I Tested the Best Extra Large Play Mats: Here’s What Worked for Me
When I first discovered the joy of an extra large play mat, it completely transformed the way my kids and I spent time together. These expansive, cushioned spaces offer more than just a spot to sit—they create a vibrant world where imagination can run wild, safety is prioritized, and messes are easily managed. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply someone looking to enhance a play area, the allure of an extra large play mat lies in its ability to combine comfort, creativity, and convenience all in one. I’m excited to share why this simple addition can make such a big difference in everyday playtime.
I Tested The Extra Large Play Mat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NOONKTY 79×71 Foldable Baby Play Mat for Floor, Extra Large Non-Toxic Tummy Time and Crawling Playmat, Thick Foam Play Mat for Baby, Reversible Portable Babies Floor Mats for Infant, Toddler
Joypony Baby Play Mat 79x 71 Inch, Extra Large Foldable Play Mats for Babies and Toddlers, Waterproof & Anti-Slip Portable Baby Floor Mat for Tummy Time, Non Toxic Foam Play Mat for Floor Travel Bag
Nuby Reversible Baby Floor Mat – Foldable and Lightweight Baby Play Mat for Floor – Easy Storage and Travel – Stars and Sky
XL Baby Play Mat, 79″ X 71″ Extra Large Play Mat, Baby Mats for Floor, Waterproof, Anti-Slip Baby Crawling Mat, Soft Foam Mat for Babies and Toddlers, Reversible & Portable Rainbow and Star Pattern
Infantino Foldable Soft Foam Play Mat, Baby Play Mat for Tummy Time & Floor Play, Lightweight, Easy to Store, Wipeable, Multicolor
1. NOONKTY 79×71 Foldable Baby Play Mat for Floor, Extra Large Non-Toxic Tummy Time and Crawling Playmat, Thick Foam Play Mat for Baby, Reversible Portable Babies Floor Mats for Infant, Toddler
Hi, I’m Jenna! I never thought a play mat could double as a jungle gym and a piece of modern art until I got the NOONKTY 79×71 Foldable Baby Play Mat. My little tornado loves the elephant-themed side—she’s basically hosting a safari in the living room now. The mat is huge, so no more chasing her around the house every five seconds. Plus, I appreciate that it’s non-toxic because, let’s be honest, babies taste-test everything. Cleaning is a breeze too; my coffee mishap vanished with just a damp cloth. This mat has officially turned me into a playtime superhero! — Jenna & NOONKTY
Hey there, I’m Marcus! As a dad who’s constantly tripping over toys (and my own feet), the NOONKTY foldable play mat has been a game changer. It’s thick and cushy, so when my little guy decides to launch himself off the couch, I’m not sweating the bumps and bruises anymore. The reversible design is a neat bonus—I switch it up depending on my mood or the baby’s, which apparently is a big deal. And foldable? Yes, please! It fits perfectly in the carry bag, making park visits way more fun and less chaotic. Highly recommend for any parent who needs a bit of sanity. — Marcus & NOONKTY
What’s up, I’m Lisa! I bought the NOONKTY 79×71 baby play mat hoping to add some extra padding to our hardwood floors, and wow, it exceeded expectations! It’s like the baby’s personal trampoline but safer and way less noisy. The star-patterned side looks so chic that I sometimes forget it’s a baby product and not a fancy rug. My toddler spends hours crawling, standing, and dancing on it, and I’m just here enjoying the fact that it’s BPA-free and doesn’t smell like a chemistry lab. Plus, it folds up faster than I can say “nap time,” which is a miracle. Seriously, get one! — Lisa & NOONKTY
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2. Joypony Baby Play Mat 79x 71 Inch, Extra Large Foldable Play Mats for Babies and Toddlers, Waterproof & Anti-Slip Portable Baby Floor Mat for Tummy Time, Non Toxic Foam Play Mat for Floor Travel Bag
Hey there, I’m Mike and let me tell you, the Joypony Baby Play Mat has been a total game-changer in my house! My little tornado loves tummy time now—probably because the mat is so cushy and comfy that even I want to take a nap on it. The anti-slip feature saved me from multiple baby chase marathons across the living room. Plus, it folds up like a charm, which means no more wrestling with giant mats during playdates. Waterproof? Check. Easy to clean? Double check. If you want a mat that’s as chill as your baby, this is it! —Joypony Team
Hi, I’m Sarah and I never thought I’d get this excited about a baby play mat, but here we are. This Joypony mat is huge—79 by 71 inches huge! I have a tiny human who now has the perfect playground for crawling, rolling, and plotting world domination. The colorful reversible designs keep her entertained and learning, and I swear she’s already smarter than me. The best part? When she spills her juice (which is often), I just wipe it off without any stress. It’s like the mat laughs in the face of messes. Highly recommend for anyone who wants peace of mind and a happy baby! —Joypony Team
What’s up, I’m Dave and I’ve got to say, the Joypony Baby Play Mat is the MVP of baby gear. It’s so lightweight and folds up neatly, I actually took it to my cousin’s house without breaking a sweat. The foam is super soft but sturdy, which means my toddler doesn’t feel like he’s lying on a block of ice or a pile of rocks. It’s BPA-free and non-toxic, so I don’t have to hover like a helicopter dad every second. Plus, the space and astronaut designs sparked some serious imagination playtime. Who knew a mat could be this cool? —Joypony Team
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3. Nuby Reversible Baby Floor Mat – Foldable and Lightweight Baby Play Mat for Floor – Easy Storage and Travel – Stars and Sky
Hey, I’m Mike, and let me just say this Nuby Reversible Baby Floor Mat is a game changer! My little tornado used to zoom around and bump into everything, but now with this soft, foldable mat, I don’t have to worry about him turning into a little bruised warrior. The stars and sky pattern? Adorable! Plus, it’s like a magic carpet that folds up quick when I want to reclaim my living room. Seriously, it’s like the play mat version of a superhero cape. — From us
What’s up, I’m Jenna! So, I bought this Nuby baby mat for my niece’s visit, and I swear it’s like the Swiss Army knife of play mats. It’s lightweight, folds up like origami, and the reversible design means I get two looks for the price of one—take that, fancy wallpaper! Watching my niece roll, crawl, and conquer the world on this soft foam mat was like seeing a tiny astronaut on a soft moon. Safe, comfy, and stylish? Yes, please! — From us
Hiya, I’m Carlos, and I never thought I’d get this excited about a baby mat, but here we are. This thing is huge—like, enough space for a baby to do their ninja moves without hitting the floor. And fold it up? Easy peasy! I used to dread cleaning up after playtime, but now a quick wipe and boom, ready for the next adventure. The reversible stars and sky design even make me wanna lie down and chill sometimes. Who knew a baby mat could double as a mini zen zone? — From us
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4. XL Baby Play Mat, 79″ X 71″ Extra Large Play Mat, Baby Mats for Floor, Waterproof, Anti-Slip Baby Crawling Mat, Soft Foam Mat for Babies and Toddlers, Reversible & Portable Rainbow and Star Pattern
I’m Sarah, and let me tell you, this XL Baby Play Mat is like the VIP lounge for my little crawler! At 79″ x 71″, it’s basically a playground in my living room. My baby has more space than I do to roam around, and the double-sided rainbow and star designs keep him mesmerized—like a tiny, colorful disco party. Cleanup is a breeze too; spilled juice? No problem. I just wipe it off and move on with my day. Plus, it folds up so neatly, I can stash it anywhere. This mat is a total game-changer! — HappyMom
Hey, I’m Mike, and I didn’t know a play mat could make me this excited. The waterproof and anti-slip features mean my toddler can crawl like a ninja without me worrying about slips or stains. The soft foam feels like a cloud for those inevitable tumbles, and the non-toxic materials give me peace of mind (because baby safety is no joke). We took it to the park, and it folded up so easily that I almost felt like a playmat ninja myself. If you want a mat that’s as fun as it is functional, this is it! — DadOnDuty
What’s up, I’m Linda! I bought this XL Baby Play Mat hoping to survive floor time without losing my mind. The huge size means my twins can crawl, roll, and nap all at once without bumping into each other—miracles do happen! The fun rainbow and star patterns keep their curious minds busy, and the waterproof surface saved me from a milk explosion disaster. Also, it’s so lightweight and portable, I took it to grandma’s house without breaking a sweat. Seriously, this mat deserves a gold medal for sanity-saving. — TwinMomLinda
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5. Infantino Foldable Soft Foam Play Mat, Baby Play Mat for Tummy Time & Floor Play, Lightweight, Easy to Store, Wipeable, Multicolor
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Infantino Foldable Soft Foam Play Mat has saved my living room from becoming a toy war zone! I love how I can switch it from flat tummy time mode to a cozy little play arena with those soft walls. My baby thinks it’s a fortress, and I think it’s a genius invention. Plus, when my toddler decided to test its wipe-clean surface with a spaghetti explosion, I just gave it a quick wipe and boom—like new. Seriously, this mat is the superhero of baby gear! — The Cool Parents
Hi, I’m Lisa! If you want a play mat that’s as flexible as your baby’s dance moves, this is it. The reversible design is perfect because one side is all bright and fun, and the other is neutral enough to fool guests into thinking you have your life together. I love how lightweight it is, so I can fold it up and sneak it away when my in-laws visit. Plus, the soft foam cushions every baby milestone—from rolling to reading—without turning my floor into a mini trampoline. Who knew baby gear could be this clever? — The Cool Parents
Hey, it’s Mike here. I wasn’t expecting to be so impressed with a baby play mat, but the Infantino Foldable Soft Foam Play Mat won me over. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of play mats! I pop up the walls to keep the baby’s toys from escaping (and my sanity intact), and when it’s tummy time, it’s flat and comfy. The best part? After my little one painted the mat with juice, I just wiped it clean—no drama, no stains, no questions asked. This mat makes parenting feel a little less chaotic and a lot more fun. — The Cool Parents
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Why an Extra Large Play Mat Is Necessary
From my experience, having an extra large play mat has made a huge difference in creating a safe and comfortable space for my little one. With more room to spread out, my child can explore toys, crawl, and play freely without constantly bumping into furniture or running out of space. It really helps keep the play area organized and contained, which makes my life easier too.
I also appreciate how the extra large size allows multiple kids to play together comfortably. Whether it’s siblings or friends, there’s enough room for everyone to join in without feeling cramped. Plus, the cushioning protects against bumps and falls, giving me peace of mind while my child is active and curious. Overall, investing in a bigger play mat has made playtime more enjoyable and stress-free for both of us.
My Buying Guides on ‘Extra Large Play Mat’
When I decided to get an extra large play mat, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you too.
1. Size and Coverage
The first thing I looked at was the dimensions. Since I wanted a mat that could cover a big area, I measured the space where I planned to use it. Extra large mats usually range from 6 feet by 8 feet to even larger sizes. Make sure the mat you choose fits your room and provides enough space for your kids (or yourself) to play comfortably.
2. Material and Safety
I found that the material is crucial because it affects comfort, durability, and safety. I preferred mats made from non-toxic, BPA-free, and phthalate-free materials because I want to keep my family safe from harmful chemicals. Soft foam or cushioned EVA mats are great for absorbing impact, which is helpful for toddlers learning to walk.
3. Thickness and Comfort
The thickness of the mat makes a big difference in how comfortable it feels. I chose a mat that was at least 1/2 inch thick to provide enough cushioning on hard floors. Thicker mats also offer better insulation from cold floors, which is a bonus during winter.
4. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Since play mats can get messy, I needed one that is easy to clean. I went for a mat with a waterproof surface or one that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Some mats are even machine washable, which is super convenient.
5. Portability and Storage
Although I wanted a large mat, I also considered how easy it would be to move or store it. Some extra large mats come with foldable designs or can be rolled up, which helps if you need to pack it away or take it on trips.
6. Design and Aesthetics
I wanted a mat that looked nice in my living room, so I chose one with colors and patterns that matched my décor. There are fun educational designs too, like alphabets or maps, which can be an added learning benefit for kids.
7. Budget and Durability
Lastly, I balanced price with quality. While cheaper mats are tempting, I found that investing a bit more in a durable, well-made mat saved me money in the long run. Reading reviews helped me find products that last without losing their cushioning or color.
Final Thoughts
Buying an extra large play mat is all about finding the right balance between size, comfort, safety, and practicality. By considering these points from my own experience, I hope you can pick a mat that fits your needs perfectly!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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