An activity mat is a similar to a baby blanket with added features to entertain and stimulate and engage the baby. They are large blankets that you set on the floor and then lay the baby down on them. As the baby gets stronger there are things to touch, make noise, and see. They are brightly colored and have all kinds of added attractions to stimulate the infant. Some are even battery operated.
Activity mats are nice to have because the baby can be placed on them and the parents can easily watch them from a distance and still go about their activities. They keep the infant entertained and engaged, first with visual effects and later with touch.
Activity mats come in all kinds of designs. The one in the photo to the right is made by Disney and features Winnie the Pooh characters. They are also available in many other Disney characters as well as all kinds of animals and cute critter designs.
There are also activity mats that have pop up cloth bars that hold toys for the child to learn to reach for and touch and play with. Activity Mats allow for baby’s tummy time to reach, touch and hit the different “faces” on the mat. It encourages spatial recognition and creates hours of accumulated fun for the child.
The real benefit from the activity mat comes as a result of the mat being a tool for the parent and infant to bond and interact. As the parent sits on the floor and points to objects and spends time with the child not only learns about speech and pattern recognition but also strengthens the bond with their parent. Activity mats gives you a place to play and laugh together. It gives you a chance to talk about your surroundings, to point, to wiggle, to spin, to touch and all of those are important learning skills for the infant.
Activity mats are made for use for newborns up until the infant is approximately 6 months of age. The normally range in price from around $30 to $100 dollars, depending on design and style and how elaborate they are built. The mats can be a bonus for both parent and child as you will quickly learn what catches your child’s eye, smile and laugh. That information is priceless when interacting with your infant. Nothing please a parent more than to see their baby grow, learn and delight in life. For those reasons alone a activity mat is well worth getting for your newborn baby!
