Best Baby Play Mats in Australia – Top 7 Picks (Updated 2026!)

Most parents would have heard the phrase “tummy time”, as it is an important part of your baby’s development. Placing your little one on their tummy every day will help them gain strength, lift their head, and eventually sit up. A baby play mat will not only be a safe place for them to practise new physical milestones, but it will also keep them entertained. 

We have compared a range of baby play mats in Australia and these are the best of the best. Our top pick is the Skip Hop Cloud Play Mat and Activity Gym as it can be modified as your child grows.

Our Top Picks for The Best Baby Play Mats in Australia

Best Overall — Skip Hop Cloud Play Mat and Activity Gym

This is an oversized, padded play mat with a beautifully soft cushioned base. The set includes a selection of interactive toys to encourage development including a mirror, speaker, light-up star, music, and rattle.

The Skip Hop Cloud Play Mat and Activity Gym is our number one pick. It is a unisex design that will complement any room with a subtle grey cloud look. The small splashes of colour will be appealing to babies, and the accessories are sweet with a star, sheep, and sun included in the mix. Suitable from birth, this baby floor mat can adapt to their ever-changing needs. 

The different textures, LED light, and musical tunes are perfect for sensory play. It comes with a removable faux mink tummy time pillow to help them practice during the earlier months. Once your baby can sit up, you can detach the hanging toys and use it as a plush floor rug. The Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Play Mat and Activity Gym is free from PVC and phthalates, making it safer for little ones.

Cons: The animals can be a bit tricky to wash.

Best for Learning — The Lovevery Play Gym

This baby play rug will take them through the first year… and beyond! It starts as a mat with hanging toys and eventually turns into a fun fort. There is always something to learn and explore and this will keep them entertained while supporting their key milestones.

The Lovevery Play Gym has a slightly higher price tag, but the features are well worth the money. It can be enjoyed by children from 0 through to the toddler stage, and it is an investment that will pay for itself. This large play mat is easy to assemble, and the wooden components are sustainably sourced. The 5 learning zones focus on colours, focus, hide and seek, textures, and sounds. 

The toys include a BPA free silicone teething ring, Montessori ball, wooden ring, and learning cards. This is designed to help parents gently teach their children age-appropriate skills in a fun way. The key areas of development that this play mat supports include physical, cognitive, visual, motor skills, and imagination. It has been made with safety in mind and is non-toxic.

Cons: If you don’t wash it exactly as they say in the manual, it could shrink.

Best Budget Pick — Infant Shining Baby Play Mat

This is an extra-large, thick foam play mat measuring 200cm x 180cm. It is a reversible design featuring a forest Nordic bear on one side and a Nordic forest on the other. While there are no additional toys, the size makes it perfect for rolling, crawling, sitting, walking, and playing.

The Infant Shining Baby Play Mat is a safe, non-toxic mat made from XPE foam and it is free from BPA. If you are looking for foam mats for babies, this is one you should consider. You won’t get that lingering plastic smell, and this makes it ready for use as soon as you open the package. It is soft underfoot and will help pre-walkers feel confident about getting up on their feet. This play mat can fit in smaller living space by simply folding it in half. The mat can fold up completely and be stored in a handy carry case when not in use. This clever feature also makes it ideal for travel! 

Parents will rejoice over how easy the Shining Foam Baby Play Mat is to clean. This is a completely waterproof baby play mat, and any accidents, food spills, or milk can be removed instantly by wiping it down with a damp towel. Due to the durability, cushioning, and extra space for you to play with your child, this is one of our top picks.

Cons: Not the most durable option!

Best Sensory Option — Bright Starts Zig Zag Safari Activity Gym

If you are on a budget, this baby play mat is a great option. It has an adorable safari theme featuring all of their (and your) favourite characters. There are four detachable toys, including the lovable zebra chime. (Who doesn’t love the black and white animal?) The teether, mirror, chime, and rattle can even be removed and attached to your pusher when out and about.

Our favourite budget buy is the Bright Starts Zig Zag Activity Gym. It comes with a baby-friendly mirror so they can practise smiling for Mum and Dad, and chimes for them to experience cause and effect. The padded play mat is soft, light, and washable, making it convenient to take to the park or a friend’s house. 

As your baby grows you can remove the hanging toys and use it as a regular mat. Our research suggests this is probably better suited to younger babies from newborn to 6 months, as active crawling tots might not stay put!

Cons: Honestly, I couldn’t find any! Some people regret it not having a fifth toy, but one could say that for almost any product on the market.

Best Play Mat for Toddlers — Melissa & Doug Round The World Travel Rug

Slightly older babies will enjoy playing on this unique baby mat. It has colourful, appealing illustrations and features different places around the globe. This is recommended by pediatricians.

The Melissa & Doug Round the World Travel Rug is our top pick for toddlers who are ready to participate in imaginative play. Continents, oceans, animals, and landmarks are all featured which can be a great opportunity for learning. The play mat includes a set of wooden toys to encourage interaction and the development of fine motor skills. There is a passport, car, airplane, and boat, plus some fun travel-themed stickers. 

Pretend play gets them away from the electronics and allows your child the opportunity to be creative. It can also be beneficial in nurturing language development. This is made from durable material and it is machine washable. Your floors will be protected with skid-proof backing. This can be used as a baby crawling mat and then a toy zone for toddlers.

Cons: Could have been a bit bigger for the price!

Best Plastics-Free Option — Ingenuity Cozy Spot Activity Gym

Are you tired of baby products replete with plastics?

I am too! This is just one of the reasons why I appreciate this next play mat on my list. When you look at its materials, the duvet and the toys are made of soft, machine-washable fabrics. But most importantly, the toy bar is wooden and designed so that it’s easy to fold or convert into a handle for carrying out and about!

That’s why I think Ingenuity Activity Gym really deserves greater popularity due to a perfect marriage of superb quality and incredible design.

I also like the fact that its colours are gentle and neutral in terms of gender, but also general aesthetics. Not everyone likes their living room converted into a playroom clad in bright blue or pink or yellow!

Cons: Can be a bit difficult to assemble if you’re not patient!

Best Stylish Foam Play Mat — Rugabub

“Designer” usually means expensive, but don’t let that trick you. Indeed, Rugabub play mats aren’t cheap, but they are far from being unaffordable for the quality they offer!

Being the eco-conscious mum that I am, I especially appreciate that they are made of sustainable, non-toxic and bio-degradable memory foam. No latex, PVC, rubber or anything like that! No less important to me is the fact that it’s an Australian family business.

Plus, the designs and patterns are incredibly stylish and will match just about any kind of interior. These play mats can double as rugs without anyone even noticing! In fact, the padding makes them perfect for hard floors. Maintenance is also very easy – just wipe it with a wet cloth.

However, this also means that they aren’t nearly as playful or feature-rich as the other options from my list. There are no toys or activity gym functionalities.

Cons: If you’re looking to buy an all-in-one option that has toys, teethers, rattles and the like, this is not the best option.

What to Consider When Buying a Baby Play Mat in Australia

The Age of Your Child

When buying a baby play mat, you should consider the age and stage of your child. A newborn will have different needs to a toddler, so there is no point in purchasing a small play gym for an older bub. If you are pregnant or already have a new addition to your family, a play mat that can adapt as your child grows could be the answer. Look for a solution with toys and opportunities for sensory development.

Slightly older babies will benefit from an interactive, oversized floor mat that can support them and give them a safe space to practice rolling, crawling, sitting, and walking.

The Size of the Play Area

Think about where you will set your baby play mat up. If you only have a small space, you will need to be conscious of the dimensions to make sure it is a good fit. An oversized baby play rug is good for free play, but might not be an appropriate choice for a tight space.

A smaller baby play mat will be easier to transport and can be used when you go out. For example, you could take it with you to the hairdresser, Grandma’s house, or the park.

Your Budget

Baby play mats in Australia come in a variety of price points. Your budget might play a role in the decision-making process, but rest assured there are a few cheaper high-quality alternatives available. 

Some models have a range of features and can be converted as your baby grows. Often, more expensive items will have extra toys and more opportunities for sensory development.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I buy my baby a play mat?

We know tummy time is an important part of a child’s development. Tummy time helps to strengthen their muscles as they learn to lift their head. A baby play mat is a good place for your little one to play, relax, and practise new skills over the first year of their life. 

You can buy a baby play mat at any time, but if you like to be organised you can purchase it during pregnancy. Your baby will use it straight away to relax, but it won’t be until around 3 months that they really start to interact with any toys. You should speak to your doctor for the most current advice on tummy time and other strategies to promote development. For slightly older babies, look for a design that is bigger with more room for free play.

Are baby play mats safe?

Not all play mats for babies will meet Australian safety standards, but there are a few things to look out for such as child safe materials, BPA teething rings, and non-toxic components. 

A baby mat should be placed flat on the floor otherwise it could become a safety hazard. While baby playmats are generally considered safe, it is still important to supervise your baby.

How do I clean a baby play mat?

The way you clean your mat will depend on the manufacturer’s instructions. Some will be machine washable, others could be wiped down with a wet cloth, while larger designs might be vacuum friendly.

Before purchasing, make sure you check the instructions to ensure it is an easy to clean design… because babies are messy!

Contributor Anna Wood is a freelance writer and mother of 3.