Best Play Couches and Tumbling Mats for Your Toddler’s Soft Play
Keep your toddler tumbling safely with these soft, durable crash pads.
By Amylia Ryan
From taking their first hesitant steps to perfecting their climbing and somersaults, toddlers always seem to be tumbling. Practicing these gross motor skills is an important part of a toddler’s physical development, but their tumbles don’t have to come with bumps and bruises.
That’s where soft play comes in. Foam-core mats, cushions and bumpers provide a safe and comfortable place for active little ones to crash and fall (and, of course, get back up again). And with durable, wipeable or washable fabric covers, including some waterproof options, these crash pads can stand up to years of roughhousing.
Curious about what’s inside? While they’re all going to be foam of some kind, some play couches, indoor playgrounds and tumble mats are GREENGUARD Gold Certified and/or CertiPUR-US Certified (using biodegradable, compostable BioFoam), meaning they meet extra high safety standards to ensure your toddler is tumbling on only the best materials.
Tumbling Mats vs Play Mats
There are two key differences between tumbling mats and play mats: thickness and softness. Tumbling mats are usually over 1 inch thick and noticeably squishy, providing a truly soft rebound for jumping (and falling). Play mats, on the other hand, are usually 1 inch or thinner, and while they’re also sometimes made of foam, they’re much firmer and don’t have the same cushion and springback as tumbling mats.
Play mats are great for younger babies doing tummy time or toddlers doing less active play, but if your kiddo is going to be leaping, summersaulting or doing any kind of crashing to the floor, tumbling mats provide a much better landing.
These are our favorite soft play furniture and tumbling mats to keep your little daredevil going.
Best Play Couches and Soft Play
Play couches are all the rage right now, doubling as tumbling mats and a cozy place to rest. They make a great functional addition to a kid’s bedroom or playroom, and they’re super versatile—some play couches have two dozen different configurations!
Other soft play furniture mimics your kiddo’s favorite playground activities, with miniature foam slides, steps, tunnels and more, so they can play hard and build those motor skills (without the skinned knees).
Best Tumbling Mats and Crash Pads
Unlike play couches and soft indoor playground sets, tumbling mats are just one solid piece of flat foam, providing the perfect landing spot for your toddler’s coolest and cutest tricks. Many tumbling mats fold up for easy storage, while others act like full-sized rugs that fit seamlessly with your living room decor.
Amylia Ryan
Associate Editor
Amylia Ryan is the Associate Editor at Babylist, specializing in the topics of health, wellness and lifestyle products. Combining a decade of experience in writing and editing with a deep passion for helping people, her number one goal in her work is to ensure new parents feel supported and understood. She herself is a parent to two young children, who are more than willing to help product test endless toys, books, clothes, toiletries and more.
