We all know how quickly little ones grow – blink and suddenly the baby gear that once ruled your lounge room seems to have been outgrown overnight. One of the bulkier items you’re left wondering what to do with? The trusty play mat. But before you fold it up and shove it in the back of a cupboard (or worse – toss it out), let’s talk about all the clever ways you can give it a second life.
At Marmalade Lion, we design our play mats to last. Durable, beautifully made and machine washable, they’re too good to retire early. So instead of letting them gather dust, here are some practical (and surprisingly stylish!) ways to re-use your baby’s play mat – well beyond the toddler years.
1. A Cosy Nook for Reading Time
As your kids grow, they might swap tummy time for story time – but the comfort of a padded play mat never goes out of style. Pop your play mat in a corner of their bedroom or the living room with a few cushions and their favourite books. You’ve instantly created a reading nook that’s soft, inviting, and still wonderfully familiar.
Even older kids love having a little space of their own, and your old play mat adds just the right amount of comfort and nostalgia.
2. Outdoor Picnic Buddy
Whether it’s in the backyard, at the park, or on a camping trip, your play mat makes an ideal picnic rug. Marmalade Lion mats are water-resistant and easy to clean, which means a bit of grass or spilled juice won’t be the end of the world.
They’re also far more comfortable than the scratchy woven kind – and thanks to the lovely designs, you can still feel like a stylish parent while munching on sandwiches with the crew.
3. Tummy Time for Pets
Your little one might be walking and talking now, but don’t forget about the other baby in your life – your furry friend. Dogs and cats love the comfort of a padded surface, and our play mats are more than up to the task.
No matter you’re crate training a puppy or just want to give your pet a warm spot by the window, repurposing your baby’s mat as a pet pad is a win-win.
4. Exercise or Yoga Mat Alternative
If you’re sneaking in some stretches during nap time or doing a quick workout while the kids are at school, your play mat can double as a comfy floor space. While it’s not a replacement for a proper yoga mat if you’re doing more intense sessions, it’s perfect for gentle stretching, meditation, or Pilates.
Plus, it's got way more personality than your average exercise mat.
5. Creative Corner Drop Zone
As your child grows into their artsy era – glitter, glue sticks and paint galore – a play mat makes a perfect drop cloth. Spread it under an easel or craft table to catch the mess and protect your floors (and your sanity).
And because our play mats are machine washable and made to last, you can toss them in the wash afterwards and they’ll come out good as new. Genius.
6. A Guest-Friendly Floor Bed
Have family or friends visiting with small kids? Lay out the play mat as a floor bed for toddlers or as a soft sleep space for daytime naps. It’s more comfortable than the floor and a lot easier to store than a bulky mattress.
Add a soft blanket and a few cuddly toys, and you’ve created a cosy sleepover spot without spending a cent.
7. Take It to School or Daycare
Older children in kindy or early primary school often need a floor mat for quiet time or reading sessions. Why not pass along your trusty play mat to their teacher or carer? It’s a lovely way to extend its life while also giving your child something familiar in their new learning environment.
Just check with the school first, and make sure it’s clearly labelled with your child’s name.
8. Under High Chairs or Dining Areas
Yes, your baby might be long past the puréed peas phase, but we all know mealtimes can still get messy. Use your old play mat under a high chair or dining table to catch dropped food and rogue crumbs.
It’s especially handy if you have a younger sibling on the way – you'll be glad you kept it once you’re back in the baby food trenches.
9. Camping or Travel Padding
Planning a family road trip or heading off on a camping adventure? Your play mat makes a brilliant layer of padding for tent floors or cabin stays. It adds warmth and comfort under sleeping bags, and it's much easier to pack than a foam mattress or bulky blanket.
And again – washable. Enough said.
10. Pass It On
Finally, if you simply don’t have the space to keep it or don’t need it anymore, consider gifting your play mat to a friend, family member, or local charity. Knowing it’ll go to a loving home where another little one will get as much use from it as your child did? That’s a pretty special kind of recycling.
You can even get creative – repurpose it into cushion covers, a pet bed, or a wall hanging if you’re handy with a sewing machine.
Your baby’s play mat doesn’t have to be a once-and-done purchase. With a little imagination (and a decent vacuum cleaner), it can live on well beyond the baby stage. At Marmalade Lion, we believe in creating products that are not only beautiful and practical, but that grow with your family and adapt to your life.
So next time you’re decluttering, take another look at that mat. It might just be your home’s next MVP.
Got a creative way you’ve re-used your Marmalade Lion play mat? We’d love to hear it! Share your stories and snaps with us on Instagram @marmaladelionaustralia – and inspire other parents to think outside the (play) mat too.
