The Best Baby Playmats and Gyms of 2025

The Lovevery Play Gym is the crème de la crème of baby play gyms—and yes, it lives up to the hype. It has an impressive 4.9-average star rating on the Babylist Shop with thousands of rave reviews, and over 2,000 Babylist parents—almost 25% of those surveyed in our annual Most Loved Products poll—rated it their favorite. "It's the best developmental toy,” said one parent, and I agree for all the reasons I'm obsessed with it myself: it's incredibly well-made, looks great in any room and is thoughtfully designed by child development experts to foster early growth and exploration. 

The Play Gym has five distinct development zones, each of which promote learning in key areas like focus (think high-contrast cards and a mirror), object permanence and exploring colors, sounds and textures. You can close each zone to save space or to direct your baby’s focus to avoid overstimulation. “My baby spends so much time playing independently on the mat exploring the different zones,” says one parent. “There continues to be something that captivates him at each new milestone—the ‘making sounds’ zone encouraged his kicking and the ‘how things feel’ zone encouraged mouthing.”

Lightweight, portable and tested to be baby-safe, the Lovevery mat is made without flame retardants or PVC with high-quality organic cotton and silicone pieces they can safely mouth on. I like that it can be used solo or with the included arch for back, tummy time or seated play. The arch is made from sustainably sourced, FSC-certified wood with space to attach the included teething ring, batting ring and high-contrast ball, which my two-year-old still plays with today. 

Like many parents, I really appreciate that this play gym comes with a parent play guide, so you know exactly how to play with your little one at each age to get the most out of the mat. There’s a Sensory Strands accessory (sold separately or as a bundle) to add even more excitement. While pricey, this playmat converts into a fort with the included play space cover for older babies, so your little one can use it for several years.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 23.9”H 37.9”W x 42.9”L (closed) and 23.9”H x 50”W x 47”L (open)

• Material: FSC-certified wood, polyester, silicone and organic cotton

• Care: Machine-washable in cold water and on gentle air dry

This activity gym from Skip Hop offers a great value considering the quality and abundance of features. With three ways to play (tummy time, back and seated) and over 17 developmental activities, it will keep your baby engaged and entertained from day one throughout the first year.

"The multifunction of this mat makes it a long-lasting toy," one parent said in our annual survey. "It's great for tummy time...and [the] overhead toys are great for baby lying on [their] back to reach for. And toys can easily be removed to take on the go."

The mat and hanging toys encourage motor skills, tactile recognition, grasping and teething. “Interactive features that provide feedback, like rattles, mirrors or squeakers, can help babies begin to learn cause and effect,” notes Dr. Christakis. I also like that the mat features toy loops so you can add your own toys to keep things interesting.

The play gym is lightweight and easy to move around the house or to break down for travel and conveniently folds away when not in use. And it's machine washable and dryer-safe, so cleanup is simple.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 38”L x 34”W x 19”H

• Material: Polyester, FSC-certified wood

• Care: Machine wash and tumble dry (Toys, except rainbow toy, and arches are spot clean only.)

Fisher-Price’s iconic Glow and Grow Kick & Play Gym is a huge hit with little ones and their parents, with 20% of Babylist parents dubbing it their favorite. It’s also a favorite of celebrity parent John Legend, who famously covered the toy’s popular “Purple Monkey In A Bubble-Gum Tree” song in a viral Instagram post. 

Its standout feature is the detachable piano that lights up and plays over 85 songs, sounds and phrases with every kick or tap. The piano includes three smart-stage learning levels plus a freestyle mode with real piano notes. It might test the patience of sensory-sensitive parents (like me), but most babies are completely captivated, especially those who hate being put down. One parent told us her baby “has so much fun [on it]. I’ll hear her screaming from excitement while she’s lying there.” Two volume settings and a music-off option offer a bit of sanity-saving control.

I also really like that this play gym can grow with your baby. Babylist associate editor Amylia Ryan says her oldest “loved his kick piano and played with it for much longer than expected,” adding that it’s now a hand-me-down favorite across her whole family. The mat is machine washable, and the plastic piano wipes clean easily. The only downside: the mat is a bit thin, so it’s best used on a rug or carpet for added cushioning, and its rectangular shape isn’t ideal for rolling practice.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 36” x 27” x 18”

• Material: Plastic and polyester

• Care: Machine washable

The Tiny Love Gymini Deluxe is just the right size for newborns with a compact mat and lower toy bar to bring the fun down to their level. It was ranked among the top four baby play gyms by Babylist parents, who loved the simple but stylish design of high-contrast black and white colors.

The play mat and stand-alone wooden arch offer plenty for little ones to see, touch and explore and can be used together or separately. The mat’s various sensory elements, like a crinkly peek-a-book tree and rainbow rattle kicker, make tummy time more fun. Pediatric occupational therapist Emma Hubbard is also a big fan of interactive and adjustable sliding toys, like the adorable musical lion and crinkly mobile. And there’s a soft black and white book you can take on the go.

As for downsides, the mat isn’t very thick, so you may want to place it on a rug or carpet for extra cushioning. Some parents noted that while the ribbons on the mat frayed a bit quicker than expected, they appreciated the overall design. A few also mentioned that the hook-and-loop accessory straps for the toys that wrap around the legs could be a little longer for added convenience.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 34.6” x 17.7” x 31”

• Material: Polyester

• Care: Machine-washable mat

If you’re interested in Montessori for babies, this simple, beautiful activity gym from Skip Hop is a good option. Designed with the help of Montessori experts, it features a sustainable wood arch and a calming design—you won’t find any bright lights or sounds here—to engage your baby’s sensory exploration. “The combination of simple and engaging is what makes this wooden activity gym stand out,” says Jen LaBracio. “The overall aesthetic and wood accents give the gym a natural look and help distinguish it from many other activity gyms on the market.” 

While the Discoverosity is easy on the eyes, it’s also jam-packed with features, with over 27 developmental activities to nurture babies’ natural curiosity, strengthen hand-eye coordination, increase focus and concentration and aid in cognitive, visual and fine and gross motor development. “The black and white contrasts are perfect for catching the attention of younger babies, and I loved the hanging toys as my baby got older and became more interested in exploring,” says LaBracio. There are five fun, sensory-rich toys included: a gradation mobile, exploration mirror, wooden ring, rainbow rattle and teething tree. The extra-plush mat comes with a cozy cloud tummy time pillow too so babies can comfortably play for longer.

“The parent cards were also an excellent addition,” says LaBracio. “Many new parents have no idea how to ‘play; with a newborn (myself included), so these are really helpful.” Each of the six cards features stage-based activities and expert tips to make the most of playtime, providing valuable guidance to support your baby's development at every stage.

Keep in mind that the wooden frame doesn’t fold for storage, so this play gym is a bit bulkier and less portable than some other options on our best-of list.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 42” x 33.5” x 19”

• Material: Oeko-Tex-certified polyester & FSC-certified wood; PP & PVC

• Care: Machine wash mat, pillow and rainbow toy cold on gentle cycle, and tumble dry on low. Spot clean wooden arches, mobile, ring, mirror and tree toy.

Whether you’re outfitting a small play nook or a full playroom, this foam mat has you covered. Each tile features a hand-illustrated pattern and connects like a puzzle, so you can adjust the layout to fit your space. Made from cushioned, non-toxic EVA foam, it creates a comfortable spot for playtime, tummy time or everyday lounging, all while complementing your home’s aesthetic.

Parents love how practical it is. "[It's] easy to move around and clean up, great for creating a safe play space inside or outside," shared one mom. "It's so helpful to have a soft surface for tummy time," said another. "I only have wood floors in the living area, and having a good playmat allowed us to play in common areas and not be stuck on carpet in bedrooms. We literally use it every day.”

On the downside, some parents note that the trim pieces don’t always line up seamlessly, especially on smaller sizes, and that a few tiles may lift slightly over time. Still, most agree the tradeoff is worth it for the design, durability and comfort this mat provides.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: Available in multiple sizes, from 4' x 6' up to 8' x 10'

• Material: EVA foam and printed top film layer

• Care: Wipe up spills right away, clean with mild soap and water as needed, and avoid harsh cleaners

If you’re looking for a playmat that does it all, this one’s it. The Toddlekind Wander Classic is designed for versatility: it’s soft enough for tummy time at home, yet durable and portable enough for park picnics, beach days or playdates.

Made with a 100% organic cotton top layer and a water-resistant coating, it’s gentle on sensitive skin and easy to wipe clean. When messes happen (and they will), just toss it in the washing machine. The included carry bag makes it simple to roll up and go wherever playtime takes you.

Parents love its comfort and flexibility. “Not only was it great for baby tummy time and as she has grown into more mobility, but it's really helpful for mama's knees!” shared one parent in our annual survey.

At 47" x 47", it’s roomy enough for stretching, playing, or lounging together—indoors or out. Just note that it’s thinner than foam mats, so it won’t offer as much cushioning for higher-impact play. And some parents said it pilled a bit after multiple washes.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 47" x 47"

• Material: Outer layer: 100% organic cotton; inner layer: 100% polyester

• Care: Machine wash, don't tumble dry

If you’re looking for an elevated basic or an Instagram-worthy spot to snap monthly baby photos, practice rolling or tummy time, this quilted mat from Crane Baby should be at the top of your list. Its lightweight, minimalist design makes it ultra-portable for playtime or chill time at any age, anywhere, whether hanging at home, playing at the park or going to grandma’s house.

"I was gifted this mat when my second son was born, and to be honest, I wasn't sure I'd use it very much as we already owned a larger play gym," said LaBracio. "But I actually ended up using it all the time, especially during the first few months. I kept it upstairs in his room and used it for playtime, tummy time or for when I needed a soft spot for him to chill while I cleaned up his room."

The mat is hand-quilted and features a 100% cotton exterior for extra softness. It's also easy to clean after a mess: just pop it into the washing machine and dry on a low setting. Just note that it's not nearly as padded as a foam playmat, so don't expect that level of cushion.

Additional Specs

• Dimensions: 40" x 40"

• Material: 100% cotton exterior, polyester filler

• Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low