Any parent of a baby or toddler will know that having a soft surface is a must-have in the home, especially one with hard floors. While carpets or rugs can minimise nasty bumps during playtime, they aren't the easiest to clean. That’s where this list of the best playmats comes in.
These spaces allow you to safely put down your infant so they can play independently with toys, or practice key skills such as tummy time, rolling, sitting or crawling with you close by.
Playmats these days come in all sorts of styles – from statement pieces that fit in seamlessly with your interior design aesthetic, to interactive models that encourage development for your little one. There are also numerous sizes and builds on offer, so no matter the layout of your home or the age of your child, there should be something in this roundup for you.
This curated list covers a wide range of budgets, ranging from bargain buys to premium pieces.
If you're looking for a new playmat, these are the best ones you can buy right now. Rest assured, every entry has been expertly tried and tested.
Read more: Best baby monitors 2026, tested by a parenting writer
The best play mats for 2026 are:
- Best overall – Nuby Foldable Playmat Road Map: £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Tutti Bambini Puzzle Playmat: £27, Amazon.co.uk
- Best thick mat – Gus + Beau Rainbow Playmat Set: £75, Gusbeau.com
- Best versatile mat – Totter + Tumble Morris & Co. The Bullerswood Stone Woad Playmat: £160, Tottertumble .co.uk
- Best for development – Etta Loves Plant Print Reversible Playmat: £65, Johnlewis.com
Read more: Best baby car mirrors 2026, reviewed by an expert
Nuby Foldable Playmat Road Map
Best: baby play mat overall
Why we love it
- Incredibly practical
- Decent cushioning
- Affordable
Take note
- Not slip-resistant
- Other rivals are thicker
If you want the option of a big mat, but don't want the faff of puzzle pieces, Nuby's foldable playmat could be what you're looking for.
It's available in four funky patterns. I tested the charming road map model, which is perfect for hand-eye coordination when playing with things such as toy cars. While my baby is a bit young for that, she seems to enjoy the bold patterns during tummy time. It's also reversible, with the option of a subtler finish.
The mat can quickly be folded in on itself (one-handed, if the baby is occupying the other arm) and kept in the included clear storage bag for safekeeping.
At 1cm thick, it isn't quite as plush or sturdy as some rivals. However, it's certainly friendlier on the purse strings, and the large space allows for loads of toys and gives me room to lie down with my baby and keep her company - something especially useful when I was encouraging rolling.
Key specifications
Buy now £39.99, Amazon.co.uk
Tutti Bambini Puzzle Playmat
Best: budget play mat
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Expandable
- Easy to clean
Take note
- Lining up patterns can be tricky
- Not the best aesthetic
- Flimsier than some rivals
These puzzle pieces from Tutti Bambini are both competitive and practical. There are 24 tiles in a pack, giving your baby or toddler plenty of space to explore. Any pieces you don't use can be tucked away in the accompanying clear storage bag.
Made from 1cm thick wipeable foam, babies have a nice plush layer between them and any hard floors. The contemporary print is a nice touch, though it is slightly spoiled by the assembly numbers being printed on the top side. I also found the patterns on the puzzle pieces a tad complex for matching up when not using the entire set.
However, these niggles are worth putting up with if you want a puzzle piece-style playmat at a low price point.
Key specifications
Buy now £27, Amazon.co.uk
Gus + Beau rainbow playmat
Best: thick play mat
Why we love it
- Durable
- Soft
- Minimalist
Take note
- Can get pricey for more tiles
- No storage bag included
Measuring 1.4cm thick, these playmat puzzle pieces from Gus + Beau are the plushest of the bunch, making them comfortable on the hardest of floors. They’re available in a range of minimalist designs, though this cream rainbow finish is a bestseller and brightens up any room.
The generously sized tiles are easy to slot together and feature edge pieces for a cleaner finish that gives the illusion of this being one continuous mat. The edge pieces don't always fit if you aren't opting for a linear shape – though you can cut these, or leave them off entirely. The starter pack includes six pieces, enough for a decent section for your baby to roll, crawl or even toddle. In fact, one tile is enough for my baby to have a kick about at this stage.
If you want a larger mat as your child becomes more adventurous, additional tiles are available, though costs can add up for bigger spaces and no storage bag is included.
Key specifications
Buy now £75, Gusandbeau.com
Totter + Tumble Morris & Co. The Bullerswood Stone Woad Playmat
Best: versatile play mat
Why we love it
- Inviting
- Well cushioned
- Effortlessly stylish
Take note
- A real investment
- Not easily packable
Any playmat from Totter + Tumble could be mistaken for a designer rug. I tested 2026’s latest model, which features a traditionally bold carpet pattern on one side and a more delicate leafy print on the other. Both options are beautiful additions to any room.
The thick memory foam will protect your baby or toddler from falls and is easily wipeable. My tiny tester gave it the seal of approval, debuting her first-ever roll during tummy time. It’s even plush enough to withstand one of my pilates sessions, and the heavy weight means there’s no chance of it slipping around, even if a bigger child (or adult) is doing the moving.
The standard version covers a good portion of a living space, but even the compact option gives your little one plenty of room to play. As it sits in my living space, it's easy to pop down my baby regularly and there's loads of room for her ever-growing collection of toys and for her to move about as she gets older.
This mat is the priciest in this chart and is not easily portable. It took two of us to set it up. However, if you’re looking for a playmat to become a staple in your home for years to come, this is the one for you.
Key specifications
Buy now £180, Totterandtumble.co.uk
Etta Loves Plant Print Reversible Playmat
Best: play mat for development
Why we love it
- Organic
- Undeniably cosy
- Supports babies’ visual and cognitive development
Take note
- Mainly suitable for infants
- Strap rather than storage bag
Playmats from Etta Loves combine a cosy aesthetic with scientifically inspired patterns, consulted by an orthoptist. As babies mostly see in greyscale at first, the black and white patterns encourage visual and physical development – my tiny tester certainly seemed fascinated, lifting her chest to look below her during tummy time.
Once they’re past the five-month mark, turn the mat over to reveal a more colourful pattern to match your baby’s improving sight. This mat is feather light, packs away snug with the included strap and can be quickly washed and dried should the need arise. The company offers a range of patterns and an outdoor mat for those who prefer to play al fresco.
It's also on the more affordable end, though the smaller size and slippier fabric make it best suited for infants - I noticed a lot of slipping on hardwood floors. There also isn't a storage bag included.
Key specifications
Buy now £66, Johnlewis.com
Avery Row Activity Mat Wildflower Garden
Best: play mat for travelling
Why we love it
- Stunning design
- Soft and organic
- Interactive toys
Take note
- Mainly suitable for infants
- Not slip-resistant
Avery Row’s activity mat takes away the hassle of carrying a million things at once. The mat is light, soft and packable with the accompanying travel bag, and boasts six built-in toys to encourage stimulation. This includes a squeaky button and a peekaboo mirror. My baby particularly loves the crinkly toys, though when she pulled them with enthusiasm she would lift parts of the mat, so be warned. I imagine she'll get more use out of the others when she learns how to sit.
These playmats are inspired by nature and are a beautiful addition to any room. My Wildflower Garden unit features a flower shape in organic cream cotton and offers a patterned and pink reversible side. It can also be thrown in the wash to eliminate any unwanted stains.
This mat is best for babies who aren’t toddling, due to its size and lack of slip resistance, something extra noticeable on hard floors. Although this is more expensive than the Etta Loves mat of a similar size, the built-in toys may be an extra selling point for some.
Key specifications
Buy now £95, Johnlewis.com
Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Discovery Activity Gym
Best: activity play mat
Why we love it
- Great sensory development
- Toys included
- Grows with your baby
Take note
- Mat slightly thin
- Maximalist design
- May be too loud for some
If you don’t mind having a bold and kiddy-style piece in your home, this musical activity gym from Baby Einstein can double as a playmat.
Babies can stay occupied by kicking the keyboard (something my tester loves) and reaching for the detachable sensory toys. There's a cushion for tummy time, and the arches can be taken off as your little one learns to sit up and press the keys with their hands. I had an older baby visit the house and she was happy practicing her own future piano skills with this play gym.
As this isn't a dedicated mat, it's on the thinner side and can slide, but it's light enough to move between rooms, and the fabric is machine washable. Users should also ensure that repetitive tunes and noises won't send them loopy before taking the plunge… this author is far past that point.
Key specifications
Buy now £44.99, Johnlewis.com
Babymoov Aquani
Best: play mat for outdoors
Why we love it
- Safe for outdoor use
- Multi-purpose
- Toys, bag and pegs included
Take note
- Folding is tricky
- Mat is not the prettiest
While many playmats can be used outdoors, they won't prevent babies from being directly in the sunlight. The Babymoov aquani solves that problem, and then some.
The mat tucks inside a pop-up SPF 50+ protected tent, so your baby can stay in the shade and be protected from bugs with a detachable mosquito net. Four interactive toys are included, though the hanging ones were a bit high for my baby – those that can sit may get more use out of these.
The raised sides mean you can use it as a playpen or ball pit. It can also be used as a paddling pool (ensure you take the mat out first).
Pegs are included with the travel bag, so you don’t need to worry about the tent blowing away. The main annoyance is folding it – I spent a good portion of time watching YouTube tutorials on repeat to get the knack.
Key specifications
Buy now £64.99, Amazon.co.uk
What is the best play mat?
If you’re sticking to a budget, you can’t go wrong with Nuby’s incredibly practical playmat, which can be folded and stored away with minimal fuss. For a thick mat and a more mid-range option, the tiles from Gus + Beau are extremely comfy while still retaining a chic finish. If style is your priority and money is no object, playmats from Totter + Tumble undoubtedly have the most versatile design for any home. All three picks are easy to wipe clean.
How I tested play mats
I've tested these playmats with my four-month-old baby for more than a month, setting them up in different areas of my house and taking them out and about for those that were built for travel. My baby has practiced tummy time on all of them, and I've encouraged use of special features such as built-in toys where possible.
These factors helped me determine the best playmats overall:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Hannah Cowton-Barnes has seven years of experience under her belt at publications such as Tech Advisor and Expert Reviews, having tested all sorts of products – from pregnancy pillows to the latest gadgets. With the help of her four-month old, she put every entry in this list under the microscope, finding both brand new additions to the chart this year, as well as re-testing others featured in IndyBest previously.
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