In short: Choose a soft, flat baby play mat at least 1 cm thick that insulates from a cold floor and is large enough for rolling and crawling. A foldable play mat is the most practical in the first year and when travelling, a puzzle mat can be arranged any way you like, and a reversible TPU mat is the most durable and does not absorb spills.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 Sep 2026
Much of the first year happens on the floor: this is where your baby first lifts their head, rolls over, starts crawling and takes their first steps. A good play mat is therefore not just a nice addition to the living room but an everyday essential you will use for years. In this guide we compare three types of mats developed under our own brand Evibell and explain how to choose based on your space, your child's age and cleaning.
Puzzle, foldable or TPU play mat: comparison
| Puzzle mat (EVA) | Foldable mat | Reversible TPU mat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 120 × 180 cm (6 tiles 60 × 60 cm + 10 edge pieces) | 150 × 190 cm | 140 × 200 cm |
| Thickness | 1 cm | 1 cm | 1.5 cm |
| Material | non-toxic EVA foam | soft foam, printed on both sides | hypoallergenic TPU foam, BPA- and phthalate-free |
| Markings/certificates | – | CE, designed in the EU | EN71, REACH, CE |
| Storage | take apart and store in the zip bag | folds like an accordion (74 × 39 × 10 cm) | store rolled, not folded |
| Spills | not waterproof | not waterproof | surface does not absorb liquids |
| Best for | flexible layouts and a play corner | first year, small homes, travel | living room and long-term use |
Puzzle mat
The Evibell puzzle mat consists of six large tiles you can arrange as you like, with edge pieces for a neat finish. Its advantage is flexibility: place it in a corner, next to the sofa or split it into two. Just make sure the tiles are firmly connected, as little fingers love to explore the joins.
Foldable play mat
The foldable play mat is a single piece that folds like an accordion. With no joins, it is quick to lay out and put away, making it the most practical choice for small homes, visits to grandparents or holidays. The double-sided print (dots and roads) lets you match it to the room. According to the manufacturer it is suitable from birth and most useful up to 12 months.
Reversible TPU mat
The TPU foam mat is thicker (1.5 cm), smooth and does not absorb liquids, so spilt milk or fruit purée simply wipes off. It is more wear-resistant than standard EVA mats and large enough to stay in use long after the first year, when it becomes the spot for building blocks, reading and first forward rolls.
Thickness and size: what to look for
- 1 cm thickness is enough to insulate from a cold floor and for comfortable lying; 1.5 cm gives extra cushioning for knees and hands while crawling.
- Size: babies start rolling and crawling sooner than you expect. A mat larger than 120 × 180 cm stops them rolling straight onto the hard floor.
- Non-slip: on wooden floors and tiles the mat should not slide. The Evibell foldable mat is suitable for smooth surfaces.
- Flat surface: for tummy time choose a firm, flat mat without creases.
Which mat for which age
| Age | What your child does | What to watch | Recommended mat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 months | lying, short tummy time | soft, flat, warm surface; always supervised | foldable or TPU |
| 4–6 months | rolling, reaching for toys | large enough surface | foldable 150 × 190 or TPU 140 × 200 |
| 6–10 months | sitting, crawling | non-slip, cushioning for knees | TPU 1.5 cm or foldable |
| 10–18 months | pulling up, first steps, falls | stable base that doesn't shift | TPU or puzzle |
| 18 months + | blocks, puzzles, play with siblings | wear resistance, easy cleaning | puzzle or TPU |
Cleaning and care
- Puzzle: wipe with a damp cloth and mild soapy water; do not use a vacuum cleaner or sharp objects. Not waterproof.
- Foldable: wipe with a damp cloth, then dry; no vacuum cleaner or harsh cleaners. Keep away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.
- TPU: wipe with a damp cloth and mild cleaner; no solvents or abrasive sponges. Chairs with narrow legs may leave permanent marks.
Safety: a play mat is for play, not sleep
You can start tummy time in the first days after birth, always while your baby is awake and someone is watching. For a newborn, two or three short sessions of 3–5 minutes a day are enough, gradually increasing as they grow. If your baby falls asleep on the mat, move them to their cot: for sleep, babies should be placed on their back on a firm, flat mattress in their own cot. Check the mat regularly and replace any damaged parts.
See all models in our play mats category or the full range of play gyms and mats.
Frequently asked questions
When can a baby use a play mat?
From birth. According to the manufacturer, Evibell mats are suitable from 0+ months; your baby should always be supervised on the mat.
Is a puzzle or a foldable play mat better?
A foldable mat is quicker to put away and has no joins, so it is more practical in the first year. A puzzle mat can be arranged freely and suits a permanent play corner.
How thick should a baby play mat be?
1 cm is enough to insulate from the floor. Once your child crawls and walks, a 1.5 cm TPU mat is more comfortable for knees and hands.
Can a baby sleep on a play mat?
No. A play mat is for awake, supervised play. For sleep, place your baby on their back in their own cot on a firm, flat mattress.
How do I clean a play mat?
All three types can be wiped with a damp cloth (puzzle and TPU with mild soapy water). Vacuum cleaners and harsh cleaners can damage the surface.
Sources
- NIH Safe to Sleep: Benefits of Tummy Time
- NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
