Play mat

What is a play mat suitable for?

What is a play mat?

Play mats are usually the first companions of small babies. As soon as the baby becomes more active and starts to explore the surroundings, a play mat comes into use. Important for a play mat is that it is large enough so that the baby can enjoy it for a longer time, even when it starts to crawl. Thus, the play mat can be used into childhood or later for a sibling. The play mat should be made of a thick fabric that is cold-resistant, insulating, and padded. The padding compensates for unevenness in the floor, preventing minor injuries and scrapes. There are play mats that are padded with felt fabric. Make sure that the fabric is made from non-toxic cotton.

Design of the play mat

Just as important as the quality of the fabric is, of course, the design of the play mat. It is best to choose clear colors and patterns. These have a calming effect. Detailed patterns tend to be overstimulating and are not calming. The play mat should be durable and machine washable, as it not only collects dirt from the floor but also can become soiled by the baby. A play mat can also be wonderfully used as padding in a playpen or as a decorative element. So-called "bumpers" serve as protection in the crib, preventing the baby from getting hurt. These are usually made in two parts, so one part can be washed while the other still serves as a headrest. Here, too, it is important to pay attention to the material; it should comply with the Öko Tex standard.

Play mat with play arch

Play mats with a play arch are often offered. This is usually part of the basic equipment for every baby. It is often given as the first gift to the baby by relatives. It is important that the play mat does not slip, the fabric should provide support, and assist the baby in its first crawling attempts. Babies who attempt their first crawling on tiles or laminate tend to slip away and quickly give up in frustration. The play arch should be well-padded, and the fabric elements should be removable. Since these can get dirty quickly, they must be machine washable. A play arch offers plenty of opportunities for free play. The baby can move, reach out towards the toys, and curiously explore the world.

Extensions play arch

Ideally, such a play arch can be expanded with toys, so that the baby does not get bored. This way, the baby can play and learn in a varied manner. By reaching for the different toys, the baby trains its motor skills, is engaged appropriately for its age, and boredom does not arise. Ideally, such play arches can be expanded with its own toys. The play arch should promote impulses and stimuli for the baby. The elements invite grasping, strength is trained, and coordination of fingers and hands is developed. Play mats with play arches are often referred to as activity centers. Make sure it is designed to be nice and cozy, so the baby feels really comfortable in it. Various elements should be attached to the play arch. Sounds should be produced with the baby's movements. A reflective surface or a mirror should not be missing, so the baby can observe and discover itself. Ensure that the toys are made of BPA-free plastic.

Types of play arches on the play mat

The selection of play arches is huge. You have the choice between a variety of different types of play arches. The differences mainly lie in the material and thus in the quality regarding durability and safety. Essentially, two types of play arches can be distinguished. Those made of plastic and others made of wood. For the play arches made of plastic, there is always the possibility that they do not last as long, are not as robust, because the play arch is indeed pulled on quite a bit. Additionally, the plastic can always contain additives that one is unaware of when purchasing, which may be harmful. The play arch made of wood, on the other hand, is generally robustly made.

Colors - Shapes - Patterns

The types of play arches can also be distinguished by shapes, colors, patterns, and the corresponding mats. The best choice is a play arch where the parts attached to the arch can be removed and exchanged. This way, you ensure variety, or you can attach new gifted parts for occasions like a birthday. There are now also items or entire play arches that are equipped with electricity, allowing the child to perceive and discover light and sounds at the play arch. Regarding shapes and patterns, especially those patterns that are large enough and not too detailed are good, so they are easily recognizable.

Sensory perceptions for children: Seeing

A play arch offers many opportunities to improve your child's skills of eyes. The different colors and shapes of the arch and its attachments train the little ones' eyes. By hanging the toys at different heights and distances from your child, focusing on objects is trained.

Hearing

Every play arch makes sounds. Either by playing songs, the crinkling of crinkly paper in various pendants, or the clattering of wood. Your child's ears and ear canal will definitely be stimulated and their hearing ability further trained.

Grasping

With the many different toys on the play arch, your child is encouraged to reach for them. This is an excellent exercise to support your child's grasping skills. The various shapes and contours are ideally suited for grasping with the whole hand or with individual fingers.

Eye-hand coordination

If your child cannot grasp objects very well yet, a play arch is the ideal learning toy to train these skills. The pendants and interesting toys are always within your child's reach. When they move their arms, there is almost always something within their reach. This way, your child learns a better eye-hand coordination. Even if your child is already bigger, playing with a play arch can further improve this ability. The precise grasping of a pendant or a button to play music are significant tasks in improving eye-hand coordination.

Concentration

If your child wants to grab a pendant or press a button, that is a great mental achievement. By playing under a play arch, you promote your child's concentration. If they want to touch a figure, the whole body must move towards it. These are the first coordinated movements that a child makes and require great concentration from the little ones.

For this reason, you should not let your child play under the play arch for too long and definitely not unsupervised. If you notice that your child becomes fidgety and restless, it is better to take them out and engage in something else.

Movement

Of course, a play arch is an excellent toy to support motor skills. Grasping the figures and pendants with the hands strengthens the mobility of the arms. Your child will also move its head to look around at everything to the left and right. You see, a play arch is definitely a good way to support your child's motor skills from the very beginning.

Action-Reaction

All the possibilities of playing with a play arch are based on the principle of action and reaction. If you touch a pendant, it moves. If you tap the button, the arch starts to play a little song. Your child learns playfully the principle of action and reaction. You hardly need to do anything, and your child understands that the self-made toy figure moves when it reaches for it with its hand.

Play mat - What is BPA?

The substance BPA (Bisphenol A) is a substance used for softening plastic. Since 2011, BPA has been banned in baby bottles, but only in those. It can still be used in toys, drinking cups, and changing mats. Many manufacturers have recognized that BPA is harmful, especially for babies, and voluntarily refrain from processing the substance in plastic toys. Such goods are then labeled. You should try to buy only plastic for your baby that is made without the substance. BPA has a hormone-like effect, similar to the female hormone estrogen, and can inhibit growth in toddlers. It is also suspected of promoting the following diseases:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Liver problems
  • Diabetes

It is best to generally avoid plastic for a small baby. If the plastic toy is damaged, has a crack or similar, it can cause health damage. Babies usually explore their environment first with their mouths, sucking and chewing on toys. If the plastic is damaged, BPA is immediately introduced into the baby's body and can lead to health issues.

Play mat as a crawling blanket

Play mats are something for babies but also for older children. They are usually made from a cuddly fabric, so that the baby and the child feel comfortable on it. This way, the child can retreat to cozy reading, or the baby crawls around on the blanket. Patchwork blankets are also very popular, where different fabrics are usually incorporated, which encourages the baby to touch and feel. Everything from corduroy - cotton - fleece - velour to linen and shaggy fur can be included. Various elements can also be incorporated into the play mat, such as squeakers, crinkly foil, teething rings, and rattles, making the play mat a pure play paradise for the baby. If you are skilled in handcrafts, you can also sew such a blanket yourself. There are numerous instructions available online to sew, design, and create a play mat yourself.

Play mat - baby blanket

A baby blanket should not be missing from the basic equipment. It is best to have several of them. A baby blanket should be cuddly soft. It can be used in various ways: in the car seat, stroller, as a sleep aid, or as a play mat.

Types of baby play mats

There are many different types of baby blankets. Above all, the materials used to make baby blankets are diverse. There are baby blankets made of:

  • Fleece
  • Microfiber
  • Nikki
  • Synthetic fibers
  • Natural fiber blankets
  • Cotton
  • Flannel baby blankets
  • Swaddling blankets
  • Blankets for swaddling

Synthetic fiber blankets have the advantage of being lightweight, making them easy to transport. They are usually also easy to care for. With cotton blankets, one should ensure that they are free of harmful substances. There are special swaddling blankets for babies, which have a hood, keeping the head nice and warm. Flannel baby blankets are wonderfully cozy and warm and ensure good climate exchange. An old method is coming back into fashion, the so-called swaddling. Swaddling is a special wrapping technique for babies. Infants are tightly and securely wrapped in a cloth. There are special blankets for this. This method is considered controversial. If the baby is to kick and crawl, it needs a thicker blanket. For this, there are special crawling blankets.

Crawling blanket for allergy-prone babies

For allergy-prone babies, there are special allergy blankets that are easy to care for and low in allergens. Of course, when purchasing, one should primarily ensure that the materials used are free of harmful substances and that no chemical substances and dyes have been used. Natural materials are recommended for better climate exchange, as they are breathable. If these are also ecologically harmless, it is optimal. Certain manufacturers specialize in organic cotton from controlled organic farming. Here, one can be sure that no pesticides have been used. The materials used must also be saliva and sweat resistant. Very luxurious are wild silk blankets, whose filling consists of cotton and silk. Since children at this age often spit up, the blanket should also be able to be washed at higher temperatures.

Quality of crawling blankets

There is a rich selection of baby blankets, but many leave much to be desired in terms of material. Therefore, one should not save in the wrong place here and rather invest a little more. A good baby blanket often lasts several years and is later used as a cuddly and snuggling blanket. Experts recommend a baby sleeping bag. This way, there is no danger of the baby pulling the blanket over its head. A baby blanket should only be used under supervision, for example when wrapping in the stroller.

Crawling blanket With the mattress finder to the perfect mattress for you

The Mister Sandman mattress finder is a tool for online mattress consultation. In just a few steps, the important information necessary to find the mattress is collected. If a mattress is being sought that is to be used by two people, all information and data for both sleepers are queried and taken into account. The mattress finder collects the following information:

  1. weight?
  2. man or woman
  3. preferred sleeping position
  4. body stature
  5. preferred firmness level
  6. existing back pain

Crawling blanket shipping and delivery of Mister Sandman goods

We ship our mattresses with DPD and as roll mattresses. Once the goods are packed, they are handed over to our shipping service provider. You will receive a tracking number by email, which you can use to track your shipment online. This way, you know at all times where your package is located. Shipping and delivery are of course free of charge.

Crawling blanket shipping and return shipping are free for you

Ordering mattresses and bedding accessories, such as pillows, toppers, and comforters in the Mister Sandman shop, is completely risk-free. Shipping to all delivery addresses within Germany, including delivery to your doorstep, and return shipping including pickup by DPD is free. For a return, you can easily schedule a pickup appointment for the mattress with our customer service.

Crawling blanket mattress test - 30 days trial sleep

To allow you to extensively test your purchased mattress, Mister Sandman offers a 30-day trial sleep. During this time, your body gets used to the mattress, and you have enough time to notice whether the mattress is suitable for you or not. We provide a 10-year warranty on all our mattresses.

Crawling blanket Mister Sandman item - Quality claim

Our products in the Mister Sandman shop are certified with the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, product class I, identifiable by the label Textiles Vertrauen. All products have been thoroughly tested for harmful substances. Therefore, all Mister Sandman products are also suitable for babies and toddlers without any concerns. Our mattresses are exclusively manufactured in Germany.

Crawling blanket Mister Sandman online shop

The innovative online shop of Mister Sandman offers high-quality mattresses at reasonable prices. Our 3 models to choose from:

With the Matratzenfinder, you can find the mattress perfectly tailored to you. Further consultation through customer service is possible via chat or email.