Other Uses for A Playmat Your Baby Has Outgrown

Every wondered what you could do with your playmat onece your baby outgrows it? Playmats can be repurposed as exercise mats or yoga mats and many other things for older children and adults.

Ultimately, the age at which a child grows out of a playmat depends on their individual development and needs

A playmat is a soft, cushioned surface designed for children to play on. Playmats are typically made of foam or rubber, and are available in a variety of sizes and shapes.

They can be used indoors or outdoors, and are often used in playrooms, daycare centers, and preschools.

Playmats provide a safe and comfortable surface for children to crawl, roll, and play on, and can also help to absorb impact from falls.

Some playmats are designed with colourful patterns and illustrations to stimulate a child's imagination and creativity.

The age at which children grow out of a playmat can vary depending on the individual child and their developmental stage. In general, playmats are most commonly used by infants and toddlers who are just learning to crawl, sit up, and explore their environment.

As children grow older and become more mobile, they may no longer need the cushioned surface provided by a playmat, and may prefer to play on harder surfaces such as carpet or hardwood floors.

However, some children may continue to use a playmat beyond their toddler years if they have special needs or preferences for a softer surface to play on.

CHILD’S BEDROOM RUG ALTERNATIVE

An old playmat can be an excellent option for repurposing as a bedroom rug for hardwood floors. It has the benefit of being a sustainable and cost-effective solution. Another advantage of using an old playmat as a bedroom rug is that it can be easily cleaned and maintained. 

Playmats are designed to withstand spills, stains, and wear and tear, making them ideal for use in high traffic areas such as bedrooms. Additionally, the mat's soft and cushioned surface can help to absorb noise and provide a quieter and more peaceful bedroom environment. 

RUG ALTERNATIVE IN ANY ROOM

Create a calming space in any room of the house with a pre loved playmat. It might help save your carpet underneath from food and drink spills.

CREATIVE PLAY SPACE MAT

With the addition of a few simple props and toys, children can transform the playmat into a variety of imaginative play spaces. For example, you could add some building blocks and turn the mat into a construction site, or add some toy cars and create a town or city for them to drive around. 

You could also add some pillows and blankets and create a cozy reading nook or a pretend camping area. If you have crafty kids, that like painting, drawing or playdough this is a great idea to keep your floors clean!  

The versatility of the playmat makes it an ideal choice for encouraging open-ended play and creativity. By allowing children to use their imaginations and explore different play scenarios, they can develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and social skills. Additionally, using an old playmat for creative play can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to purchasing new play mats or play spaces

YOGA/EXERCISE MAT

An old playmat can be a great option for creating a large exercise mat that can be used by the whole family. The cushioned surface of the mat can provide a comfortable and safe area for a variety of exercises, such as yoga, pilates, stretching, and bodyweight workouts. 

The mat's large size makes it perfect for family exercise time, where everyone can join in and get moving together. It can be a fun and engaging way to bond as a family while also promoting a healthy lifestyle

A PLACE TO DO BOARD GAMES & PUZZLES

An old playmat can be a great option for creating a puzzle area.

You can place a large puzzle on top of the mat, and the soft surface will provide a comfortable and safe place for children to work on the puzzle. 

Additionally, the mat can help to define the puzzle area and provide a designated space for children to work on the puzzle, as the pieces will all be contained to the mat. 

UNDER YOUR STANDING DESK

If you're someone who spends a lot of time standing at your desk, using an old playmat as an anti-fatigue mat can be a great option to give your aching feet a break.

The cushioned surface of the playmat can help to absorb shock and reduce the impact of standing on hard surfaces, which can alleviate pressure on your knees and back. 

A PLACE TO EAT

As your children grow, the playmat could be a great place for them to eat their snacks.

They are easy to wipe down. It also means you will have crumbs contained to the one location. 

LEAVE IT IN THE CAR 

Having a smaller playmat on hand can be a lifesaver for parents who are always on-the-go. These mats are perfect for keeping in the car, ready to be laid out in the back of a hatchback or trunk to create a safe and comfortable spot for kids to play, eat, or even take a nap.

Not only do playmats provide a soft and cushioned surface for kids to play on, but they also help to protect your car's upholstery from spills, stains, and wear and tear. Plus, the mats can be easily cleaned and sanitized after use, making them a convenient option for parents.

One of the great advantages of using a playmat in your car is that it can be easily trimmed to fit the shape of your trunk or hatchback, providing a custom fit and protecting your belongings from damage during transportation. And when you're not using the mat, it can be easily rolled up and stored in the trunk or a storage compartment until the next time you need it

A SENSORY CORNER

An old playmat can be an excellent option for creating a sensory corner. The soft and cushioned surface of the mat can provide a comfortable and safe area for children to explore different textures and sensory experiences. 

You can add various sensory elements to the corner, such as tactile objects, visual stimuli, or auditory toys. The playmat can also act as a base for a sensory table or other sensory equipment. 

GYMNASTICS MAT FOR HANDSTANDS & CARTWHEELS

The cushioned surface of the mat can help to protect against injuries from falls and provide a safe surface for children to practice their gymnastics skills. The mat can be used for a variety of exercises such as rolls, cartwheels, handstands, and other tumbling moves. 

By repurposing an old playmat for a gymnastics area, you can provide a fun and safe activity for children while also repurposing an item that might otherwise go to waste

PICNIC BLANKET

The soft and cushioned surface of the playmat makes it a great option for a picnic blanket. It can provide a comfortable surface to sit and relax on while enjoying the outdoors.

CONTAINING A PLAY AREA

Repurposing old playmats can be a sustainable and practical solution for extending the lifespan of these versatile and durable items.

From using them as exercise mats, creative play spaces, bedroom rugs, or anti-fatigue mats, old playmats can be repurposed to fit a variety of different needs and interests. 

By repurposing old playmats, we can reduce waste, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. Whether you're a parent looking to create a fun and engaging play space for your children, or an adult seeking a comfortable and stylish addition to your workspace, an old playmat may just be the solution you're looking for.

Do you have a question about your Grace & Maggie Playmat? Feel free to email us.

Written by Laura Agrimi, mother of 2 and owner of Grace & Maggie.

Grace & Maggie

Online store - Open 24 hours

orders@graceandmaggie.com.au

PO Box 2852, Cheltenham, VIC 3192

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia