Review of the best educational mats. Rating based on user reviews and voting

A developmental mat is considered a useful accessory in the development of a baby. With its help, the child gets acquainted with the world around him, remembers colors and shapes, and learns sounds. The rugs are made from soft, pleasant to the touch and safe materials. Therefore, they are absolutely safe for newborns, older children, and adults. This product is comfortable to crawl and walk on: the little one moves actively, and you don’t worry about its safety.

So, the task before you is to choose a worthy option from a wide range. We decided to help to make your search easier. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the best developmental mats, which were selected based on customer reviews and expert opinions.

Playgro "Zoo"

The bright colorful rug is 66.5 cm long. The material is soft textile with a silky surface. The child will be very pleased to touch it, and it does not cause irritation when in contact with delicate baby skin. On one side there is a special cushion, which is very convenient for the child to rest. There are two insect-shaped rattles attached to it. The rug has drawings of animals, which are depicted in a bright children's theme, which helps to greatly interest the baby. The rattle toys themselves are teething toys.

Pros:

1. High-quality, soft and pleasant to the touch fabric;
2. Beautiful and bright drawings attract a lot of attention;
3. A pillow and two toys/rattles as a gift;
4. Suitable for washing in a washing machine.

Minuses:

1. Small size.

Babypol "Know-It-All"

The rug itself has impressive dimensions - 180*200 cm, which is quite suitable as the main floor covering in a children's room. This amazing helper is made of durable polyurethane foam that is safe enough for baby's skin. The thickness of the rug is 1 cm. It is double-sided, where you can find multi-colored cells with the English alphabet, as well as a maze game with numbers. This allows you to turn the rug over as needed to study this or that information. The material itself is odorless, so it does not irritate the child’s respiratory tract. It is easy to wash and wash.

Pros:

1. Large size, which allows it to be used as a carpet;
2. Bright and colorful design;
3. Double-sided mat with different information to study;
4. The material is odorless and pleasant to the touch;
5. Easy to wash and clean;
6. Good thickness;
7. It makes it easy to learn the letters of the English alphabet.

Minuses:

1. High price.

Crumbs Lawn with fish

The rug is created by a Russian brand that has been in demand on the market for a long time. This is an inexpensive model, which, along with a bright and multi-colored coating, comes with a lot of rustling and squeaking noises that will definitely be able to keep your child occupied for a long time. The mat itself is made of natural and soft cotton, which breathes well and does not emit unpleasant odors. The size of the rug is 90*90. The rug features different animals that can be taught to children.

Pros:

1. Comfortable and high quality mat;
2. Lots of toys included;
3. Occupies the child's attention for a long time;
4. Optimal size;
5. Does not shed or emit unpleasant odors;
6. Natural cotton;
7. Easy to wash;
8. Affordable price.

Tiny Love

The rug has dimensions of 89*82 cm, and the height of the arcs reaches 42 cm. This is quite a roomy rug for children under 3 years old. Its bright colorful design attracts the baby from the first minutes. There are many areas that squeak or rustle, and the musical toy produces a beautiful melody. The set includes a comfortable pillow for the head, a rattle in the shape of a dolphin, a bell in the shape of a lion, a mirror, and a musical monkey, which has a multi-colored circle on its belly that attracts even more attention from the baby. The surface of the mat is very soft to the touch and will be pleasant to the baby's skin.

Pros:

1. Optimal size;
2. Pleasant to the touch textile mat;
3. Touch inserts that make various sounds;
4. Bright and colorful design;
5. Toys included;
6. Quality music.

Minuses:

1. High price.

TOP 7 best educational mats for newborns

Our list includes the following models:

• Tiny Love Sunny day;
• La-Di-Da Underwater world with lights and music;
• Funkids 3 Ways To Play Gym;
• Giraffes Sea stories;
• Amarobaby Splendid Bear;
• Fisher-Price Piano;
• Infantino Growing together.

Let's take a closer look at them.

Tiny Love Sunny day

A bright, multifunctional rug for the all-round development of the baby. Equipped with a safety mirror, four toys and a funny sun. The last element is capable of playing one of three melodies. The rug is a traditional design in the form of a soft square cloth with intersecting arcs and hanging toys. When the baby touches the sun, a cheerful melody will sound. The surface of the rug includes a large number of pleasant surprises. For example, a squeaking flower.

Cost - from 4,500 rubles.

pros

• interesting design;
• pleasant melodies;
• funny toys;
• convenient use;
• compact storage;
• washability;
• bright, attractive colors;
• many additional entertainment elements (rustling flowers, beeping sun, and so on).

Minuses

• Made of synthetic materials, so the baby's back may sweat.

The rug is just lovely. The child really likes it. The model helps me leave my junior for a while to quickly solve my problems. Easy to disassemble, wash, conveniently stored. Everything is great, I recommend it.

rug Tiny Love Sunny day

La-Di-Da Underwater world with lights and music

A beautiful, magical rug reminiscent of a fascinating underwater world. Suitable for children from birth to 12 months. Equipped with two arches and protective sides made of soft printed fabric. Thanks to hanging toys, the baby develops a grasping reflex and coordination of movements. The arcs are easily removable for subsequent washing. The music block is built into the turtle, the fish can blink. The system has 15 melodies with volume control, a touch sensor, five toys with sound and light effects, a rattle and a mirror, and a pillow. The design has a high level of stability, mobility and strength.

Price - from 2,600 rubles.

pros

• colorful colors;
• multifunctionality;
• comfortable back pillow;
• useful elements on the surface;
• lots of funny melodies;
• There is a special liquid inside the octopus;
• interesting lighting effects;
• convenient use.

Minuses

• no batteries included;
• There are no instructions for assembling the rug.

The rug is super. There are many useful development tools. Light effects do not strain the eyes. The music is quite pleasant, not loud. We noticed that the octopus contains a cooling liquid for the gums. Therefore, I recommend cleaning the mat before each use. With the help of a multifunctional turtle, you can change sounds and blinks. The quality is excellent, I recommend it.

rug La-Di-Da Underwater world with light and music

Funkids 3 Ways To Play Gym

Here is an original rug that depicts the fun life in the jungle. There is a zebra, a monkey, lions and other characters. Thanks to durable materials, the baby can lie on his back, crawl on his tummy, push with his feet, sit and communicate in his new company. The rug and all elements are machine washable. For more comfortable use, you can attach the pillow. The mats can be easily raised and lowered and fixed at the desired height. This way the baby will be inside while you go about your business. The system provides musical effects. The characters provide new tactile sensations, joy and variety.

Cost - from 3,000 rubles.

pros

• safe materials;
• rich colors;
• high sides;
• large toys;
• high quality construction;
• optimal sizes;
• pleasant sound elements;
• interesting characters;
• machine washable.

Minuses

• high arrangement of toys;
• the mirror does not reflect.

We liked the rug. Seemed more saturated than in the picture. The toys are placed too high for my little one to reach. I had to connect my own to shorten the distance a little. Everything is fine now. The sides are freely adjustable, ensuring safety. After washing, the rug does not deteriorate, which I consider the most significant plus. I recommend.

Funkids 3 Ways To Play Gym mat

Giraffes Sea stories

This mat is developmentally suitable for children from 0 to 24 months. From birth, the baby will lie on his back and develop visual skills and the ability to focus his eyes. Then he will begin to reach for toys, and then step on the keys with his feet and turn on melodies with lighting effects. The design contains funny sea creatures: two octopuses, two seahorses. There is a mirror, animal sounds, funny melodies, and a “Musician” mode for turning on various keys.

Price - from 1,500 rubles.

pros

• high quality;
• convenient operation;
• interesting piano;
• funny toys;
• quick assembly and disassembly;
• calm colors predominate;
• materials that are pleasant to the touch;
• several game modes.

Minuses

• loud piano.

A budget rug, but quite interesting and of high quality. The child really liked the toys and melodies. He tries to press the piano, but so far it’s not very successful. The mat is easy to clean, so I don’t worry about the child’s health. The model is simply excellent, I would recommend it.

rug Giraffes Sea stories

Amarobaby Splendid Bear

An original rug made in the form of a circle with two arcs. Excellent for the development of babies, since with its help the child develops fine motor skills, hearing, vision and tactile perception. There is a piano located at the child’s feet. There is a music block with different sound modes and 80 funny melodies. Five hanging toys can be swapped, replaced with your own or new ones. They are made of safe plastic and pleasant to the touch material. The mat itself is easy to clean and, if necessary, washable.

Cost - from 2,300 rubles.

pros

• nice color of materials;
• soft surface;
• multifunctional piano;
• reliable fastenings;
• quick cleansing;
• convenient round shape;
• a large number of melodies;
• functional arcs.

Minuses

• there is a specific smell;
• Not enough Velcro.

We used to have another rug, but it quickly became unusable. We decided to replace it with this model. Both the baby and we really liked her. A huge set of melodies perfectly attracts the child's attention. I was glad that the piano was at my feet. The daughter kicks him cheerfully and in return receives one of the cheerful melodies. The rug washes well. Good model, we recommend it.

Amarobaby Splendid Bear mat

Fisher-Price Piano

A modern, multifunctional mat with Smart Stages technology. It involves a selection of educational games according to the age of the child. For babies 0 to 3 months old, play continuous music for up to 20 minutes to help them develop their sensory skills. For babies from 3 to 6 months old, short songs about animals will help them learn about the world around them. For children from 6 months of age, there are songs and phrases for exploring colors, numbers, and shapes. There is an arch with hanging toys, a piano with five keys. The last element is easily removed for carrying.

Price - from 4,300 rubles.

pros

• the presence of three game modes;
• removable piano;
• funny songs;
• five toys;
• backlight;
• volume control;
• high quality materials;
• multifunctionality.

Minuses

• the images of animals do not correspond to reality.

An excellent idea for the full development of a child. There are all the necessary elements: music, backlit keys, piano, toys. The surface is very soft, but easy to wash. My husband and I looked at the painted animals for a long time, but we could not recognize some of the characters. It could have been more realistic. And so the model is quite satisfactory.

Fisher-Price piano mat

Infantino Growing together

In front of you is a large turtle with two arches and sides. There are bright toys on the arches that will definitely attract the baby's attention. The sides are raised and retracted, ensuring safety during the gameplay. There are several animals on the surface. If you click on them, the music block will work. Due to its small size, the turtle fits perfectly into the drum of a washing machine. The colors of the materials are preserved even after numerous washes.

Cost - from 3,500 rubles.

pros

• high-quality mesh playpen;
• bright design;
• mobility;
• washability;
• funny melodies;
• reliable fastening of toys;
• safe gaming process.

Minuses

• due to the small size of the rug, large children cannot fit;
• low arches.

I don't recommend this model. I find it expensive and useless. The location of the arcs is very inconvenient, so the child does not focus his eyes on the toys. My eldest son does not fit into the playpen at all. The only advantages I can highlight are the bright design and portability. The rest is just negatives.

rug Infantino Growing together

Fisher-Price "Butterfly's Dream"

The mat comes complete with two soft arches that can be removed at will. Base size 65*51. It is made of soft and safe fabric, which feels very pleasant and gentle to the touch. It can be washed in a washing machine on a delicate cycle. Toy pendants are attached to the arches: a mirror and teethers. The soft bear can make musical sounds and play music. Runs on classic AA batteries. Some music melodies can play for up to 20 minutes.

Pros:

1. High-quality and safe material;
2. Long duration sound effects;
3. Everything can be disassembled and machine washed;
4. Attractive and delicate design;
5. Suitable from the first days of life.

Minuses:

1. Batteries must be purchased separately.

Comparison table of characteristics

We suggest comparing models using this table.

Bambi “Flower” – rug with a projector

The rug is made in the shape of a flower in a soft pink color. It is equipped with three removable arcs from which you can hang different toys. The set includes butterflies, rings, flowers, a small pillow, a music block and a projector that creates images on the ceiling. The mat itself has sensor inserts that squeak and make other sounds. There are also special lighting effects. The diameter of the flower is 105 mm.

Pros:

1. High-quality and safe materials;
2. Beautiful and attractive design;
3. Large selection of toys and other items;
4. Lots of sounds, lighting effects;
5. Projector and music block as a gift.

Bright Starts Dreams of Africa

This is a large rug with comfortable soft sides that will allow the child to sit inside, as if in a room. It measures 120*105 cm, and with raised sides - 60*70. The arcs are removable. They can be used to attach various toys that come included. A net with rings in it is stretched between some arcs in order to throw the ball through them. The set includes 35 soft balls, a mirror, teethers, soft toys and rattles. The elephant toy is musical.

Pros:

1. Large rug with comfortable boots;
2. Good equipment;
3. Beautiful and bright design;
4. Pleasant to the touch materials;
5. High-quality sound effects.

Minuses:

1. High price.

Manufacturers of good educational mats

As a rule, educational mats are produced by manufacturers of children's toys and children's products (strollers, high chairs, bottles, etc.). European brands Fischer-Price , Bright Starts , Infantino and others offer unconditional quality, interesting visual and technical solutions, and also use global and own developments in the field of child development. Most often, their rugs are a real sensory simulator for a baby, equipped with electronics for light and sound effects, and many toys with tactile elements. It is especially worth noting the Israeli products Tiny Love - their assortment includes more than a dozen colorful and original educational rugs for every taste, which have earned many positive reviews from mothers. Of course, the cost of such products is considerable, but it is fully justified by their high quality, safety and reliability.

But in search of inexpensive, good rugs, you can also make pleasant discoveries. For example, the Russian brand “ Myakishi ” produces very worthy products from natural materials, with beautiful and durable toys and interesting tactile inserts. The MERX Limited brand also pleases with modern products at affordable prices. The popular rugs “ Umka ” and “ Giraffes ” (Russia-China) cannot boast of a variety of developmental elements and a special design, but they offer quite acceptable quality in the budget segment.

Based on the above criteria and offers from trusted brands, “Price Expert” selected the 10 best rugs for children’s games and development:

Buyer's Guide: Questions and Answers

What is a developmental mat

An educational children's mat is a special accessory designed to attract a child's attention through bright colors, pictures and toys. The toys themselves can make different sounds or melodies, just like the rug itself. The kit may include different sets of toys, rattles, mirrors and much more.

There are different types of educational mats on sale, each of which has its own size, theme and direction.

What is he developing?

They develop the child’s fine motor skills, help him get up and walk faster, if we are talking about very young children. Toys that hang on arcs help to focus the gaze and also reach for them, which subsequently affects the faster start of the first steps.

The child is attracted to the various sounds that toys or the rug itself make. He learns to distinguish colors and notes, as well as the designs themselves that decorate the canvases. Typically, educational mats have various parts in their set in order to ultimately create many different tactile sensations for the baby to familiarize himself with.

How to choose

You need to choose educational rugs based on the child’s age:

• 6-8 months - here it would be best to choose a rug with arcs to develop the child’s fine motor skills. He will reach for toys and focus his gaze on them. Moreover, such arches will help him grab onto them in an attempt to stand up. For toys, it would be best to choose options with simple sounds: rattles, squeakers, gentle musical melodies. The optimal size for children of this age is a 90 cm mat;
• From 1 year - here you will need to choose a larger rug with a bright and colorful design. There may be various thematic drawings that will capture the baby’s attention. This could be the alphabet, a simple labyrinth, or other exciting games with words, animals and numbers. Experts advise purchasing floor mats;
• Over 1 year - here it is worthwhile to purchase educational floor mats with precision, where various information may be present, right down to the letters of the English alphabet. The set of rugs may also include toys with musical effects and light effects. An interesting solution would be to purchase a model with a projector included in order to project various patterns or pictures on the ceiling for your child.

How to wash

You can wash the educational mat, but you must remove all removable parts, toys and musical instruments. It is recommended to machine wash in cold water on a delicate cycle. This can avoid possible shrinkage or stretching of the product. When washing the rug, you can use baby powder.

Tips for choosing

The following tips will help you avoid mistakes when purchasing:

1. Age restrictions. The manufacturer indicates this information on the packaging or in the technical description of the model. Take this parameter into account, otherwise an older child simply will not fit on the rug.
2. Height of arcs. The higher the distance from the mat to the arch, the better the baby focuses on the toys. The optimal indicator is from 48 cm.
3. Options. It’s good if the model has a piano, musical and lighting effects, and functional elements on the surface of the rug itself. They have a better effect on the development of children.
4. Manufacturer. If you are in doubt about a brand, read reviews. Customer comments always contain information about the quality of the model and the integrity of the manufacturer. This way you can make the right choice.
5. Price. The price does not always correspond to the quality and functionality. If you see that there is nothing special in the model, and the price is seriously inflated, feel free to avoid such a rug. Why overpay when you can buy a completely decent sample for the same price.