Children's rugs-puzzles: varieties of models and the nuances of choice
Each loving parent tries to create the best conditions for his child to develop, learn and have fun. Growing up, curious fidgets tend to leave their cramped bed and rather explore all corners of the apartment. The task of parents during this period is to provide the baby with maximum safety. And an exciting puzzle mat will help in this - a polymer product consisting of individual modules fastened with grooves.
Features of puzzle mats
Puzzle mats consist of several squares - from 6 and more. Each part can have one of the following options: 250 to 250, 300 to 300, 450 to 450 mm. Squares can be swapped. The base material is of high quality and hypoallergenic. The thickness of the product is usually from 8-12 mm. Manufacturers produce absolutely amazing themed designs that will delight any baby.
Functionality and quality features
The functionality of puzzle mats is quite multifaceted:
- they are mobile and easy to transport;
- help in the mental and physical development of the baby, allowing through the tactile and visual level to effectively develop;
- from modular parts you can add different designs and figures, for example, houses;
- in case of deformation, you can replace or buy a damaged part, which is very convenient and much cheaper than any standard analogue;
- puzzle mats are soft and springy, thereby creating a cushioning effect, for example, when a child falls;
- heat-insulating properties of game modules provide the optimum temperature, regardless of the season and the presence of floor heating;
- thanks to the production method and composition of the product are hygienic and hypoallergenic;
- moisture resistant and very practical in cleaning;
- have anti-slip notches;
- do not electrify, therefore they do not attract dust and small debris;
- the wear resistance and practicality of the puzzle mat lies in the ability for a sufficiently long period to maintain its original shape and color;
- modular parts have soundproofing properties. So, an active child will not interfere with the neighbors below.
Note: if the child has grown up, do not rush to get rid of the rug. It can easily be expanded by acquiring the right amount of additional elements.
Varieties
Today, specialized stores offer a wide range of children's rugs in the form of puzzles:
soft puzzle matoccupying the entire area of the room;
modular mat - Specially designed models with a height of 10-12 mm, the elements of which can be added, rearranged, removed, adjusting the size. Designed for infants 5-7 months;
model with sides- An analogue of a miniature playground, perfect for the smallest. Protective borders fasten in grooves;
massage mat for crawling - soft surface with convex elements. Such models perform not only a game, but also a healing function - they do not allow flat feet to develop, stimulate fine motor skills, and contribute to a better perception of color reproduction;
alphabet- a bright canvas with letters will help not only to crawl comfortably, but also to visually memorize the alphabet. Such a puzzle rug is also useful for older children - you can make words and phrases from modular elements.
rubber - It is made of rubber crumb, can serve as an excellent replacement for a gymnastic mat for physical exercises, but it will not work for permanent flooring. Quite a popular option, due to an affordable price, minimal gliding effect and ease of maintenance. During family trips to the countryside, cottage or traveling, such a rug becomes a real lifesaver, because the child will not be bored with it.
silhouette - It consists of modules of different shapes in the form of a frame; bright inserts of color and size are placed in each part. For children of a more conscious age, in which associative and figurative thinking is formed, there are options similar to a game of cubes - to put together elements according to the seasons or some plot drawn;
with music. What manufacturers just won’t come up with to fill the child’s world with fun and bright colors! In the market for children's products, there are even models of puzzle mats equipped with mini-mechanisms and built-in buttons for playing music or imitating the voices of animals. A special pencil is provided in the kit, which you need to touch the image of the animal to hear its characteristic sounds. However, such goods are produced abroad and they are not cheap.
How to choose?
When buying any item for a child, parents should find out from the seller all the points that interest them. The first thing you need to find out before buying a product is the availability of a quality certificate, and only then pay attention to the following points:
- you should not focus only on price. The quality of cheap products is always inferior, so it is better to choose the “golden mean”;
- carefully study the material, try it by touch. Make sure that there are no defects on the mat;
- In no case should the product be painted on hands or have a pronounced smell of rubber or plastic. Of course, the new rug will in any case have a slight smell, which disappears after 2-3 weeks of operation;
- make sure that the product is not too hard, as it can damage the soft sensitive skin of the crumbs during friction. In addition, it is very important that the joints are as smooth as possible;
- in terms of development, it is necessary to take into account age: the smallest are better to get bright and large puzzles, and older children will have fun puzzles, composite numbers, letters;
- Before buying a children's crawling mat, measure the area of the room if you plan to cover the entire nursery.
Puzzle mats for children are a great choice for caring parents. And it is not necessary to buy the most expensive models - with a competent approach, you can successfully combine quality and price.
By the way, the idea of puzzle mats not only attracts children. Manufacturers began to produce original models for adults.