7 Best Tummy Time Mat Options 2024

Finding the right tummy time mat for your little one makes figuring out how to do tummy time easier than ever. This healthy experience bonds you and your baby. It also aids in muscle development and digestion. These decorative mats are also must-have items to add to your newborn checklist.

What is a tummy time mat?

While you can do tummy time on a carpet or rug, having a mat specifically for the activity is ideal. “Tummy time mats are valuable tools for parents to create a safe and comfortable environment for their babies,” says Dr. Rosmy Barrios, a medical advisor at Health Reporter.

One of the most appealing aspects is they often come with engaging textures, colors and sensory elements which can stimulate a baby's senses and encourage them to stay on their stomachs for longer periods.

“Opt for a tummy time mat that is made of non-toxic, baby-friendly materials. Ensuring the mat is free from harmful chemicals is paramount,” explains Dr. Barrios.

“The mat should be easy to clean, since babies can be messy, and hygiene is crucial. Consider the mat's size, as it should be spacious enough to accommodate your baby and any toys or accessories you want to include during tummy time.”

The best tummy time mat options 2024

• Best overall: Little Dove Tummy Time Activity Mat
• Best budget: Letalong Cotton Leaf Nursery Rug
• Best with toys: Fisher-Price Baby Playmat Deluxe
• Best water mat: Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water Mat
• Best machine-washable: Dad-Baby Hexagon Baby Playmat
• Best organic: Pehr Magical Forest Round Playmat
• Best Walmart: Parent's Choice Milestone Playmat

Best overall

Little Dove Tummy Time Activity Mat

Learning while playing is the name of the game with this tummy time mat. With six hanging toys and milestone cards, this enchanting activity nurtures the development of your baby's physical, cognitive, visual and motor skills. And it's a breeze to set up.

Pros

• Easy to set up and take down
• Offers hours of engaging playtime
• Machine-washable
• The back is non-slip

Cons

• Mid-range price, but it’s worth it

Best budget

Letalong Cotton Leaf Nursery Rug

Take a trip to the outdoors with this cutesy leaf mat. Made of soft and plush cotton, your baby will undoubtedly be excited for tummy time. Not only is the tufted leaf mat adorable, but it’s sewn in an ethical process that keeps toxins and scary odors away from your growing baby.

We love that it's soft enough to be a baby blanket and thick enough to be a baby quilt. When they're older, you'll drape this one over the foot of their toddler mattress in a decorative way.

Pros

• Made of 100% cotton and down filling
• Baby will feel at ease on the soft, light mat
• Unique shape and design
• Easy to travel with

Cons

• The tufted pattern can be a little too puffy for newborns

Best with toys

Fisher-Price Baby Playmat Deluxe

Bright colors, hanging toys, kick and play piano—it's all here! This tummy time mat from Fisher-Price has earned its five-star rating and will keep your baby occupied for hours. Better yet, the deluxe mat is soft, thick and machine-washable.

When the time comes, the large and colorful tummy time mat takes baby from laying and playing to sitting and interacting.

Pros

• Affordable price for deluxe tummy time mat
• Machine washable
• Lasts from newborn to toddler
• Bright colors catch baby’s attention

Cons

• May be a bit too bright for some decor styles

Best water mat

Splashin'kids Inflatable Water Mat

Splish, splash on this water mat for tummy time. Before your little one braves their first body of water, try a tummy time water mat. Using one is an essential tool for babies to learn how to interact with their bodies and develop their motor skills.

Pros

• Engaging colors and sealed tummy time toys
• Provides hours of stimulating fun and motor growth
• BPA-free
• Hours of exciting early play that fosters healthy baby development

Cons

• For ages three months and up

Best machine-washable

Dad-Baby Hexagon Baby Playmat

For parents on the go, this fold-and-go tummy time mat is essential. Easy to fold up, store and transport—in its own portable bag—the mat has a cotton and linen exterior with polyester fill, making it soft yet supportive for little ones.

Pros

• Perfect for busy families
• Machine-washable
• Non-slip
• Available in four fun patterns

Cons

• Mat isn’t as padded as others on the market

Best organic

Pehr Magical Forest Round Playmat

Ideal for tummy time at home or on the go, this playmat is crafted from organic cotton with a charming woodsy pattern. The vibrant, yet soft cotton has an incredibly rich design that holds over time. Filled with plush filling and screen-printed by hand, your baby is going to be living the soft life.

It's also double-sided, meaning wash days are a little less frequent. Toss it in the wash with your best baby detergent when you're ready.

Pros

• Made of 100% cotton and polyester filled filling
• 40-inch diameter
• Double-sided
• Machine washable
• Screen printed by hand using AZO-Free dyes

Cons

• Only available in one pattern

Best Walmart

Parent's Choice Milestone Playmat

This tummy time mat is the perfect place to capture some of your baby's first moments! With 12 reversible milestone marker cards, the mat features a woodland scene on the front and an allover leaf print on the back.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Mat is reversible and soft on both sides
• Machine-washable
• Unisex pattern

Cons

• Doesn’t include toys or stimulants for babies