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Water Mats For Babies

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  4. 10 Best Water Mats for Babies of 2023 (TIKTOK, VATOS, and More)
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  • 10 Best Water Mats for Babies of 2023 (TIKTOK, VATOS, and More) 3
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10 Best Water Mats for Babies of 2023 (TIKTOK, VATOS, and More)

Are you looking for a fun way to diversify your baby’s tummy time routine? Do you want to incorporate water play, but don’t want to deal with the mess that comes with it? Then a water mat may be exactly what you and your infant need! We have assembled a versatile list of the very best mats available for introducing little minds to big worlds while supporting healthy development in the process.


Topping this impressive list is an oversized shark-themed mat from TIKTOK that entices the eye while stoking the imagination! We hope the information and options provided in this guide will help you and your little fish as you both dive into the wonderful world of water play!

Last updated 10/03/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Water Mat for Babies - Buying Guide

The world of online shopping can leave you feeling overwhelmed and bombarded with options. As you begin your search, consider the information provided in this guide to help point you in the right direction!

1

Explore Available Mat Themes and Sizes

Water mats are available in several different themes and sizes, all offering a wide range of developmental benefits. It is important to explore a variety of diverse options to find what will work best for your tiny explorer.

Consider Available Themes and Shapes

Consider Available Themes and Shapes

The most common water mat theme is perhaps the most obvious, featuring the ocean and marine life. But some options focus on the animal inhabitants of other bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes. These mats can feature animals like frogs and ducks to provide infants with more engaging tummy time stimulation. 


For a more diverse learning experience, consider water mats that focus on other realms of the animal kingdom. Some mats feature themes like safari animals or dinosaurs that allow your little one to immerse themselves into new worlds. Water mats featuring fantastical creatures like unicorns and mermaids are also available to spark the imagination of little minds!


While most water mats are a rectangle or square shape, there are various mats available in unique shapes intended to entice developing eyes. These mats are primarily modeled after marine animals, such as turtles, frogs, and even sharks!

Determine a Mat Size That Meets Developmental Needs

Determine a Mat Size That Meets Developmental Needs

Many mats are designed to be small in size and are intended to support your infant’s upper body development.


The uneven surface promotes balance and provides infants with the opportunity to develop and strengthen muscles in the hands, arms, shoulders, and neck. Proper muscle development in these areas is essential in providing infants with the tools necessary for pulling up, scooting, and eventually crawling.


Some water mats are large enough for an infant to lay fully down upon. These mats can help support both upper and lower body development, allowing babies to fine-tune their gross motor skills more comprehensively. These larger-size mats can be particularly beneficial for infants that are transitioning into the crawling stage.

2

Check the Mat Features and Warranty

When conducting your search, researching the available product features and warranty can help narrow down the options that best fit the needs and preferences of both you and your child.

Look into Developmental Features in Detail

Look into Developmental Features in Detail

Water mats are a fun and engaging way to expose infants to a variety of colors and textures, providing them with interactive sensory stimulation and supporting their visual development.


Sensory stimulation provides the building blocks to a wide range of milestones later in infancy and throughout childhood, making it an essential piece of the developmental puzzle!


Many options feature pieces within the mat that will float (or swim) around once water is added, allowing infants to engage multiple senses simultaneously. Water mats that offer multiple textural feels can also be an effective way to offer infants a more diverse sensory experience.


Water mats can also be an effective way to help support infant eye development and visual perception. Exposing your baby to as many different colors and tones as possible in their first year is essential in helping foster healthy visual development. 


When selecting a mat, be sure to look for colorful options that feature a diverse palette with rich, vibrant tones that attract and keep your baby’s attention.

Keep an Eye out for Extras and Warranties

Keep an Eye out for Extras and Warranties

Many manufacturers will include additional accessories with their products. Some mats include an air pump to make the inflation process quicker and more convenient, which can be particularly useful for on-the-go scenarios.


Some manufacturers will even include complementary products with the purchase of their water mat. For instance, some options will include a free toy, such as a wrist rattle, to accompany their product and enhance the sensory experience.


When selecting any product intended for infants, quality is always a high priority for parents. It can be beneficial to choose manufacturers that back their products with a money-back guarantee or warranty, to ensure product quality.

3

Make Sure it's Durable and Safe

Product quality is often largely dependent on the type of material used. Selecting a water mat made from safe, high-grade materials will help ensure the product’s quality and safety.

Select Products Made with PVC Plastic

Select Products Made with PVC Plastic

Polyvinyl Chloride (or PVC) is a synthetic plastic polymer that is used in a wide range of everyday products, from household water pipes to debit cards. In its flexible form, PVC plastic is also used in a variety of inflatable products and toys, including infant water mats.


Not only is PVC an exceptionally durable material, but it is also food-grade, making it a safe option for teething infants. It is also specifically designed to be leak-proof, keeping both air and water from escaping their respective compartments. This allows parents to avoid the stress and mess of traditional water play!


While PVC plastic is made from fossil fuels, such as natural gas, it is also a highly recyclable material. Products made with PVC plastic can be recycled and reused up to seven times in their lifetime, making PVC an environmentally friendly material.

Consider Products That Are BPA-Free

Consider Products That Are BPA-Free

Bisphenol A (or BPA) is a chemical compound that is used in the production of a wide variety of plastic products, from food storage containers to certain types of sports equipment. In the last decade, a great deal of research has been conducted into the effects of BPA on brain development.


These studies have shown that exposure to products containing BPA can interfere with brain development, making products containing the chemical potentially harmful to infants, children, and expectant mothers.


While most products intended for children no longer contain BPA, it is important to note that is not a banned chemical, so some items may still contain BPA. To limit your baby’s exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, it is always important to ensure all products intended for infants are BPA-free.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Water Mats for Babies

We're here to help you and your tiny fishy as you prepare to embark on this "underwater" adventure together! Listed here are the best possible options for introducing infants (and their parents) to the wonders of water play.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Key features
1

TIKTOK

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat

TIKTOK Tummy Time Baby Water Mat 1枚目

A Vibrant Shark With a Huge Play Area

2

HABOM

Tummy Time Baby Mat

HABOM Tummy Time Baby Mat 1枚目

A Durable Option With Multiple Themes Available

3

CUKU

Tummy Time Water Play Mat

CUKU Tummy Time Water Play Mat 1枚目

Delightfully Colorful Water Play

4

AirExpect

Tummy Time Baby Water Play Mat

AirExpect Tummy Time Baby Water Play Mat 1枚目

Creatively Quirky Dino Play

5

VATOS

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat

VATOS Tummy Time Baby Water Mat 1枚目

An Amusing Amphibian and Crazy Crustaceans

6

Splashn'kids

Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat

Splashn'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat 1枚目

A Fish Tank Adventure for Baby

7

Rabosky

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat

Rabosky Tummy Time Baby Water Mat 1枚目

A Deep-Sea Mermaid Experience

8

MAGIFIRE

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat

MAGIFIRE Tummy Time Baby Water Mat 1枚目

An Imaginative Expedition Under the Sea

9

QPAU

Tummy Time Mat

QPAU Tummy Time Mat 1枚目

An Enormous Sea Turtle Filled With Wonder

10

Keten

Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat

Keten Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat 1枚目

A Captivating Coral Reef Excursion

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

TIKTOKTummy Time Baby Water Mat

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$16.99
Reference price
$16.99

A Vibrant Shark With a Huge Play Area

Your baby shark will go wild for this vibrant water mat modeled after the great beast of the deep! Your baby can explore the wonders of the ocean while engaging in a variety of sensory and physical activities. Watch your little one’s imagination shine as they “splash” their way to a more fun and stimulating tummy time.


Despite a few customers that mention receiving a damaged mat, reviews for this adorable mat are overwhelmingly positive. Some parents did note that this mat produces a lot of movement, making it unsuitable for younger or lighter weight infants who may roll off the mat.


Reviewers love this beautiful mat’s versatility, noting its enormous surface area that gives infants ample room to explore. Many parents said that this mat is particularly beneficial for babies who don't enjoy traditional tummy time activities. Some parents even note this mat’s ability to attract the attention of toddlers and older children!

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No.2

HABOMTummy Time Baby Mat

Tummy Time Baby Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Tummy Time Baby Mat Image 2
Source:amazon.com
Tummy Time Baby Mat Image 3
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Reference price
$9.99

A Durable Option With Multiple Themes Available

Join your little explorer as they embark on an epic safari adventure across the savanna! This audacious mat features quirky characters from the depths of the jungle that will inspire and engage your tiny tyke. This sturdy mat is also available in ocean and fruit themes and even includes an air pump for added convenience.


Several parents note that the mat did not resonate with their child. Some customers also report that they did not receive the air pump with their purchase. A few reviewers also mention that the mat lacks a water level indicator, making it difficult to determine when it's full.


However, most parents love this whimsical mat and its ability to keep their baby engaged while providing them with the tools they need for healthy physical development. 


According to reviewers, infants love to grab and grasp at the floating fish, allowing them to build and improve fine motor skills. Many reviewers also rave about this mat’s durability and dependability. 

No.3

CUKUTummy Time Water Play Mat

Tummy Time Water Play Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Reference price
$9.99

Delightfully Colorful Water Play

Watch your baby’s imagination soar as they engage with the playful cartoon characters and coy floating fish. This mat will awe your little one while creating a fun and stimulating sensory experience!


The majority of reviews for this product are positive, except for a few complaints about shipping and packaging issues. Some reviewers mention that they received a damaged mat, noting issues with the outer inflatable ring.


While a few parents report that they did not feel this product was stimulating enough for the child, most users highly recommend this delightful mat. Many reviews rave about its vivid colors and captivating creatures that helped extend the length of tummy time!

No.4

AirExpectTummy Time Baby Water Play Mat

Tummy Time Baby Water Play Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$7.99
Reference price
$7.99

Creatively Quirky Dino Play

This prehistoric-themed water mat will transport your little adventurer on an expedition through time! Your tiny time traveler can venture through history with their dino friends as they pat and grab their way to healthy physical development. This quirky mat offers a stimulating way to keep your baby engaged in their daily tummy activities.


Parents note that this mat resonates better with older infants than it does with infants in the younger age range. Several reviewers also had complaints about this product’s overall design, noting that they had significant difficulty drying out and storing the mat when not in use.


Most reviews for this adorable water mat beam about its potential for promoting a longer, more engaging tummy time routine. Some parents even report that they found this product particularly useful with special needs infants, as well as toddlers and older children. 


Several reviewers also mention that the PVC plastic smell this mat produces is far less offensive than other products.

No.5

VATOSTummy Time Baby Water Mat

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.99
Reference price
$14.99

An Amusing Amphibian and Crazy Crustaceans

This wacky mat offers a fusion of saltwater and freshwater creatures. The enormous amphibian will delight your little tadpole with its cheeky little crabs and swimming sea creatures! This colorful mat is an engaging way to introduce infants to water play while supporting healthy eye development.


There were several reviewer complaints about receiving defective or damaged mats, with some noting significant product flaws on arrival. It is also important to note that some parents found this mat’s PVC plastic smell too strong and sometimes offensive to both themselves and their child.


Parents love this high-quality water mat and its ability to attract and entice little eyes with its bright, vibrant colors. Many reviewers rave about the gigantic size of this mat, noting its versatility throughout infancy and beyond. Some parents even mention that they found it particularly useful in the summer months as a way to cool off.

No.6

Splashn'kidsInflatable Tummy Time Water Mat

Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.99
Reference price
$14.99

A Fish Tank Adventure for Baby

This playful mat will transport your little one where no baby has gone before - deep into their very own aquarium! Your little diver can explore the underwater world while swatting and grabbing at the little fishy floaters as they swim by. This smaller size of this mat is ideal for upper body development, making it a great choice for younger infants.


Many parents feel that this water mat is far too small to be beneficial for older infants that are already scooting and crawling. Some reviewers mention its poor-quality packaging, noting that it makes the mat appear cheaply-constructed and causes doubt about overall product quality. 


It's also very important to note that a large number of reviews mention that this product has an exceptionally strong plastic smell. While non-toxic, the odor of some PVC options may be overwhelming for some infants (and parents).


Parents found this mat to be particularly beneficial for infants who typically struggle through their tummy time routine, providing them with a more comfortable and stimulating learning experience. Many reviews also rave about the adorable floating pieces and their ability to entrance and delight little eyes.

No.7

RaboskyTummy Time Baby Water Mat

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.99
Reference price
$14.99

A Deep-Sea Mermaid Experience

Your tiny fish won’t be able to resist the call of the siren as they embark on a journey through this captivating underwater world. Watch your baby’s imagination run wild as they interact with the enchanting mermaids and friendly sea creatures. 


This adorable mat features a variety of ocean-dwelling characters that allow your baby to experience a wide array of different animals and colors.


Some reviewers mention various shipping and packaging issues, such as damaged items. A few parents also note that this product did not succeed in attracting and holding their infant’s attention. Several reviewers had complaints about the floating characters, reporting pieces that fell apart when water was added to mat.


More recent reviews show evidence that the manufacturer not only took notice of these complaints but also addressed the problem with upgraded materials. Some reviews note that the seller offers a PDF of the product instructions for added convenience. They also like that their little ones enjoyed the cute, colorful sea creatures! 

No.8

MAGIFIRETummy Time Baby Water Mat

Tummy Time Baby Water Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.99
Reference price
$14.99

An Imaginative Expedition Under the Sea

Join your tiny adventurer on an enchanting sea journey to the depths of their imagination! Your little one can explore the wonders of the ocean as they encounter and interact with jolly jellyfish and their underwater friends! This adorable small-sized mat is a great option for supporting upper body strength.


Many parents note that they found this product to be exceptionally difficult to set-up and operate, especially compared to other options. Several reviewers also found it important to mention that this mat is prone to leaks, noting that the integrity of the water valve is often unreliable.


Many reviewers note that this mat is particularly beneficial for encouraging younger infants to engage in a longer, more interactive tummy time routine. 


Parents love that this product encourages little hands to grab and “catch” the tiny floaters, providing infants with the tools they need to build their fine motor skills. A few select reviews even note that this mat proved useful for soothing infants with digestive issues.

No.9

QPAUTummy Time Mat

Tummy Time Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99
Reference price
$17.99

An Enormous Sea Turtle Filled With Wonder

This charming sea turtle will bring your tiny explorer right out of their shell with its vivid colors and delightful characters! With its huge surface area that allows your little one to explore freely, this mat is the perfect option for supporting comprehensive physical development.


Despite a few issues with customers receiving a damaged product, the main complaint about this mat refers to its odor. Some reviewers found the PVC smell to be too strong for both themselves and their infant. 


Several parents also found it important to mention that though the manufacturer suggests this product for babies of all ages, they did not find it suitable for very young infants.


If you’re looking for an over-sized option that is easy to inflate and fill with water, this mat may be perfect! According to reviewers, this mat easy to use, and the cool surface makes it an ideal option for summertime water play. Parents also love the included wrist rattles that help provide a more engaging sensory experience.

No.10

KetenInflatable Tummy Time Water Mat

Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat Image 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$9.99
Reference price
$9.99

A Captivating Coral Reef Excursion

This simple water mat will allow your little fishy to explore the beauty and wonder of an enchanting coral reef! This adorable product features a realistic depiction of a natural coral reef and its inhabitants, designed to engage and inspire little eyes. 


With its smaller size, this mat is a great choice for younger infants, especially those who are beginning to lift and support their upper body.


Several reviews note complaints about shipping and packaging issues, including leaky water valves and defective water mats. Some parents also mention preferential issues with the mat’s overall size, noting that is most suited for smaller or younger infants.


Many reviews also mention that the delightful floating pieces truly resonate with infants, keeping them engaged and stimulated. Some parents even report that this product helped significantly improve their baby’s balance!

Looking for More Great Baby Products?

If your looking for more high-quality products for infants, check out these great resources!

Top 5 Water Mats For Babies

No. 1: TIKTOKTummy Time Baby Water Mat

No. 2: HABOMTummy Time Baby Mat

No. 3: CUKUTummy Time Water Play Mat

No. 4: AirExpectTummy Time Baby Water Play Mat

No. 5: VATOSTummy Time Baby Water Mat

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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