Developmental mat for newborns - a necessity or an imposed need

Inexpensive options (up to 3000 thousand rubles)

Despite their low cost, all developmental mats undergo strict control before mass production. Models are equipped with bright fabrics, additional toys and removable arches. All options can be used for infants.

MERX "Summer Time"

The average cost is 2800 rubles.

The educational mat of this brand is designed specifically for the little ones. The especially soft layer of bedding is made of safe materials.

The model is equipped with two arcs with toys ( 5 pcs .), which produce various natural sounds: teether, rattle, squeaker, mirror, crunchy and rustling parts. The size of the product corresponds to the parameters of a newborn baby ( 80x80 cm ), which should be taken into account when purchasing.

rug MERX “Summer time”

Main characteristics

The decorative elements of the rug can be easily removed, which allows them to be used for games in the future. This model also comes with a convenient carrying case.

Crumbs “Lawn with fish” (189)

The average cost is 2470 rubles.

The educational mat is presented in the form of a clearing and a pond with a fish, a duck and a frog, which little researchers really like. Also on the mat is a picture of a house, the windows of which can be easily opened and closed.

The dimensions of the model are 87x87 cm with an arch height of 42 cm . This space is enough for a child not only to learn new subjects, but also to feel safe.

Crumbs “Lawn with fish” (189)

Main characteristics

The sound emanating from the four elements is not very loud, and the bright details of the rug, made of hypoallergenic materials, will attract the attention of the most restless baby.

Chicco Forest Friends XXL (7945000000)

Average cost 2160 rub.

The soft developmental mat of the famous Chicco is characterized by the absence of arcs with toys, but the mat itself is large ( 135x90cm ) and comfortable for babies of different ages or twins.

Bright fabrics with colorful illustrations will attract children's attention, and an older child will be able to learn numbers while playing. The design of the rug includes 5 rings attached around the perimeter, onto which you can attach your favorite toys.

Chicco Forest Friends XXL (7945000000)

Main characteristics

The developmental mat folds easily and compactly. Manufacturers have provided the possibility of machine washing for their products.

Premium models

Educational rugs differ in the number of toys, quality of fabrics, and the presence of light and sound effects. The potential for child development also differs by age category.

However, the wider it is, the more expensive the goods are sold in stores. But it is worth noting that the reviews for this category of rugs are only positive. All manufacturers care about the quality of their products, as well as their attractiveness and safety for young researchers.

Tiny Love "City Safari" (1204506830)

The average cost is 6678 rubles.

The children's brand Tiny Love offers high-quality educational mats that are useful for children. The set comes with many colorful toys with a music block, which overall looks like a play center for toddlers.

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The advantage of this model is its large size ( 114x106 cm ), which encourages the child to perform many new grasping and motor actions. In addition, the transforming sides with a height of 14 cm will additionally protect the infant.

Tiny Love "City Safari" (1204506830)

Main characteristics

This rug is bright, high-quality and safe, and the high cost is fully justified by the standards in the production of this product.

CHICCO BUBBLE GYM

Average cost 6120 rub.

The Italian brand of children's products Chicco is famous for using premium materials in its production. The educational products of the Italian company are soft with unusual hanging toys, a sound panel that can play a melody recorded on the player for 25 minutes, which will be very useful for mothers.

The manufacturer took care of the safety of the materials used, their naturalness, as well as the strength of the entire structure. The set includes a case for carrying and storing the mat.

CHICCO BUBBLE GYM

Main characteristics

The developmental mat is easy to fold and easy to wash or wipe with a damp cloth.

Tiny Love Singing Monkey Island (1201076581)

Average cost 5299 rub.

The Tiny Love educational play mat is a bright, colorful product with a lot of additional toys that can be changed and added to the child’s taste. There is always a place for your favorite animals and rattles.

The design has a built-in music player with melodies. It is an acceptable size ( 89x82 cm ) for a baby from 2 to 12 months, which gives more space for physical activity. The model is equipped with a comfortable pillow that secures the head of a newborn baby.

Tiny Love Singing Monkey Island (1201076581)

Main characteristics

This model with marine motifs has a port for connecting a music player with your child’s favorite tunes.

Set of required elements

The kit must include the following accessories:

• rattles with elements of different shapes and textures. They develop vision, tactile perception and, of course, hearing;
• teethers. These can be either self-sufficient accessories or parts of toys. Please note that the material from which the teether is made is not too hard so as not to cause pain to the baby;
• textile toys with rustling stuffing, with or without teethers;
• mirror;
• interactive toy for the development of vision, hearing and emotional sphere;
• pad. Helps the baby lie more comfortably on his tummy and easily reach different objects.

Rugs in the middle price segment (from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles)

Children's products in this category are distinguished by greater functionality, color and additional toys and devices for the development of the child. Such rugs are equipped with music and light accompaniment.

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Bright Starts "Africa"

Average cost 3470 rub.

The rug with African animals on the mat is complemented by the same voluminous toys located on the arcs. The set includes 5 large items attached with plastic rings.

The cute tiger cub will perform several melodies and also light up for 20 seconds. There is a small unbreakable mirror. The model has medium dimensions ( 80×90 cm ). Suitable for babies up to 10 months.

Bright Starts "Africa"

Main characteristics

The colorful sun mat is made from washable fabrics and is machine washable. However, the model does not have sides, and the rug cannot be transformed.

Fisher Price "Piano" BMH49

Average cost 3199 rub.

An interesting model of a developmental mat is presented by the famous brand of children's goods Fisher Price . The soft colorful bedding ( 70x48 cm ) has two sides and one arc with hanging toys.

But the highlight is the removable piano , which the child can play with his feet. The model can also be transformed for a sitting baby; you just need to move the panel of the musical instrument.

Fisher Price "Piano" BMH49

Main characteristics

The piano detaches from the mat when washed. It has two volume levels and several melodies to play.

Tiny Love “Princess” (1205506830)

Average cost 4290 rub.

Tiny Love's fairytale rug for little princesses is made in delicate shades of pink and white. 4 hanging toys, the set

The arches are adjusted to the size of the baby and are adjustable in several positions. The set includes a music block with 30 melodies. This is an excellent educational product for little princesses!

Tiny Love “Princess” (1205506830)

Main characteristics

The arcs in the rug are soft and removable, and the light and music toy will occupy the child for 20-30 minutes, which the mother can devote to herself.

Why do you need a play mat?

A bright and unusual object will attract the child's attention. You can safely play in such a fairy meadow, since the items are made of delicate fabrics with several inserts of unusual materials.

Hanging toys are fixed on soft but elastic arches. Each element of the bedding can have a special sound. In such an environment, the baby himself will want to test his strength by reaching out to any object with his hand, foot, and even mouth, which is actively involved in learning about the new world.

During the game, vision, hearing, mental activity are enhanced, and tactile perception occurs. Thus, the main task of the play elements of the rug is to attract the baby’s attention and motivate him to action. By training muscles through play, children begin to roll over and sit up faster.

The rug serves as a small island of new objects, sounds, fabrics, colors. It is in such a safe environment that the baby learns through play.

Buying Tips

At first glance, a developmental mat may seem unnecessary; it can easily be replaced with a blanket and a couple of games. But parents do not always have time to be with their children. On the mat, the child can play and relax alone (under the supervision of an adult), so that parents can freely do other things. While playing, the baby develops sensory, motor, auditory, and visual reactions. Therefore the purchase is necessary. What should you pay attention to?

• Dimensions.

Size is important if you want to use the carpet for as long as possible. A mat measuring 50 x 50 cm will be useful from birth until about 4 months, while the baby is only on his stomach and moves little. Dimensions of at least a meter on one side offer more playing space, suitable for 3 entrances. It is worth taking a closer look at models with closing sides; the size of the rug can be changed at any time with your own hands.

• Thickness.

Sufficient thickness will ensure safety and soften the blow if the child falls while playing. In winter, a good thickness insulates the floor from the cold. If the selected model is thin, this can be fixed; you can always add a blanket underneath.

• Developmental elements.

An equipped developmental mat makes the child happy. Models are equipped with toys, music, light, vibration. However, not everyone enjoys constant visual and auditory stimulation. Make sure features are disabled.

An arc or arch is a very necessary element. Hanging toys on it makes the child reach out to pick them up and strengthens the muscles. Look for rugs whose arcs change position and can be removed if necessary. This is necessary if the baby wants to sit, or if you need to take the rug with you on the road.

• Easy care.

It is important that children's accessories are easy to clean. Some models are waterproof and can be cleaned with a damp cloth, while others can be placed in the washing machine.

As for safety, all models of entertainment rugs for children are made from natural materials, hypoallergenic, non-toxic.

In addition, you need to make sure whether the kit includes batteries, whether the educational mat can be supplemented with other accessories, and whether the model is intended for boys or girls.

conclusions

If you overload the arc with many toys that also make sounds, and leave the child alone for a long time to entertain himself like this, then you can overstimulate him, which can lead to sleep disturbances (a newborn does not sleep all day), appetite, and other consequences.

But if you use modern games wisely, don’t bore the child with their number, and communicate a lot with the baby, tell him what he sees in front of him, then the educational mat will really fulfill its function, and will also give the mother a free moment for herself.

Reviews from parents about Tiny Love products, the pros and cons of their products can be found in this video: