the mat is soft with a smooth texture, so you can guarantee it's going to be safe for them to roll around on. It can even be folded up, making it great for transporting or storing away when not in use.

No.4

Baby Einstein
Sensory Place Space Activity Gym

Reference price
£99.99
High Mid

A Play Mat With More Entertainment Stations Than Some TVs

The Baby Einstein activity gym has a whopping 18 different sensory toys and activities that are guaranteed to capture and hold your child's attention. Create sensory experiences that promote physical and cognitive skills, from learning to count to playing with touch and listen toys. 


The mat is designed to keep playtime productive, fun and focused. The arches use gentle sounds and light movement to encourage neck movement, plus it comes with a tummy pillow that should make tummy time just that touch more comfortable.

No.5

Tiny Love
White Gymini Baby Play Mat with Modern Design

Reference price
£59.99
Mid

An Adjustable Play Mat That Can Grow Up With Them

This playmat is an amazing space for any youngling. The mat comes with various interactive toys and different activities to ensure they're entertained, such as the fold out the baby book which encourages tummy time.


Each element is designed to to aid in the development of cognition, language, communication and motor skills, as well as imagination and creativity. Plus, the adjustable arches make it fully adjustable, which is ideal for the speed at which babies grow. 

No.6

Skip Hop
Vibrant Village Activity Gym

Reference price
£90.00
High Mid

Clever Light Features and a Brilliant Design

Keep your baby entertained and help them develop with this brilliantly designed play mat from Skip Hop. We love the Vibrant Village design as it is both interesting and engaging for children, with bright colours and bold patterns. Though in all honesty, it's a pretty cool design for the parents to have around the house too! 


Not to mention, the arches offer two separate light shows for your little one to follow along. 

No.7

Fisher-Price
Butterfly Dreams Musical Playtime Gym

Butterfly Dreams Musical Playtime Gym 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Butterfly Dreams Musical Playtime Gym 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£32.99
Low Mid
Reference price
£32.99
Low Mid

Bright and Vibrant With a Peephole for Curious Kids

This bright and vibrant soft play mat has a lovely blue archway with a brilliant surprise, a peephole that let's you lie down side-to-side with your baby for a round of Peek-a-Boo! 


While it may not have the highest quality construction, it has five different hanging toys that should keep them entertained. Plus a take-along musical cloud with settings for both 20 minute long and 10 minute short play modes. 

No.8

Bright Starts
5-in-1 Your Way Ball Play, Mat & Activity Gym

Reference price
£79.99
Mid

What Baby Wouldn't Enjoy a Home Ball Pit?

This activity gym from Bright Starts comes with 35 colourful plastic balls, so you can create your very own ball pit at home! Just pop the walls up during playtime and you never have to worry about the balls, or your baby, spilling out and escaping under the couch.


More than just a ball pit, this play mat comes with many toys, including an interactive singing toucan with over 20 minutes of musical melodies. Unfortunately, it's slightly smaller width-wise, so you may find your little one grows out of it quickly.  

No.9

Ingenuity
Reversible Duvet Play Mat

Reference price
£70.00
Mid

A Gender Neutral Play Space With an Ultra-Soft Duvet Design

If you're looking for comfort, then this plat mat from Ingenuity has a unique duvet design that's incredibly soft, think marshmallow or cloud-cushty. If you have hard flooring throughout your house, this may be the way to go as it ensures a safe and comfortable spot whatever they're lying on it.


Furthermore, the mat itself is reversible with two different gender-neutral designs to keep things interesting for your little one. Though once again, the colour scheme is a bit lacking. 

No.10

Done by Deer
5 Toy Activity Playmat

5 Toy Activity Playmat 1
Source:johnlewis.com
Reference price
£99.95
High Mid
Reference price
£99.95
High Mid

A Simple Circular Play Mat With Plush Toys

Getting us underway is this circular play mat from Done by Deer that offers hours of entertainment. It comes with five sensory toys, including a fluffy elephant, a stripey crocodile and monochrome patterned shapes, each of which has its unique texture patterns. 


Additionally, the arches have 13 different hanging positions to strengthen the baby's muscles and encourage motor skills through curiosity. Our only issue is that it's all such a bland colour! Sure, that's great for home aesthetics, but not ideal for your baby's brain. 

Summary

There are a vast amount of baby play mats online, which can make it awfully difficult to choose one that's right for both you and your little one. Hopefully, if you follow the advice in our buying guide, you'll manage to make the right decision when it comes to your purchase!  


Author: Lewis Clark

Top 5 Baby Play Mats

No. 1: Taf ToysMusical Newborn Cosy Gym

No. 2: Disney BabyMr. Ray Ocean Lights Activity Gym & Play Mat

No. 3: Early Education Activity Gym with Piano Playmat

No. 4: Baby EinsteinSensory Place Space Activity Gym

No. 5: Tiny LoveWhite Gymini Baby Play Mat with Modern Design

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.

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