Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links which I can earn a small commission off if you click and purchase the item, at no extra cost to you.
Once Ruby started to show signs of crawling and actually liking being on her tummy more, I knew it was time for a foam play mat. It would be easier for her to get traction on and really learn to crawl. I searched for a couple days until I landed on Shwally. What enticed me the most was that it was reversible, one side for imaginary play and one side that looked like a rug. Of course, both sides are for play but I thought it was pretty cool how one side had roads and tracks like the play mats we had as kids, only more aesthetically pleasing. This Shwally play mat review will cover all of the key features I love.
Shwally Play Mat Review
There are three things that make Shwally so great in my eyes.
- Non-Toxic (Free from heavy metals, BPA, Lead, Formaldehyde, Phthalate, fire retardant, PVC or EVA.)
- Waterproof
- THICK memory foam! These mats are cushiony!
I find myself sitting or laying on this mat almost as much as my baby does! When I was searching for a foam mat, I found a lot of reviews for other mats that said they weren’t thick enough and it was one of the main problems with play mats for babies since they fall down while learning to roll, crawl, and stand. Shwally has 0.6″ thickness and it is plenty of cushion while still being firm enough.
The fact that it’s waterproof is also a great feature. If you have a baby or even dog then you know how much easier clean up is when something can just be wiped clean. I do diaper changes, give Ruby popsicles, and easily wipe away drool all on this play mat and it’s never dirty.
Non-toxic was and is the first feature I look for in a play mat. I don’t want my baby’s delicate skin absorbing chemicals from something that isn’t safe. Just do some reading on PVC and the dangers it poses to not only babies but adults and pets too and you’ll understand.
Another thing I didn’t want was a mat that you could take apart like a puzzle. I wanted something in one piece so Ruby couldn’t pull it apart and chew on the edges. I ended up getting the color Dakota Ivory and it goes so well with my home decor. It’s hard to find a play mat that actually looks like a piece of home decor and Shwally nailed it.
How Does Shwally Do With Dogs?
Shwally recommends to keep pets off their mats since sharp nails can puncture it but those who have pets know how hard it can be to keep pets completely off things. I don’t allow my dogs to lay and play on my mat but they have walked over it plenty of times and it hasn’t been punctured at all, even with their sharp nails. It’s pretty tough!
Overall, Shwally is a great play mat and I can’t recommend it enough. It checks all the boxes and I would buy 10 more, even if I didn’t have kids! For more baby products I can’t live without, check out this post.
