Almost every client I have has already purchased a play mat for their baby. The interlocking squares with the ABC’s or numbers are the most common. Most of these mats have an age 3 and up warning on them. For some reason most parents are unaware (I’d say 95 percent) of this. It’s not uncommon for me to see a baby crawling around with one of the border pieces chewing on it like it’s a teething toy. The reason most of these mats are for three and up is because of the density of the mat. Unless the mat is 3/4″ thick and up, it is not dense enough to prevent a child from biting a piece big enough to choke on off and ingest it. Also, the pieces themselves are too small as well, for example the triangle inside of the A and the circles inside of the B and 8. There are mats thick enough to prevent a choking hazard, and there are mats designed with foam that a child is unable to bite off. Make sure you check for warnings with each and every product you purchase for your child. Get familiar with the JPMA (Juvenile Product Manufacture Association) seal. This Association really does their homework, and will not put their seal on anything that doesn’t meet or surpass safety standards.

Tip: If you don’t have a small object tester (can be purchased at baby retail stores) you can use a toilet paper tube which is the same diameter as a baby’s airway.