When it comes to baby tummy time, it doesn’t matter if the baby is on a bare floor or on a special tummy time mat. It’s something that babies should do from the first few days of their life. Tummy time will help babies learn how to roll over and crawl which will make all the activities with mom and dad much easier for them later in life. Some parents take this extra step for peace of mind when it comes to their baby’s development and safety. The following are some of the tips to buy this mat;
1. The size
It should be no more than 30×40 inches; small babies will require a mat with small edges that keep baby hands and knees from going off the mat. On the other hand, big babies will have a larger mat to move their arms and legs freely. The size of the baby tummy time mat is determined by how much space you have on your floor; it may also depend on how tall your baby or even you are as they grow older. A safe way to buy this mat is to get it customized according to the size of your room or even office.
2. Rough or Smooth
The surface of the mat may be either rough or smooth. A mat with a rough texture allows the baby to naturally roll from his tummy to his back and forward. A smooth texture is perfect for infant car seats, strollers, and even for diaper bags later in life (as an adult). It should also have a neutral color (peach, blue, green) that can be used by different people.
3. Carry Bags or not?
It’s up to you whether you want to buy this mat separately or buy it with a carry bag. Natural products like the EVA foam are usually light in weight and easy to carry by anyone. But, it’s up to you whether you want to buy this mat together with a carry bag or not. If you do not have room for carrying a separate bag, then buy this mat and use it according to your need in life later on.
4. Vacuum-Friendly
Parents with babies at home should buy mats that can be cleaned easily before being used again by the next baby or even toddler. As much as possible, it should be vacuum friendly to remove the dirt and dust after use. If it’s not, always clean your baby’s tummy time mat with a damp cloth or vacuum bag in order to remove the dirt and dust. It’s also from this point that you can see if your mat is really safe for kids.
5. Safety
The first thing that parents should look for when buying baby tummy time mats is their safety for babies; not all mats are fit for infants because some have chemicals that may harm their skin or even their stomachs. It’s important to buy a mat from a reputable brand in the market so that you are assured of its quality, safety, and of course price.