The baby perceives and responds to stimuli from the moment he is still in his mother’s womb, and these will be the most important activities of his life after birth. To continue to encourage this learning, provide him with safe opportunities such as the play mat.
This toy consists basically of a padded carpet with bows that have a kind of a mobile. They are coloured, have different textures and emit sounds. The purpose of the rug is to stimulate children’s development through sensory activities.
In the form of play, sensory activities are those in which children can explore the world through their five senses, such as playing in the sandbox. They are very important, especially in early childhood, because they allow the neurons to create connections throughout the brain. This is why the activity mat must be one of baby’s first toys and must not be missing in his home!
Reasons Why Play Mats Are Essential to Early Childhood Development
They encourage children to develop fine-motor skills, visual sensory development and hand-eye coordination. Play mats also teach valuable logic and reasoning skills. Plus, they are a fun way to spend parent/child bonding time working on communication and sharing skills.
Early Development
Play Mats are specifically designed to be educational and encourage child development. Most mats have interactive features like removable puzzle shapes, fun tiles and different sights and sounds. Well-designed play mats encourage children to develop fine-motor skills, visual sensory development and hand-eye coordination. They also contain vibrant floor tiles designed to encourage child’s logic, reasoning and motor skills. Children learn to recognize letters, numbers, animals, shapes and colors.
Sensory Stimulation
Playmats incorporate bright colors and a variety of textured surfaces to engage your child for hours of discovery and play. These features provide your child with important sensory experiences. Your child will enjoy touching varied surfaces, removable puzzle pieces and friendly animals. Some play mats incorporate music or crinkly fabric that makes noise when a child interacts with it.
Safety
The play mat is an extremely safe toy for children of all ages, including newborns. You can offer it to the little one without fear, but always be around to ensure that the interaction remains safe! They stay directly on the ground, so there is no risk of falling; there are no small or loose parts that could be swallowed by the baby; and they are made of soft materials so as not to hurt your child.
Portability
Great in any home, play mats also make traveling with your child a bit easier. They allow you to set up a safe, comfy space anywhere, and the colorful tiles and textures help entertain children for hours. Most playmats fold up or break down easily for excellent portability. When you return from your travels, give them a quick wash to remove any germs or grime to restore their condition. These play mats are hand washable for your convenience. One savvy parent just washes them in the tub for easy clean-up without the mess.
Versatility
Suitable for toddlers and children, play mats are adaptable for years to come. They are perfect for day care centers, play rooms, nurseries, and playgrounds. Play mats make great gifts for birthdays, holidays or baby showers. Though playmats are perfect for infants and toddlers, older children can appreciate baby gyms and the different toys for the sensory experiences they offer.
Don’t forget to follow A Matter Of Style on Instagram for more great decorating ideas for kids and babies and take a look at our new selection of baby playmats that you can use to create your play gym and stimulate your baby.
