Cute Foam Play Mats That Go with Your Living Room

by Kate CartiaJanuary 8, 2024

Who says safety and style can’t be BFFs? Not us. These foam play mats prove that baby-proofing and cute home decor can totally go hand in hand. These mats are the perfect canvas for tying the room together and lowering your stress levels when it comes to keeping your minis on cushy ground. From charming florals to on-trend geo prints, these foam play mats are easy to keep set up even after the kiddos have gone to bed. Plus, beneath all the “okay, that’s super cute” sentiments is a layer of padding that helps babes bounce back from bumps and bruises a lot faster.

These foam play mats are the superheroes of convenience. Need a play area in the living room? Set up your play mat and add a few toys and you’re set. Planning a picnic in the park? Boom. Just roll your mat up, toss it in your trunk, and don’t forget the Goldfish Crackers. And here’s the best part: these mats are so easy to clean that even the messiest of messes won’t stand a chance. A quick wipe, an occasional spot treatment. Super easy. Maybe it sounds a. little dramatic, but these foam play mats really are a solid investment.

Totter + Tumble

You have several gorgeous, sophisticated patterns to choose from with Totter + Tumble play mats, and each reversible mat has two subtle, stylish prints to choose between. Certified for newborns on up, your child will love the soft 1/2-inch-thick memory foam that provides gentle support. These antibacterial mats are easy to care for; just wipe them down with a cloth and cleaning solution to keep them at their best. Your child will be playing on this mat for years to come, and during naptime, you can steal it for yoga and pilates sessions.

Totter + Tumble Play Mats (Starting at $110.00)—Buy Here!

Jabaloo

Featuring a beautiful leaf shape design and three dreamy colors, this play mat will add a touch of nature to any space (including your living room!). The thick padding makes it comfortable and safe play area for your babe, while the double sided design allows for endless possibilities.

Jabaloo Thick Sherpa Cotton Baby Play Mat ($79.99)—Buy Here!

Cushmat

Double-sided with two tasteful prints, these generously sized mats (78x55 inches) are designed for the whole family to enjoy. Babies can use them for tummy time, crawling and rolling, while older kids can practice gymnastics and martial arts. The waterproof surface also makes it a great spot to get messy. Adults, and all ages, can use the mat for yoga, meditation and other workouts, so this is a room addition you'll love for years to come.

Cushmat (Starting at $179.95)—Buy Here!

Famokids

These hand-illustrated and painted foam floor mats come in a soothing pattern and stylish colors. Made of non-toxic EVA foam and just under a half-inch thick, they wipe clean with a dry cloth and come in a 4 ft x 6 ft set consisting of 6 tiles and 12 edges, so you can customize the right size for your space.

Famokids Play Mat (Starting at $89.00)—Buy Here!

Hugomat

This handcrafted cushioned mat looks great in your home and folds in half with handles for easy transporting to different rooms, the park or grandpa's house. It's made from natural latex foam, which is breathable and resists mold, mildew and dust, and is covered in a removable, machine-washable cotton fabric. There's also a pocket for baby essentials. The mat measures 33 inches across and one inch thick and comes in soft neutral colors to complement any decor.

Hugomat (Starting at $220.00)—Buy Here!

Comfort Design Mats

With ultra soft padding (no bruised knees here!), Comfort Design Mats are a must buy. Each modern mat is ½ inch thick and made up of waterproof foam that’s hypoallergenic, BPA-free and non-toxic. Each mat is easy to wipe down and measures about 78” x 55”, so think of it more like a rug than the typical petite play mat you may be used to. It’s so comfortable and versatile you can even use it for yoga or exercise. Good to know: Because of the mat’s size, they do not fold up easily, so you won’t be putting this away once playtime is over.

Comfort Design Mats ($184.95)—Buy Here!

Gathre

Made of bonded leather material, Gathre play mats are winning over design-savvy parents everywhere. Both beautiful and functional, the mats can be used at home, outside (think of the mat like a beach towel or picnic blanket) or even hung up on the wall as a piece of art. Gathre mats are waterproof, compact and free of toxins, PVC and phthalates. Pro tip: If you love the look of a Gathre Playmat but want something a bit thicker to soften falls, place it over a rug.

Gathre Play Mat (Starting at $89.00)—Buy Here!

House of Noa

These play mats are so gorgeous you could use them in both your baby's nursery and your kitchen for padding while you cook and clean. They're available in seven sizes, too. The mats were illustrated and designed by professional artist Sophia Vincent-Guy and are premium quality, non-toxic EVA foam that's just under a half-inch thick.

House of Noa Play Mat (Starting at $129.00)—Buy Here!

Toki Mats

With play mat covers that are interchangeable and machine-washable, you’ll never grow tired of looking at your Toki Mat. Made of foam from the sap tree, each Toki Mat is soft enough to serve as your family’s meet-up spot for tummy time, cuddles, first steps and first falls. Toki Mats are foldable, so when not in use, you can stash it away.

Toki Play Mats (Starting at $185.00)—Buy Here!

Ruggish Play Mat

Ruggish Play Mats feature the look of a rug with the feel and functionality of a play mat. On one side you’ll find a cool geometric design; turn it over and you’re greeted with an interactive play mat that encourages imaginary play. Ruggish mats are ½-inch thick and are waterproof, non-toxic, easy to wipe down and provide more cushion than your typical foam tiles.

Ruggish Play Mat ($199.00)—Buy Here!

Make sure to capture all the playful moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Play Carpets Just Leveled Up with This Fun 3D Feature

by Sarah ShebekMay 26, 2021

Play mats, activity rugs, whatever you call them, they’re a staple of toy rooms everywhere. They’re great for screen-free entertainment for older kids and provide a few minutes of distraction for the younger set.

Now there’s an even more imaginative option on the market, the IVI 3D Play Carpet. It’s just what it sounds like: a mat with raised features and tactile textures that takes playtime to the next level.

Created by a mom with an architecture background who worried about the effects of screen exposure, the 3D Play Carpet comes in four different styles: beach houses, mini city, farms and playhouse.

Each are incredibly detailed with various sections, like a pool at the beach house and parking strips in the mini city. The 3D technology is patented so it’s the only product of its kind on the market.

The mini city and playhouse have four different sizes to choose from and beach houses and farms have three. The small size starts at $79.99 on the IVI website and the carpets are also sold at other retailers like Amazon.

Fabricated with a wool-like substitute that was approved by the European Child Protection Standards, they’re perfect for kids who struggle with allergies. And they might entice you enough to get down on the floor and play along!

––Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of IVF 3D Play Carpets

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This Ingenious Mat Makes Kid’s Yoga Simple & Fun

by Sarah ShebekMay 14, 2021

Kid’s yoga is a great idea in theory, but in practice it can be a predicament. Maneuvering your own body into Warrior Two is an adjustment, let alone expecting a squirmy three-year-old to pull it off. That’s where the Chi Universe Yoga mat comes in!

This ingenious mat is designed with universal symbols that help kids move their body into the correct poses: rain drops, hearts, stars, triangles and a couple fun twists. Each product comes with a game poster, free videos, a yoga game app and colorful style. It’s currently available in a kid’s size, as well as an adult size for family yoga sessions.

Better yet, the mats are recyclable, easy to clean and pass the prop 65 test for children’s health and safety. You can buy them on Amazon for $36.97 for the kid’s mat and $38.97 for the tween/adult size.

Chi Yoga makes yoga more playful, using the symbol system as a universal language. The company also plans to offer a free class on June 12 at 11 a.m. PT, in celebration of Global Wellness Day. Get your kids excited about moving their bodies all summer long!

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Chi Yoga

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Play On: Our Top Picks for Play Mats and Baby Gyms

by Katie L. CarrollFebruary 25, 2021

Why is an infant play mat or baby gym such a must-have for little ones? Floor exercise is an essential part of every stage of baby’s development, from your newborn’s first tummy time to crawling and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a space-saving option, one that’s full of all the bells, whistles, mirrors and rattles, or something to fit in with your home décor, you’ll find it in these baby play mats below.

Infantino 5-in-1 Epic Developmental Learning Gym

This open-ended play gym keeps kids occupied with lots of ways to play and learn. There's an electronic light-up piano, a tropical-themed play mat theme, wild animal flashcards, baby toys, a mirror, rattle and much more. Give your baby four different tummy time experiences and three new ways to play once they can sit up. Use the included prop-up booster pillow for more comfortable tummy time or to keep a new sitter upright.

Available at infantino.com, $69.99.

Baby Bonding Playmat from aden + anais

This plush playmat boasts more than 30 features to support a child's motor skills and sensory and cognitive development. Made from hand-embroidered cotton muslin, this generously sized mat (45 x 45 inches) is big enough for adults to share and has removable plush toys and a sun mirror baby can play with. Babies will also be excited to discover that the leaves crinkle and some items rattle. It's machine-washable and reversible, with a subtle gray print on the reverse side.

Available at adenandanais.com, $99.99.

Tinkle Crinkle & Friends Activity Gym by Baby GUND

Bright colors, eye-catching patterns and a host of cute and cuddly characters encourage babies to learn, play and interact. The fluffy cloud is a helpful tummy-time friend, and the sun mirror is baby-safe. Press the caterpiller to hear fun sounds, and the bunny, bird and hedgehog offer opportunities to grasp and rattle. The activity gym can be set up in just a few minutes.

Available at gund.com, $89.

Regalo My Play Mat

This soft, foldable mat means play time and tummy time can easily be moved to any room, outside or to a park or Grandma's house. It's made from soft foam and wipeable with a wet cloth, and there's an included carry bag with a strap for easy portability. One side of this reversible mat features the alphabet and cute cartoon characters, while the other side is a tasteful gray chevron pattern.

Available at regalo-baby.com, $49.99.

Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym

The versatile Twist and Fold Activity Gym from Infantino will catch any baby’s eye with its bold colors and design. Your little one will love the hanging toys and catching a glimpse of their face in the peek-a-boo mirror. It also comes with a pillow to prop baby up during tummy time. The mat itself is super easy to clean with the wipe of a cloth. The exclusive twist and fold feature makes for easy transport and for quick storage under the crib or tucked away in a corner of the closet.

Available at amazon.com, $51.81.

Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

For your Mozart-in-training, the Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym from Fisher-Price is the perfect choice. Laying down, younger babies learn cause and effect as they kick and the piano plays and play with overhead toys that hang low so little arms can reach them. During tummy time, babies will have lots to explore on the mat. And older babies can sit at the piano and bang away at the keys to activate the music.

Available at fisher-price.mattel.com, $49.99.

Toki Mats

Get down on the mat and play with baby on these super comfy Toki Mats. Once baby is mobile, their falls are cushioned by the breathable, eco-friendly foam made from rubber-tree sap. The washable covers come in a selection of modern designs that are interchangeable. The mat folds in half for storage, but it’s fashionable enough you may just want to leave it out.

Available at tokimats.com, from $165.

Lovevery Play Gym

Designed by a team of experts (including a neuroscience professor, Montessori teacher and occupational therapist), the Lovevery Play Gym has something for each stage of babyhood. The hanging toys are safe for chewing, batting, and grasping. There are hidden pockets, different textures, sounds, and a selection of visually stimulating cards for older babies to explore. It even has a cover that converts it into a fort! Plus, parents get a play guide for a full year’s worth of ideas to keep baby engaged.

Available at loveverybaby.com, $140.

Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym

The Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym comes with lots of fun features. The toy bar has hanging toys and teethers, the electronic elephant has flashing lights and plays more than 20 minutes of music, and there is a tummy-time pillow. Best of all, the sides of this gym fold up to convert it into a ball pit for toddlers. There are 35 balls included in a handy storage bag.

Available at amazon.com, $79.99.

Skip Hop Reversible Playmat

Want a mat you don’t have to hide when entertaining grown-ups? Look no further than the DOUBLEPLAY Reversible Playmat from Skip Hop. One side of the cushioned mat features either a village or animal theme (with Skip Hop's menagerie of cute creatures), while the other has one of two sophisticated, contemporary looks. In case you do want to store it or bring it with you, simply roll it up.

Available at skiphop.com, $110.

—Katie L. Carroll

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These Bright Colorful Mats from ALDI Are Great for Playtime

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 26, 2020

Give your little one a bright and comfy spot to play on. These Little Journey Foldable Playmats will be available at ALDI starting Jul. 29. Choose from several designs, each with reversible sides.

Little Journeys Reversible Playmat Safari

Little Journeys Reversible Playmat Elephants

Little Journeys Reversible Playmat Sea

The mats reverse to reveal an adorable animal themed alphabet.

Each mat retails for $14.99 and is available for a limited time.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of ALDI

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buybuy Baby Is Having a Major Sale & It’s Time to Stock Up

by Shahrzad WarkentinJanuary 16, 2020

There’s never been a better time to stock up on your baby gear and essentials than the first ever buybuy Baby Big-Deal Baby Sale.

The storewide sale features exclusive deals on big name brands like UPPABaby, Britax, DocATot, The Honest Company and many more. These aren’t just tiny savings either––items are discounted up to 25 percent off.

“We’re excited to share our first ever Big-Deal Baby Sale,” said Glen Cary, President of buybuy BABY. “As the leading baby specialty retailer in North America, we have never-before-seen storewide savings on everything from essentials to the latest gear and furniture, whether shopping for your family, a registry or baby-shower.”

Some of the top deals include:

25 percent off SKIP*HOP Bath Products, Diaper Bags, Play Mats & Activity Centers
20 percent off Select Chicco Car Seats & Travel Systems
20 percent off 2019 UPPAbaby VISTA and CRUZ Strollers (while supplies last)
20 percent off Select Nursery Furniture
15 percent off all DockATot (from Jan. 10-Jan. 17)

In addition to the instant savings, buybuy Baby will also be giving away buybuy Baby gift cards with the purchase of certain items, like a $50 gift card with the purchase of select BRITAX Car Seats and a $25 gift card with every $100 purchase of Ergobaby Carriers.

The Big-Deal Baby sale is on now and will run through Jan. 26. Discounts are available in stores and online. You can check out all the deals and savings here.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

photo: Courtesy of buybuy Baby

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This Adorable New Collab Will Change Dinner Time Forever

by Jennifer SwartvagherDecember 10, 2019

Today, ZoLi announced their latest collaboration with artist, Brady Smith. The ZoLi x Brady Smith limited-edition collaboration features a variety of fun and playful original artwork appearing on ZoLi’s popular silicone coloring placemats known as colorMATTIES. Children of all ages can bring Smith’s whimsical art to life when they color the reusable placemats at home, on a play-date, or at a restaurant.

ZoLi x Brady Smith colorMATTIES are available now at Amazon, independent retailers, and on ZoLi’s website. These silicone, coloring placemats each come with four washable markers allowing children to color and reuse them time and time again. Made with 100% food grade silicone, these mats are free of BPA, phthalates, PVC, and VOC. Plus, they are water and odor resistant. Featuring a convenient cut out, these mats hang for easy drying.

The ZoLi x Brady Smith colorMATTIES are available in two designs:

Space Fun – blast off into outer space and meet a few new extraterrestrial friends along the way.
Sea Fun – head under the sea with Brady’s cast of whimsical underwater creatures.

Brady Smith is an accomplished artist, children’s book author, actor, and feature film and TV writer. This collaboration with ZoLi is not his first time in the juvenile space. Last year, Brady released a children’s book, You’re Missing It!, which he illustrated and co-wrote with his wife, Tiffani Thiessen. Earlier this year, he collaborated with apparel company Kira Kids on a line of t-shirts for kids that feature his unique and fun illustrations. Smith said, “Like so many other parents, my wife and I struggle to find fun activities for the kids when we go out to eat, other than staring at a screen. So I love the creativity that my kids show when they get to color in their own colorMATTIES designed by Dad!”

Founder & CEO of ZoLi, Julianna Shaw, said, “We wanted to collaborate with Brady the moment we saw his playful and fun illustrations, which fit seamlessly with ZoLi’s stylish and functional products. We can’t wait for both ZoLi and Brady fans to get a chance to color in their very own ZoLi x Brady Smith colorMATTIES.”

These mats retail for $22.00, which includes 1 mat and 4 markers per pack.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All images courtesy of Kelly Clare

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10 Products That’ll Make You Look Like a Design Pro

by Katie BrownMarch 15, 2019

Problem: You want to create a comfortable, happy haven for your little one, but have zero time to scour those design blogs—and what exactly is a “mood board,” anyway? Solution: Snag one of these innovative products that’ll make you look like a design pro in no time. From a play table that grows with your kid to actually writing on the walls, scroll down to see them all.

photo: Beddys

Problem: Your kids don’t make their bed.

Solution: The incredibly stylish all-in-one bedding from Beddy’s will give you Joanna-Gaines worthy beds in literally, seconds flat. How? The bedding essentially is like a comforter + sheet set that fits any size mattress (there’s even a toddler size). You simply zip it up along the sides to make a seamless look. Unzip to give yourself breathing room in the night, or keep it zipped up for coziness. Think of it like a giant lined sleeping bag for the fanciest bed in town. The sheet-lining is ridiculously soft and comfortable (we tested it ourselves) and comes in either cotton or “minky” line. In spite of our skepticism, washing them up was super easy. Added bonus? Your partner can’t kick the sheet down in the bed

See all the styles at: beddys.com, from $129

Problem: You want a style-savvy rug, but you’re worried about the mess.

Solution: The play mats from Comfort Design Mats are completely waterproof, with cushy padding that make play easy for everyone from babies up to grade schoolers. Measuring in at 6 ½ by 4 ½ ft, there are 12 different designs, ranging from classic to contemporary, to choose from. Spills wipe up easily, and you can even put furniture on top of the mat, which gives it a real floor covering feel.

Available at Comfort Design Mats or Amazon, $139 & up.

Problem: You want your playroom to look Houzz worthy, but … kids

Solution: The hidden storage compartment in the poufs from Mimish Designs means you can sweep all those LEGO bricks, stuffies, LOL dolls or whatever else is on the floor, out of sight in mere seconds. Plus, if your home is short on storage space, these will be a lifesaver. Offered in various colors, there’s even room for athletic equipment!

Available at Mimish Designs, $64.99.

Problem: Wallpaper is totally in right now, but you don’t want to commit.

Solution: The removable wallpaper from Chasing Paper makes it easy for you to add a splash of something special without having to commit to the real stuff. There are all sorts of different prints to choose from, and we are totally crushing on the latest: Head in the Clouds. It’s easy to install too—the signature peel-and-stick fabric is printed-to-order in 2 x 4 ft. panels.

Available at Chasing Paper, $40.

Problem: You need extra places for kids to sit, but you don’t have the storage space for tiny chairs.

Solution: These incredibly sleek stools from REN+RO look like a book, but when unfolded, become a sturdy place for kids to sit. The honeycomb structure of the recycled cardboard can handle up to 200 lbs of weight, and when unfolded the dimensions are 12.5 X 11, which is perfect for kids. You can choose from all sorts of fun combos like Water + Melon, Pine + Apple, Ice Cream + Cone and Mexican + Blanket, and you get one felt top for every piece you pick. And, the best part? Each one weighs just over three lbs Basically, the art of paper folding just got a lot more interesting.

Available at REN + RO, $65.

Problem: Your kid needs a night light, but you don’t like traditional styles.

Solution: No doubt, a neon tabletop light is way more decor-savvy than a standard plug-in illuminating light. We especially like the new ones from Olive and Gal, because not only are they less than $100, but they’re designed with kids in mind. Made with a lightweight glass structure, they easily plug into a standard outlet.

Available at Oliver and Gal, $99.

Problem: You want to display your kids’ evolving art skills without feeling overwhelmed.

Solution: How about frames that make it easy for you to swap out art as the kids bring it home? Wexel frames are a sleek design made with clear acrylic and magnets, you just lift the top off and change out what’s being displayed. You can opt to buy a single wall unit, or splurge on a whole set that can be cleverly arranged for a real statement.

Available at Wexel, $49.99 & up.

Problem: You need a play table, but you’re worried she’ll outgrow it soon

Solution: Find a table, like this Grow with Me Table Delta Children, that has multiple heights so you can adjust as your child grows. Offered in three different finishes, it’s a perfect way to ensure your kids’ furniture gets good use.

Available at Delta Children, $99.

Problem: You still need to use blackout curtains, but hate the way they look.

Solution: Plenty of decor companies feel your pain, have started designing blackout curtain that doesn’t look like heavy duty plastic. This shade-version from Best Home Fashion has star cutouts for a stylishly whimsical look. You’ll still get the filtered light and privacy your kiddo needs for that daily power naps.

Available at Best Home Fashion, $39.99.

Problem: Your kids need somewhere to draw.

Solution: Available in 26 colors and two shapes (rectangles and circles), you’ll actually enjoy watching your tiny artist scribble all over the walls thanks to these whiteboard and chalkboard decals. Arrange the stick-on images in different patterns, orientations, and color combinations to bring a fun pop of color and a ready-made canvas for creativity in your child’s play space or bedroom! Check out the Chalk by Bilk website for layout inspiration.

Available at Chalk by Blik $12.

—Gabby Cullen with Katie Brown

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Moms Should Laugh Together More—Here’s Why

By Murphee Quiroz

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

February 7, 2019

Photo: Murphee Quiroz

Before I became a parent, I had worked for years in childcare and early childhood education. Because of my experience, I felt fairly confident in my ability to parent and handle the typical struggles of parenthood. I had a long list of things that I had seen other parents do that I was positive I would never do. My parenting st‌yle was going to be somewhat strict and very structured. I was able to successfully potty train other children, teach them to nap on mats and feed themselves at the table so surely I’d have no trouble with my own children. I can say now with great confidence that I was very naïve.

There’s no doubt in my mind that my childcare experience helped me as a parent but caring for other children is extremely different from raising my own children. I realized that some of my confidence in my abilities to parent was actually just judgmental thoughts about how other people parent. My thoughts were “I wouldn’t let my kids get away with that” and “Why wouldn’t the parent just do it this way”. The solutions to other’s parenting struggles seemed simple to me. So you can imagine how guilty I feel about those judgments now that I’m a parent myself and I’m seeing how these parenting struggles are truly difficult. I’ve learned that I don’t have all the answers and I never will.

Every child is so different and there’s not a single strategy or approach that will work for all children. There are also so many different kinds of parents and parenting st‌yles. We aren’t all going to choose to handle things the same way or all follow the same steps. When it comes down to it, finding the right way to teach your child through every stage and milestone is hard and can constantly change.

Parents offering each other support without judgment is an amazing gift and encouragement. We can appreciate each other’s differences in parenting and learn from those differences. I think most parents would agree that we want our kids to be themselves and love the person that they are. If we all raised our kids exactly the same way, would our actions teach them to be themselves? Our kids will learn from what we say but also what we do. To me, that would mean that each parent needs to be themselves and make parenting decisions based on their family’s priorities and personalities. As a community of parents, I think laughing together, having compassion for each other and encouraging each other will make us stronger and better parents.

Murphee Quiroz

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I’m Murphee, a wife, mom of two and ocean lover! Our little family recently began a new adventure that brought a big change for me: I went from Floridian early childhood teacher to stay-at-home mom in Texas. I love exploring with my young children, trying new food and road tripping.

Spotted! The Coolest New Gear at the ABC Kids Expo

by Gabby CullenNovember 2, 2016

At Red Tricycle, the most cutting-edge gear for babies and kids is totally our jam. In order to bring you the best in new & cool, we hit up the 2016 ABC Kids Expo in Las Vegas and it did not disappoint. Read on to discover the color trend you’ll be seeing everywhere in 2017, learn which toys will be a smash hit with kids, and get the heads up on gear you’ll actually use.

Trends for 2017

Expect to see these trends in the new year.

photo: courtesy @lunchesandlittles via Instagram

Gray is having a heyday.
Gray is here to stay. It was a constant theme at ABC; the classic hue will hit the kids and baby market in full force in 2017. The new JETT stroller line from Nuna is offered in cool gray hues, the new 3DTote Convenience Stroller (available in January 2017 at Amazon and Target) from Summer Infant will sport a gray and black design, and the reversible play mats from Lollaland (featuring a contemporary, geometric pattern on one side and a kid-friendly, playful pattern on the other) are now offered in gray. In mid-November, Skip Hop will launch a six-piece baby gift set in soft grays; we also spotted nursing pillows from Nursie, teething toys from Zoli, and sippy cups from Drink a Duex, all dressed up in chic shades of gray.

Collaborations are so hot right now.
We dig a good collab. Seems like other folks do too: There were a few exciting projects between style mavens and baby/kids gear companies at ABC this year. One that stood out was the Rachel Zoe for Maxi-Cosi line—infant seat, car seat, stroller, and diaper bag—designed by style guru Rachel Zoe. Admittedly luxe, the gear had leather accents and white (gasp!) fabric, but still kept comfort, utility, and safety a priority.

Another cool collaboration we spotted was mega-hot graphic design company Tokidoki, paired up with not one, but two different brands! The company lent its larger-than-life, fun characters (the unicorns and cactus friends are particularly awesome) to Zoli’s food and beverage containers, and it paired up with Itzy Ritzy (launching January 2017) to add its cult-status graphics to the popular reusable snack bags.

Forget one of everything. Get one that DOES everything.
It used to be that new parents needed one of everything. These days, to maximize space and convenience, parents need one that does everything. We thought the new Tuo high chair (available December 2016) from Skip Hop was a modern parents dream. Stylish and functional, when baby is ready to make the move to toddler chair, simply shorten the legs and ditch the tray. Bonus points for the easy-clean, reversible seat pad. The Splash n’ Store (available December 2016) from Summer Infant also caught our eye for it’s multi-stage, fold-up-and-store features.

Silicon is the new plastic.
Forget BPA-free plastic. The newest material for eating, drinking, bathing, and even playing is silicone. Yup, it’s bendable, dishwasher, microwave and oven safe, is hypo-allergenic and PVC, BPA, BPS and phthalate free. The Brushies is a brightly colored set of finger puppets that double as toothbrushes. Designed by two moms, a dentist and a child psychologist, this new toy-and-book set gives parents a whole new outlook on oral hygiene. EZPZ caught our eyes with its fun and colorful line of happy mats, bowls, and play mats (available December 2016). Marcus & Marcus had a brand-new line of bath toys (available December 2016) at ABC: Mold-free submarines and rockets in bright, fun colors featuring their signature animal friends. Silikids will soon have their new bowl/plate combo on the market. The fun colors, multiple functions, and cool design are ideal for busy parents.

Other Cool Products That Caught Our Eye

There were many other cool and innovative products at ABC. Here are a few that really stood out.

Green Toys – Farm Playset
From the maker of your kiddo’s favorite upcycled tea set, trucks and boats comes a new line of pretend play toys, including the Farm Playset, which was a 2016 ABC Kids Expo award winner. The farm set comes with 13 pieces, including animals and a farmer— we’re betting you’ll see it on hot toy gift guides this year.

Dr. Brown’s – Options Bottle
The easy-flow bottles moms know and love got a makeover in 2016. The new Options Bottle allows parents to choose whether or not they want to deal with the vent parts. Can you say genius?

Janod – The Fantastic Castle
The french toy company has launched its latest adorable imaginary cardboard world, the Fantastic Castle. The 16-piece puzzle comes with 10 wooden accessories, and 8 cardboard accessories. The intricate illustrations and fold-up, stow-away capabilities caught our eye!

Keen – The Moxie Collection
Keen shoes are known for sturdy construction and easy-on-easy-off capabilities. We got a peek at the new Moxie Collection (Spring/Summer 2017) and if you’ve got girls who love to be active but still love style and fun colors, this will be the one shoe you buy for summer and maybe even keep through fall.

Tegu – Sticky Monsters
Tegu will launch their latest line of magnetic blocks—Sticky Monsters—just in time for the holidays (December 2016). They come with fun names like Zip Zap, Finklebear, and Marbles, have bright, bold pieces, and are compatible with all other Tegu blocks. If you already have a growing collection, these new friends will be a cool addition. If you’ve never bought Tegu blocks before, this is a good place to start.

Innobaby – The Robot
This brand-new teether is made from TPE—a non-toxic, high quality food grade material. Every Innobaby teether are bisphenol-A (BPA) free, phthalate free, pvc free, lead free and latex free.

Are you excited for any of these new & cool products? Share with us in a Comment!

—Gabby Cullen

Totter + Tumble

Jabaloo

Cushmat

Famokids

Hugomat

Comfort Design Mats

Gathre

House of Noa

Toki Mats

Ruggish Play Mat

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Regalo My Play Mat

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Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym

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Lovevery Play Gym

Bright Starts 5-in-1 Play Activity Gym

Skip Hop Reversible Playmat

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