I Think This Brand-New Play Mat Might Single-Handedly Save My Family’s Knees (It’s So Cushy!)

I have been wincing every time my 1-and-a-half-year-old crashes through the doors of our living room’s toddler-size cardboard playhouse like a miniature Hulk. Each time her knees hit the wooden floor, topped with a surely insufficiently-thick area rug, I make a mental note to buy a thick play mat ASAP. And then, inevitably, I forget to add one to cart. So when I caught word that Stapelstein, the German brand known for its brilliant stepping stones toy, was launching its first ever play mat, I raised my hand to test one, and received a sample from the brand to put through its paces. 

What I found was cushier, more luxe, and more useful than I’d expected. Considering one yourself? Here’s what I’d want to know before buying.

Stapelstein sent me the mat in my chosen colorway, light purple, though they also have light blue and light green. It arrived in a tightly packed, somewhat hefty (the mat itself weighs 9 pounds) tall and skinny box. Just like the viral Stapelstein stepping stones, it’s billed for those ages 0 to 99. 

I am a minimalist at heart, but you’d never know by taking a look around my living room. My new thing is seeking out products that do double, if not triple, duty. I had the mat on the floor of my living room (which doubles as a playroom) and used it in a variety of ways: for morning yoga (well, what passes for yoga with two curious toddlers); for a play mat with various toys; and, underneath the aforementioned cardboard playhouse and a collapsible ice cream van-themed tent, pictured. By far my favorite use for it was as a soft landing ground underneath the playhouse and tent. 

During my first week with the mat, kids ages 0 to 3 and adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 70s, and 80s crossed its path in my home. Some stopped to play; some just admired it from across the room. But everyone noticed it! I cleaned it by vacuuming it, when necessary, or wiping it down with a damp cloth and mild soap after use. 

I couldn’t get over the stickiness. This thing doesn’t budge — and that’s how I like it, particularly when it’s placed under toys like the cardboard house and ice cream tent. (I am a bit concerned that it does, however, pose a trip factor. My kids haven’t tripped yet, but with a 0.3-inch thickness, it’s a possibility. My theory is that the bright color does help kids and adults distinguish it and therefore avoid trips.) 

I was also so impressed by the cushiness. My 1- and 3-year-olds tend to hurtle through space, time, and the living room. The Stapelstein Mat caught their falls with a soft thump. And when grandparents visited, they commented on how much more comfortable it felt to kneel on the floor with the kids. 

Speaking of its multipurposeness: Years ago, I completed my yoga teacher training, and while I don’t teach, I am pretty picky about mats. While I haven’t previously used such a thick mat for yoga, I found this to be a great option during these busy toddler years, where even a five-minute routine feels like a victory. I like my yoga mats easy to clean, aesthetically pleasing, made from nontoxic materials, and comfortable to use. This mat feels cushioning for my joints, is easy to wipe down and doesn’t appear to stain, holds the previously mentioned OEKO-TEX “MADE IN GREEN” certification, and is attractive enough to not hide when guests come over. (In fact, the kids invite them to play on it!). 

I think the Stapelstein mat is a great option for parents if the dimensions work for your space, and if your kids need a play mat that will also accommodate caregivers (and potentially those caregivers’ morning yoga routines, too). I’d especially recommend it if you’re buying for those early newborn tummy-time days but want something that will grow with your child into toddler play, and still sub in for you as an exercise mat. If you’re planning to use it strictly for yoga, a traditional rectangular mat will give you more room, since the oval shape can feel a bit limiting. But as a play-first mat that can pull double duty for grown-ups, it’s a smart pick — and your knees will notice the difference.