Baby on soft play matting

When it comes to kids, we all want the best for them. And that means keeping them safe and healthy, so they can grow up to be happy and productive members of society.


One thing that can help you do that is soft play matting. But what exactly are soft play mats? And why should you get them for your child?


Soft play matting is an important thing to consider when buying or renting a space for your children to play in. It helps to protect them from injury and allows you to enjoy the experience of playing with them without having to worry about the safety of your child.


In this blog post, we're going to help you understand why soft play matting is so important and how it can help make your kids' playtime more enjoyable for everyone involved.


What Exactly is Soft Play Matting?


Soft play mats are a great way to add colourful, fun, and safe cushioning to your kids' play areas. But what exactly are they?


Soft playmats are different from traditional foam or rubber playground mats in that they're made of materials that are softer, more flexible, and more durable than traditional playground mats.

 


Soft play mats are made from 100% recyclable materials such as EVA foam or PVC EVA foam. They are often used in nurseries, schools, kindergartens, and fitness spaces as they are both hard-wearing and easy to clean. Playmats provide excellent support for young children who may be learning how to walk or run around without falling over onto the hard floor below them.


The use of soft play mats will also help reduce accidents that could occur from tripping over sharp edges on furniture such as tables or chairs which might cause serious injury if they fall off them straight onto their heads or legs.


Why is a Soft Playmat Important?


Soft play matting is an important part of any soft play area. It provides a safe place for children to play in and encourages them to explore their surroundings. A soft playmat can be used in many other areas as well, such as in schools and nurseries. The following are some reasons why soft play matting is necessary:


It Provides A Safe Environment For Children To Play In


A soft play mat is a great way to provide children with a safe place and engaging environment to play in. Soft playmats are made of dense foam that is spongy, cushiony, and comfortable. These playmats help prevent injuries by absorbing the impact of falls and other accidents. They also help keep children safe by preventing them from falling into sharp corners or hard edges that might be present in their environment.


If you want your children to have fun while playing, but you don't want them getting hurt while doing it, then investing in a soft playmat is a smart choice.


It Encourages Children To Explore Their Surroundings


Soft play matting encourages children to explore their surroundings. It provides comfort and padding that's great for little ones who are just learning how to walk, and it also gives them the freedom to move around without worrying about getting hurt.


It makes it easy for kids to crawl around and play with toys without having to worry about falling off of hard surfaces or hurting themselves. And since soft play matting is made from non-toxic materials like polyethylene, you don't have to worry about your child ingesting anything harmful while they're playing.


It Helps Children Develop Their Senses


Kids are explorers and their natural curiosity is what drives them to explore the world around them. As parents, we want to provide our children with the best opportunities to develop and grow. One of the most important factors in this development is their sensory development.

 


Soft play matting is a great way for kids to engage with different textures, sounds, and sights that can help stimulate their senses. This type of sensory stimulation will help them develop a better sense of awareness about their surroundings and help them learn about how things feel, sound, and look.


Soft play matting is important because it helps children develop their senses in ways that other materials cannot offer. It's always important to think about what you're providing for your child when choosing toys or other items for them—the way they interact with the item will provide valuable information about whether or not it's appropriate or useful for them at this stage in their development.


It Helps Children Learn New Skills


Playmats help children learn new skills, such as balance and coordination. They can also learn how to keep their balance by walking on soft matting, instead of concrete or wood floors. Soft play matting is also great for babies who are learning to walk. A Playmat is safer than hard surfaces like wood floors or concrete because it has a soft, cushioned surface that will not hurt their knees if they fall down while walking.

 


They can learn to climb and descend stairs, as well as balance on the different parts of the play matting. It also gives them an opportunity to learn how to walk up and down without sliding off the sides of the steps.


Soft play matting offers a safe place for children to practice their skills at moving around in different ways. It is also a great way for them to learn how to climb over obstacles that are taller than they are and how to overcome challenges when they get stuck on one part of the matting while trying to get somewhere else. 


How to Choose the Right Soft Play Mat?


Soft play matting is one of the most important aspects of any soft play facility. It needs to be durable, safe, and easy to clean. The right soft play matting can reduce injury rates, increase the life of your equipment and make it easier for you to manage your facility.

  • Size: Size is easily one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing a soft playmat. The size of your children's area will determine how much space the soft play mat needs to cover. If you have an outdoor playground or indoor gymnasium with plenty of room for kids to run around and play on their own, then you'll want a large-sized playmat that can cover all areas at once. But if your children love playing in small groups (or just prefer playing at home), then they might need more than one mat so they don't have to wait their turn with friends.

  • Thickness: How thick is too thick? Well, it depends on what kind of surface you're covering with it. If you're putting down carpeting underneath your new soft playmat, you'll want something that's thin enough to provide cushion but thick enough to stay put. If you're covering a hardwood floor, then thicker mats are ideal because they won't move around too much when kids run on them.

  • Material: A soft play mat is made from a variety of materials, including PVC, EVA foam, and vinyl. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. PVC playmats tend to be the cheapest option but are also the least durable; they can break down over time if they're not properly maintained or used indoors.

  • Colour: You can choose from a range of different colours, including bright primary shades and pastel hues. You may also want to consider how your child's playmat will fit into the overall look of their room or nursery. If you're going for a minimalist approach, then choose a mat in white or black; these colors will blend seamlessly into any space—even if it has bright walls with bold patterns.

Choosing a playmat is a personal decision that will depend on your budget, style preferences, and child's age. If you're unsure which mat to choose, consider the factors mentioned above.


Soft Play Mats Care and Maintenance


Soft play mats are the foundation of your soft play area, and as such, they need to be kept in good condition. This is especially important if you have younger children, who are likely to be crawling around on the mat.

  • Cleaning: In order to keep your soft play area clean, it's important that you clean off any food or drink spills immediately. You should also periodically wipe down the surface of the playmat with a damp cloth or broom. It's best to avoid using any harsh chemicals or cleaners on the surface of your soft play mats since these can damage the material over time.

  • Inspecting: You should inspect your soft play mats every week or so to make sure there isn't any damage that needs to be repaired or replaced. It's easy to see if there are tears in the material—if there are, you'll need to patch them up right away before they get worse. Check all edges of the matting as well—these can sometimes wear down over time due to normal use.

  • Storing: It's also important that you store your soft playmats correctly so they don't become damaged while they're not being used. 

Soft play mats are an essential part of any educational facility for children. They provide a safe environment where children can learn, play, and grow. But what many people don’t know is that soft play mats need to be cleaned, inspected, and stored properly in order to ensure the safety of your children.


Conclusion


Soft play matting is an essential part of any soft play facility and can make all the difference between a safe, fun experience and one that could have serious consequences. It's also important to remember that soft play matting is not just for children: adults need protection from falling as well. 


You may also be interested in reading:

The Best Options for Home Play & Gaming Spaces

February 15, 2023 — Michael Geraghty