In the first weeks of life, babies only see contrasting colors. This knowledge allows parents to skillfully choose the type of play that can involve various accessories, including stuffed animals, books, and activity mats in contrasting colors : black and white. What should they look for when choosing them?
Contrast mat for babies - how to choose?
As a baby grows out of the newborn period, when they sleep most of the day and night, they become more interested in the world around them. Their attention is primarily drawn to large, bold objects in black and white (and red in later weeks). Furthermore, physiotherapists recommend frequent use of slightly firmer surfaces than the crib mattress, as this makes it easier to teach a baby to lie on their tummy. This is the perfect time to buy a contrasting mat. There are many play mats for babies on the market, equipped with hanging toys, strings for pulling, rustling elements, and sound-making gadgets. All of this stimulates a toddler's sensory development. So what should you look for when choosing a play mat for your child? Primarily:
- The material must be suitable for contact with the delicate skin of a child, who often explores the world around them by putting everything in their mouth. Therefore, make sure the activity mat has the appropriate safety certificates.
- size - adjust it to the size of the room where the baby spends most of its time.
- colors - choose contrasting ones: white, black and red.
- hanging elements - the child, lying on his back, will have the opportunity to observe hanging toys, and over time he will try to touch them with his hand, catch them and even hit them, thus developing manual and motor skills.
- The rustling elements placed on the mat will be useful for learning to lie on your tummy. A curious baby will try to touch them, which will motivate them to lift their head while on their tummy.
- Design - Match the mat to your preferences and the décor of your child's room. You can choose a minimalist version or one with a toy arch.
Contrast mat - advantages
Purchasing an educational contrast mat for your child offers nothing but benefits. It's one of the first methods to combine learning and play. By playing on the mat, children explore the world around them in a safe and controlled environment. They can observe their first shapes, developing their visual and tactile senses. Placed on a hard surface, the mat provides physiotherapeutic development – they can practice hip movements, lying on their stomach, and turning their head, which is also safe because there's no risk of falling. Furthermore, the contrast mat can be used both indoors and outdoors (when weather conditions permit).
