Infantino Jumbo Patchwork Mat
(Step 2 $40 Score:)

A huge 47" square play mat provides plent of space for baby to roll, sit, and begin to crawl. It has 20 different play features with interesting sounds and textures to explore. Like the other mat from this company the Musical flower has a poor sound, but it can be removed and is difficult to activate, so it won't intrude too much or too often--or at all if you remove it. The patterns on the vibrant patchwork quilt adds visual interest, as does the safety mirror and lift up ears on the animal faces. Big enough for twins or more to share. Newborn and up.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

SNAP: This oversized play mat has lots of interesting features for little ones to explore. For children with motor delays, this gives them a larger than most play space with a variety of sensory learning opportunities.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Infantino Jumbo Wheel Play Space Mat
(Step 2 $30 Score:)

A giant size 47" diameter round play mat with plenty of room for baby to crawl and play. It has a detachable mirror, teethers, and eye catching polka-dotted fabrics and many interesting textures. There are big satin patches, and crinkle ears on big faces of a monkey, mouse, bear, and elephant. A colorful lion’s mane has a velour feel and bright yellow face. Our one negative reaction is to the musical flower that plays with a touch. We found the sound to be less than pleasing. Good news is that the musical flower can be detached and is not all that easy to activate. This mat is big enough for twins to share. In fact our test family used it with triplets and liked it a lot. Designed for a large room. Newborn and up.

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

SNAP: We think the size of this mat is a real plus for babies who are delayed motor-wise. It is more spacious than your average mat so it is more spacious for a larger child as a play area. It also has interesting textures to explore.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Wimmer Ferguson Crawl & Discover Mat
(Manhattan Toy $39.99 Score:)

Perfect for tummy time games and or lying back and watching the world, this big 30" X 32" mat has a bright red velour-like border that is lovely to the touch, as well as rings to finger. The bold contrast black and white squares have eye-catching graphics that are perfect for newborns and beyond. The images include a cat, a fish, a butterfly with crinkle wings among others. Three lift-up panels provide peek-a-boo surprises, one hides a mirror that lifts off and another has a big car that lifts to reveal a smaller auto, and the third has three-color petals that open to reveal an eye-catching black and white target. It's machine washable and an ideal, uncomplicated choice for babies from 3 months & up. Great shower gift!  The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2010. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Infantino Twist & Fold Activity Gym
(Step 2 $39.95 Score:)

A silky surface on this nylon quilted mat with patterned patches that are eye catching. It has cross-bars with dangly toys and loops for adding more. A baby safe mirror attaches to one of the cross bars and there's a curved pillow to use for tummy time fun. There's a musical giraffe, plus a monkey, lion, and elephant. With a twist of the button on top the whole things folds and stores with ease. This is big enough for a baby who can turn over. It is not designed for babies who are standing or walking. Newborns & up.

 

The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2009. Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Gymini Super Deluxe Electronic Lights & Music 3-D Activity Gym
(Tiny Love $65 Score:) All new graphics, lights, music, and a mirror have been added to this play mat. We were afraid the sound and lights would be over the top, but they are quiet and soothing with a choice of classical or nursery music. Like the original, this has two arches and dangly toys for gazing at and batting. Also new, Baby's Wind Chimes ($11 ˝), an add-on for baby to kick. Has a pleasing sound quality. SNAP: This is a good choice because the music and mirror add two more senses to the mix without making the mat overly busy.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2003.

Tiny Love Tummy Time Fun Frog
(Tiny Love $29.95 Score:) This is a smaller sized mat for newborns who are not rolling yet or for tummy time playtime. Comes with a pillow that props the baby up on his tummy. Also includes a mirror and some clacking leaves. Gender neutral with the frog theme or available in pink and red Tummy Time Fun Ladybug. The company has signed a verification form complying with our safety requirements. We did not independently test this toy in a lab.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2008.

Taf Toys Smart Mat
(Edushape $59.95 Score:) Our family with triplets raved about this amazing oversized playmat (39" x 59"). “There’s enough room for all our girls.” Another family wrote: “it was perfect for our den that has bare floors. It’s very cushy and I find it attractive to have out in the room.” It has bright graphics and interesting textures and sounds. Comes with several attached toys as well as three separate toys that have interesting textures to explore. This is an unusually attractive and versatile mat that will get miles of use until baby takes off as a crawler. (800) 404-4744.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2006.

Taf Toys 2 in 1 Smart Gym
(Edushape $69.95 Score:) Like last year’s Smart Mat, this is an oversized playmat with a gym in the middle! 39 x 59, with many textures, colors, and patterns, this has arches that connect securely to hold dangly toys that jitter, ring, and play music. Ideal for gazing at, batting, and kicking, and for multiple discoveries. The huge mat itself has built-in mirror, squeakers, and rattling rings. In contrast to the ActiviTot, these arches are not easy to set up, but they work well once you’ve done it. Our family with triples still raves about the original mat (sans arches) that is ten dollars less. (800) 404-4744.

Age: Infants. Award Year: 2007.