A play mat is an excellent idea for babies and small children
. It allows the children on the floor time to roll around and play without having to worry that they are unprotected from the floor surface.
Most of the play mat styles today are made of a type of rubber and have skid-resistant grooves or the like on the bottom to ensure that your children are safe while they play. Most are also decorated with fun themes that can keep even the most restless child entertained for hours on end, especially if they have toys that go along with the theme of the mat. Everyone has seen the mat with a town printed on it with roads all over -- that is one of the all time favorites, especially among little boys who love toy cars.
Those that are made for infants and very young children also have a bit of hanging entertainment, like with baby chairs. These are often stuffed animals that rotate from above, which can be a fun distraction for your little ones. It is possible to find styles that are made to develop certain parts of the brain as opposed to simply entertain as well.
Most toy stores will have play mats for sale, as will some baby supply retailers. Everywhere will have different styles as well, so be sure to shop around to find the best style for your child. You may find that some do not entertain quite as much as others do, so comparison shop for the best of the best!
The cost will vary according to the size and the activity center that is offered with it, the more elaborate it is the more it will cost. Typically a nice little mat can be bought for around thirty dollars.
Though most parents look into getting these mats for entertainment, they can also be used to stimulate your child's brain and promote early development. Look into educational mats if you want to give your little one something more to do than to play around.
A play mat is a great learning tool that provides exercise for the baby and assists in the development of motor skills. It is a great baby gift that is relatively inexpensive and guaranteed to be enjoyed.