ALZIP Folding Baby Play Mat
Eco-Friendly Eco Silion Urban Non-Toxic Non-Slip Reversible Waterproof (G+ (87x55 inch), Grey)
The search for a playmat was lengthy. We had a lot of criteria that we cared about: padded, without chemicals and non-toxic, foldable, right size, neutral color…
We ended up selecting the Alzipmat that was from their eco collection with the silion which has a silicone layer on top to help with the waterproof properties. Alzipmat is created by JWorld Industry Co., Ltd. We got size G+ which is 87x55 inches so that it would coordinate with our playpen (see my review for the Fortella Cloud Castle Playpen). They make all of their products by hand. We went with their urban color scheme that allowed us to get a solid grey color which easily blends into our decor without being the loud, bright colors of most padded, foldable mats. It is nice to keep the elegant look in our home while having a practical and comfortable flooring for our baby when needed.
I wanted a foldable mat so that we could easily pull out the mat when we needed it and store it when not in use. Especially since our playpen is foldable and currently we pull it out and set it up for the daytime and then store it away for the evening, I wanted to be able to do the same with the playmat. This playmat is lightweight so it is easy to fold up or unfold even one-handed when I am holding Leo.
It did arrive with a crease on top that has not gone away but the mat is typically covered with toys or the playpen so it is what it is.
When we first ordered this mat, Leo had just begun to crawl. He was having a hard time sitting up without falling over and we wanted a cushioned surface for him to tumble now. Flash forward to present day where he is already pulling himself up to stand (OMG they grow up so fast!), we are grateful again for such a padded surface to cushion his falls. He is able to learn the consequence of a fall without the pain so that he seems even more eager to practice and improve on this new skill. The structure of the foam inside allows for shock absorption. It has a patent for the interior unique layers composed of 9 layers with an egg-shaped structure which creates a resilience to impact and great durability. I know in the not to near-distant future we will also appreciate its properties for noise absorption when he begins to jump up and down!
Another benefit to this mat is the versatility of it. I have been able to use it for my floor workouts when I do crunches, sit ups etc. I found that postpartum, I have had a more sensitive back and my yoga mat wasn’t providing enough support and cushion for my ab workouts. This mat has changed that and allowed me to continue to work to build back my core and lower back strength in a safe manner. I love dual or multi-purpose items because it allows you to justify spending a bit more not just for quality but for the functionality. I can foresee this mat working long into the future because of all the uses. It is even comfortable enough, I could see taking a nap on it. Leo has played so hard that he has fallen asleep on the mat! They do make a cute “family bumper bed” for that purpose…
Finding a mat that was waterproof or water resistant was important to me since I am a clean freak. I wanted to be able to clean up spills, disinfect surfaces and know that the mat could withstand that. Surprisingly, there are many mats on the market that allow only for spot-treatments or require removing a cover and washing. While this mat does sell a separate cover that you can encase your mat inside, it is so easy to clean as is! Just a quick wipe with a paper towel and it cleans. When we first got it I tested it by placing a drop of water on top - it beaded and the water droplet was easy to wipe off. Since then, Leo must have decided I would like to really test out both its durability and waterproofness as he has spit up milk and solids (two separate occasions so far), and had the horror of a diaper blowout. All of those messes were easy to clean the mat (I can’t say the same thing for his clothes but that is another matter) and I am so thankful for that. The mat can also be vacuumed if you have hair that falls onto it when you are on it playing with your baby (thanks postpartum).
It was really important that we found a playmat that was nontoxic and not made with harsh chemicals. As anything and everything these days he loves to stick in his mouth or lick, we knew we wanted something that we would feel comfortable with coming into contact with his mouth or toys that he would put in his mouth. The mat is made in South Korea and has the Korea Environment Corporation under the Ministry of the Environment approval for its safety and technology. We found the majority of baby playmats are made in South Korea, and Alzipmat is the top seller for good reason. They have strict quality control that exceeds the standards for both the European CE Standard and the US ASTM, and have acquired both the European and American Safety Standard Certifications. In addition they have the Eco Korea Label by the Ministry of the Environment and the FDA Compliance Certificate (specifically for their resinous and polymeric coatings). The interior is a high density PE foam and the exterior is a premium PU material coated with silicon. They are currently on their 4th generation of this mat which has been out for a while. This material is safe for babies.
Alzipmat makes a variety of products that we will look forward to trying out in the future! From the cutest chairs for toddlers to play castles to tents to larger mats - they are bound to make something for your baby needs.
Having had the playmat for well over a month now with daily use I can say that overall, I would definitely recommend this play mat. It is a 5 out of 5. We are extremely happy with this purchase. You get what you pay for and this investment is one that has given us peace of mind and a wide range of functionality.
ALZIP MAT Eco Silion Urban, Folding Baby Play Mat Eco-Friendly Non-Toxic Non-Slip
Alzip Mat Cover
UPDATE: Just when you think a baby mat couldn't get any better - enter the cover that Alzipmat makes for their mats. Initially we loved that the mat was foldable and we folded it up every afternoon and put it away for the evening. It was easy to take the mat out and set up the play yard the next day. That worked when we were in our smaller previous apartment and Leo was also smaller.
Now that we have moved to our dream home and have space, we have his play yard with the mat set up and can keep it set up. Plus, Leo is now devouring solids, especially crackers. Those teether crackers are so helpful since he seems to be constantly teething, but boy, those crumbs are sometimes sticky, wet and so messy. I was finding crumbs in between the mat where the folds were.
The cover is sized so that it tightly fits over the mat and creates one solid expanse. No little crevices for crumbs to hide! The mat is made of the same great material so it is easy to clean and wipe up spills. Game changer. We're already considering that baby Leo will need another playmat from Alzipmat upstairs in his playroom. While I’m not sure he’ll be eating snacks upstairs in his playroom, I think it will be smart to get the cover too. Crumbs seem to stick to his hands and feet and clothes but they won’t stick to the Alzip mat with cover.
