Children’s play mats can be more than simply a soft surface to play on. A new breed of children’s play mats is emerging that brings theories and equipment from physiotherapy centres into the playroom.
Sensory play mats are growing in popularity as parents are becoming more knowledgeable about child development. But what are sensory play mats, how do they work and why are they superior to standard children’s play mats?
In this blog post we’ll discuss
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The benefits of orthopaedic children’s play mats
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Why sensory play mats are becoming increasingly popular
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What are Happy Feet Play Mats
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What products can I buy?
The benefits of orthopaedic children’s play mats
These textured play mats can be great tools for improving joint and muscle strength to ensure your child develops healthily. This is thanks to barefoot stimulation.
Scientific research is increasingly finding that barefoot stimulation comes with numerous benefits, encompassing both cognitive and physical function. Sensory stimulation of the feet may help prevent conditions like flat feet and knock knee as well as improve posture and muslce strength.
There is also evidence that children are able to concentrate for longer periods when there senses are stimulated. This is especially true of the feet which are just as sensitive as our hands.
Why sensory play mats are becoming increasingly popular
Children's play mats with sensory features have remained in relative obscurity up until recently. While physiotherapists, chiropractors and other healthcare professionals have used sensory mats for many years to treat various conditions and injuries, it is only recently that the concept has been applied to children’s play mats.
Co-founders of Happy Feet Play Mats are among the first in Europe and the first in the UK to specialise in bringing these concepts to the homes of young families across the country.
As parents become more conscious of their child’s healthy development, many are seeking out new concepts that can benefit their children’s health. In addition to sensory children’s play mats, barefoot shoes are seeing a huge rise in popularity as the benefits of barefoot stimulation become more widely known.
About Happy Feet Play Mats
Happy Feet Play Mats was founded by Marketa and Anthony, parents with backgrounds in physiotherapy, coaching and professional sport. Both had encountered sensory play mats during their careers and after having children they instantly saw the enormous potential of applying these same concepts to children’s play mats.
Our mats are inspired by nature, using the textures of the outdoors - including pine cones, grass and flowers’ - to simulate the way our ancestors used to explore the world: through touch.
What products can I buy?
Our tiles can be fitted together like a jigsaw so either create your own children’s play mat or choose from our presets which include all the tiles your child will need to strengthen their joints and muscles.
We have two categories of mats, soft and firm. Both come with different benefits and have been designed in partnership with orthopaedic experts. Explore our full range of tiles here.
Explore our range of products here or get in touch with any queries at hello@happyfeetplaymats.co.uk
