Soft play mats are more than just a splash of colour—they’re a smart investment in your child’s safety and development.
In this blog, we’ll explore how these vibrant, cushioned surfaces can transform any play area into a delightful play space. Whether you’re outfitting a nursery, a school, or a home playroom, soft play mats offer a unique blend of style, safety, and sensory stimulation.
We’ll walk you through the benefits, from absorbing falls to sparking exploration, and provide practical tips on selecting and maintaining the perfect mat for your space.
Table of Contents
What is Soft Play Matting?
In short, soft play mats are colourful, cushioned surfaces that can turn any play area into a bright and imaginative space for all types of play activities. Not your standard foam or rubber mats, these are made from materials like EVA foam which are more flexible, durable and 100% recyclable. Perfect for nurseries, schools and home playrooms, they provide a safe, sturdy surface for those first steps and inevitable falls.
Why Get a Soft Play Mat?
A soft play mat does more than just look good – it’s a vital tool for keeping your child safe and encouraging their natural curiosity.
- Safety First: The cushioned, soft surface absorbs impact from falls, so your child doesn’t bump and bruise. No more worrying about sharp corners or hard floors.
- Encourages Exploration: With a soft mat underfoot, kids can crawl, roll and play freely without fear of injury. It creates a safe space for them to explore their surroundings.
- Sensory Development: The different textures and vibrant colours stimulate your child’s senses. This sensory play can help them become aware and learn about different materials, sounds and visuals.
- Skill Building: Whether it’s mastering balance, coordination or even learning to navigate obstacles, a soft play mat is a great, safe space to develop new skills and build confidence.
How to Choose the Right Soft Play Mat
Choosing the right mat is all about matching it to your space and needs. Here are a few tips:
- Size: Measure your play area accurately and determine whether you want to cover just a specific area or the whole room. Remember to include for wastage if you plan to fit matting throughout the space.
- Thickness: Foam mats come in various thickness for different levels of impact and activities. The usual thickness for play mats is approx 13mm and above. Very thick foam play mats in 40mm are available for active play, gymnastics and tumbling.
- Material: Play mats come in various materials but foam and PVC tend to be the most popular because of their resilience, cushioning qualities and durability.
- Colour: Whether you want bright primary colours or a more subtle palette to match your decor, there’s a mat to suit every style. It’s all about creating a space that feels fun and inviting.
How to Keep Your Play Mats in Tip Top Condition
Keeping your soft play mats in shape is easier than you think and is essential to keeping the space safe. Here are some tips:
In Brief
Soft play matting isn’t a luxury—it’s a practicality that keeps our little ones safe and creates a space for them to explore and have fun. Whether at home, in a nursery or a school, these mats offer the perfect balance of protection and play so everyone from toddlers to adults can have a worry free experience.
Looking to safeguard your play space? Browse our soft play matting for some inspiration.
