Baby play mats have made their way full force onto the market in the last few years, and for good reason. Early childhood development studies show that it's never too soon to babies to be exposed to a physically and mentally stimulating environment. If you're a parent like me, you'll also appreciate the fact that play mats offer a clean and comfortable area for baby to be on the floor.
Play mats are often made of soft and durable material that is appropriate for young children. They are adorned with bright colors which excite baby and stimulate their visual senses. For the most part all of the play mats on the market are made using different and unique textures and patterns which helps aid development of their tactile senses. It's important to buy a play mat that incorporates stimulation of as many of their senses as possible.
Another great thing about play mats is knowing that it's okay to have some time to yourself and put baby down for a bit. As it was for me and my wife most first time parents struggle with the guilt of putting their baby down for a bit. It helped quite a lot for me and my wife knowing when we did put our babies on the play mat, it was still healthy place for them. As you'll learn, it's just as important for babies to spend some time moving about by themselves instead of always being to their parents. Don't worry if you feel this way to begin with, know that it is a good for baby as it is for you to spend some time playing on the ground. It will help your baby in the long run to take part in activities that aids in them gaining strength and coordination they'll need as they grow.
Advice for choosing and using a play mat:
-Don't skimp. While price may be an important determiner for your purchase, you should find a play mat that offers stimulation of the most senses possible. It may cost a little more, but you'll get the most out of baby's time on the mat, and you'll save money and space.
-Buy a name brand product. It sounds a bit snobby, but they usually make the best products and in the off-chance you need to contact the companies support department, they usually have the best policies and are more responsive to consumers.
-Clean/wash your play mat routinely. Usually baby is the only one using the mat, but just like your floor, it will eventually become dirty and dusty, and needs to be washed. Try to use organic and non-toxic cleaners when you do to limit the chances of a skin reaction to baby.
-Alternate baby's time on the mat. It's a very good idea to switch between having baby on their tummy and on his back. Our son and first child, hated being on his tummy and as a result would spend most of his time on the mat being on his back. Though because babies skulls are still forming and growing, spending too much time on their backs can cause a flattened head as your baby skull bones are not sealed together. While the problem almost always corrects itself (as in our case), it was very stressful period for us as first time parents.
Play mats are often made of soft and durable material that is appropriate for young children. They are adorned with bright colors which excite baby and stimulate their visual senses. For the most part all of the play mats on the market are made using different and unique textures and patterns which helps aid development of their tactile senses. It's important to buy a play mat that incorporates stimulation of as many of their senses as possible.
Another great thing about play mats is knowing that it's okay to have some time to yourself and put baby down for a bit. As it was for me and my wife most first time parents struggle with the guilt of putting their baby down for a bit. It helped quite a lot for me and my wife knowing when we did put our babies on the play mat, it was still healthy place for them. As you'll learn, it's just as important for babies to spend some time moving about by themselves instead of always being to their parents. Don't worry if you feel this way to begin with, know that it is a good for baby as it is for you to spend some time playing on the ground. It will help your baby in the long run to take part in activities that aids in them gaining strength and coordination they'll need as they grow.
Advice for choosing and using a play mat:
-Don't skimp. While price may be an important determiner for your purchase, you should find a play mat that offers stimulation of the most senses possible. It may cost a little more, but you'll get the most out of baby's time on the mat, and you'll save money and space.
-Buy a name brand product. It sounds a bit snobby, but they usually make the best products and in the off-chance you need to contact the companies support department, they usually have the best policies and are more responsive to consumers.
-Clean/wash your play mat routinely. Usually baby is the only one using the mat, but just like your floor, it will eventually become dirty and dusty, and needs to be washed. Try to use organic and non-toxic cleaners when you do to limit the chances of a skin reaction to baby.
-Alternate baby's time on the mat. It's a very good idea to switch between having baby on their tummy and on his back. Our son and first child, hated being on his tummy and as a result would spend most of his time on the mat being on his back. Though because babies skulls are still forming and growing, spending too much time on their backs can cause a flattened head as your baby skull bones are not sealed together. While the problem almost always corrects itself (as in our case), it was very stressful period for us as first time parents.
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