How to play with your baby on a baby educational mat?

Are you the kind of mother who is keen on giving her child the best possible entertainment and development? Discover ways for creative and educational play with your baby, which will strengthen your relationship, bring you lots of joy and let the kid learn through play.

Our Funny Farm baby educational and activity mat is a product designed in close collaboration with mothers, in response to their children’s educational and development needs. This is what makes it a fascinating play and fun space, inspired by the needs of the little ones.

Recommended fun options on an educational mat - more than playing!

Educational discovery and storytelling play

Imagine your baby examining the mat with fascination, including the colourful, contrasting images of vegetables, fruit, animals, various houses and vehicles you can encounter in the countryside. The overhead arches with dangling toys attract their attention and they curiously discover the overhead pieces, rustling and rattling whenever they try to reach for them. There is also a hidden mirror for them to see their reflection and scatter the surrounding light, making them feel mesmerized. The mat activity not only makes them happy but also helps them develop their senses and learn new skills in a pleasant, interactive way. Encourage your baby to explore the mat, telling them a story about a little bunny who came by train to a farm where she meets new friends and has a day full of adventures.

Young discoverer’s gym and matching shapes

Whenever the infant tries to reach a hanging toy, they practice their muscles and develop coordination. Help them by telling him a story about a ladybug flying above their head but really wanting to land on a meadow for a friend waiting there, presented as a contour. There are specially designed contour and contrast sections on the mat, encouraging your baby to learn to match shapes and stimulating abstract thinking. Also, your infant has to put some effort into matching the toys with contours, which lets them work on their muscle, strengthens their whole body and improves coordination. A two-sided pillow with a friendly animal drawing is attached to the mat, helping your baby with tummy practice, supporting them in a comfortable position or serving as a head support.

A pit full of adventures - a ball pool

Convert the mat into a magic ball pit by lifting the sides and adding colourful balls. Tell your baby about the curious balls who have often heard about the colourful farm and had to see for themselves if it was really so much fun. Now they are rolling inside, but the other animals are not happy because the balls are making too much noise. That’s why your baby has to catch them all and put them outside the pool. The ball pool function helps your child practice their motor skills, reinforces the grasping ability and hand-eye coordination. This is extremely useful in sensory integration therapies.

Peek-a-boo and object permanence

Place a ball inside the pit, then divert the baby’s attention and hide the ball in your hand. When your confused young discoverer tries to determine where the ball went, surprise them and show them what you have in your hand. This activity does not only mean lots of laughter for both of you but also a form of learning because the child learns that object continue to exist even when they can’t see them.

First counting activities

There are hidden images covered by specific digits on the sides of the cot and on an extra attached activity book. After uncovering, you can see as many items as the digit shows. Point to a white goose, referring to the number 1. Then make the baby look at the two apples, pointing to number 2. After that, you may count the 3 purple flowers together. You can use the colourful balls, included in the play mat set, for counting together. These first encounters with maths will help your child feel comfortable at the very beginning of their contact with science and help improve their logical thinking skills.

What’s this sound?

The animal toys suspended on the overhead arches are not just colourful and nice to touch. When touched or pressed, they generate various sounds. By touching a dangling birdie, your baby will hear a rustle. On pressing the ladybug, they can listen to funny squeaking sounds from the inside. Playing on the activity mat lets the child get used to diverse sounds and discover the world with another one of their senses.

What do mothers have to bear in mind?

Introducing the activities gradually

It is important to adjust the mat activities to the baby’s growth advancement and skills. Start with simple stories and uncomplicated gym tasks. With your child growing and improving, you should gradually build more sophisticated scenarios for interactive fun and educational practice.

Remember to end the play before you notice the first signs of fatigue or anxiety. It is like a journey where you are the travel guide and your child is the curious discoverer.

Time for resting

After intense activity, it is time to rest. The baby mat is not only an adventure land, but also a peaceful refuge. Let your baby take a moment to relax, lying on the soft mat. Watching the surroundings, listening to the sounds of home improves their senses and gives them a moment of relaxation.

Safety

Always be around when the baby is playing, as an observer and active participants. Remember to match the activities with the baby’s age and skills.

Summary

When choosing a baby gym and activity mat, pay attention to sensory diversity, safe materials, being easy to clean and adaptable to the specific stages of the baby’s development. A mat offering these options is not only a source of fun but also a valuable investment in the development of your little one.