Developmental Benefits of Using A Baby Playmat
Tomas Alonso Rehor, Yalla Baby Co-Founder
Baby Care
If you have a baby or toddler at home, you know how important it is to have a playmat. You can make them sit or lie down on the mat without the fear of falling down. You need not worry about ants and other creatures biting the baby as the baby is safe and comfortable in a playmat.
But a play mat is not just s space to sit and play. It is much more than that. It offers several benefits to the baby’s overall development. You can use a playmat as long as the baby is comfortable playing in it.
What Is A Playmat?
A play mat is a mat with contrasting colors and designs. It stimulates the baby and encourages them to crawl and play in it. Certain playmats even incorporate sound in it. The main purpose of a playmat is to provide a safe surface for the baby to move around and play.
What Are The Developmental Benefits Of Using A Baby Playmat?
Helps in visual development
More infants are nearsighted ie they can see only objects that are very close to them. Very small babies can see only till a distance of 20-35 cms. This is why you need to go up close for the baby to see you clearly.
But as they grow, their visual perception improves. Most play mats have bright color prints of animals and cartoons on them. When babies lie down on their tummies, they can see these bright colored prints up close. Some playmats have brightly colored toys fitted on them. This helps in developing depth perception in babies easily.
Develops fine motor skills
Fine motor skill refers to the movement of small muscles in the body. When you hang a small toy over the play mat, the baby tries to reach it with their hands and fingers. The continuous movement of hands and fingers helps develop fine motor skill in the baby. This is crucial for the movement of body parts later in the life.
Develops gross motor skills
Using a playmat is the best way to provide effective tummy time to babies. This is the time when the baby lies down on the tummy when they are awake. Tummy time strengthens the baby's arms, shoulders, neck and back. This strengthening forms the basis for higher gross motor skills like walking and sitting in the future. Moreover, tummy time also helps reduce the chances of developing flat head.
Develops communication skills
Most playmats have different colors, shapes and patterns printed on it. When parents or caregivers explain to the baby the different patterns and colors, it helps develop better language and communication skills in the baby.
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What Are The Other Benefits Of Using A Playmat?
New way of playing
Using a playmat introduces the baby to new way of playing. Once the baby grows, they need new ways to keep them engaged. Introducing play mats with different colours, and patterns is one of the best ways to keep the baby engaged.
Safe environment
A playmat offers a safe environment for the baby to play. If you make the baby lie on the floor, there are chances of insect and ant bite. Play mats are safe and provides a soft and comfortable surface for the baby to lie down. Parents can leave the baby on the play mat and carry on with their household chores.
Freedom to move
A playmat offers freedom for the baby to move around. You can leave the baby on the mat without any fear of falling. The baby gets complete freedom to stretch, move around and explore the surrounding areas. This provides more confidence to the baby which is crucial for their overall development.
Portable activity center
A playmat is a portable activity center. You can roll and carry it wherever you go. As for the baby, they can have their comfortable play area even outside the house. Moreover, they are lightweight and consumes less space.
Can use for a long time
A baby can use the playmat from infancy to toddlerhood. An infant can lie down on the mat, view the different patterns and colors and even crawl and explore the surrounding. As the baby grows, they can sit on the mat with their toys and have a wonderful playtime.
Customisable
You can personalise the playmat as per your child’s requirement. For an infant, you can go for a play gym and make it more enjoyable. For a toddler you can convert the play mat into a reading nook.
Available in different styles
The first thought that comes to your mind when you think of a playmat is a flat surface. But a playmat is much more than that. Some playmats have a mini gym attached to it with toys which can keep the baby entertained for long. Others can be folded and easily converted to a reading nook for the toddler.
Eco-friendly
Most play mats that are available in the market are eco-friendly. They are soft, breathable and made of hypoallergenic material. They are also free from toxins like BPA, phthalates and PVC. Thus, you need not worry while using playmats for your baby.
When Should You Start Using Playmat?
You can start using a playmat when the baby is ready for tummy time, which usually happens around one month. But to make the best use of it, the baby should be three to six months of age. You can continue using the playmat even when the baby reaches toddlerhood.
Conclusion
Playmats are one of the most versatile accessories you can use for babies. They are highly portable and not so expensive to purchase. Cleaning and maintaining them is also rather easy. They offer both developmental and other benefits to the baby. It helps in the babies fine and gross motor, cognitive and visual development. Besides, it also protects the baby from hard surface and germs while playing on the floor.
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