Soft play areas have become increasingly popular over the past few years, offering children a safe and exciting environment in which they can play, explore, and let their imaginations run wild. The safety and comfort of these play areas greatly depend on the materials used, with the flooring being one of the most critical components. But what are the best flooring options for soft play areas? And how do foam-covered blocks and apparatus like vinyl covered foam post pads fit into the picture? In this blog, we will delve into the world of soft play areas and the importance of selecting the right materials.
1. The Value of Soft Play Areas
Before discussing the flooring options, it’s essential to understand why soft play areas are crucial. These spaces:
- Foster creativity and imagination.
- Encourage physical activity in a safe environment.
- Help develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Provide a safe space for children to interact and socialize.
Given these benefits, ensuring the safety and comfort of the children using the area becomes paramount. This is where flooring and apparatus choices come into play.
2. Flooring Options for Soft Play Areas
Jigsaw Foam Mats: One of the most popular choices for soft play areas, jigsaw foam mats, also known as interlocking foam mats, offer a range of benefits:
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Safety: They provide a cushioned surface, reducing the impact of falls.
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Versatility: Available in various colors and patterns, they can be customized to fit the theme of the play area.
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Ease of Installation: Their interlocking design makes it easy to install and replace individual pieces.
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Cleaning: Their waterproof nature makes them easy to clean and maintain.
Traditional 60cm x 60cm x 1cm soft foam kids play mats are convenient but safer options would include thicker denser flooring of at least 20mm foam mats up to 40mm jigsaw mats.
Judo Mats: Originally designed for martial arts, judo mats have found their way into soft play areas. They offer:
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Thick Cushioning: They are designed to absorb high-impact falls, making them safe for energetic play.
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Durability: Built to withstand the intense activities of martial arts, they last longer than typical foam mats.
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Non-slip Surface: This ensures that children won’t easily slip even when the mat is wet.
Judo old school traditional gym mats will last longer and are easier to clean but they are not as easy to cut to fit compared to the jigsaw EVA mats.
XPE Roll Out Mats: A newer entrant to the market, XPE (cross-linked polyethylene) roll-out mats are gaining popularity due to:
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Flexibility: Being roll-out, they can be easily transported and stored.
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Water Resistance: XPE is known for its water-resistant properties.
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High Density: Offers excellent cushioning without being too soft.
3. Foam-Covered Blocks and Apparatus
Vinyl Covered Foam Post Pads: These are essential for covering hard posts and pillars in soft play areas. Their advantages include:
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Safety: They ensure that children don’t get injured by accidentally running into or bumping against hard surfaces.
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Hygiene: Vinyl is easy to clean, ensuring that the play area remains sanitary.
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Aesthetics: They can be customized in various colors to fit the play area’s theme.
Foam Blocks and Shapes: Foam blocks are not just flooring options but are often used as play tools in these areas. They:
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Promote Creativity: Children can stack, arrange, and build structures using foam blocks.
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Safety: Being soft, they pose no threat of injury if a child were to fall onto them.
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Sensory Stimulation: Different textures and shapes can stimulate tactile senses.
Conclusion
Soft play areas are more than just spaces for children to play; they are environments where young minds grow, learn, and develop essential skills. Choosing the right flooring options and foam-covered apparatus plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and overall experience of these spaces. Whether you prefer the versatility of jigsaw foam mats, the durability of judo mats, or the flexibility of XPE roll-out mats, always consider the needs of the children and the specific requirements of your space. With thoughtful planning and the right materials, soft play areas can be both safe havens and wonderlands of imagination.
