Baby Play Mat

[PollyWally]

I am planning to make a simple baby play mat for a new baby in the family but I need some advice about what sort of wadding to use. I am not very familiar with the different types of wadding available but it would probably need to be something that stands up to frequent washing. For anyone in Australia I will most likely be shopping at Spotlight but can go to a specialty quilting shop if Spotlight has nothing suitable. All suggestions appreciated as it is the first time I have attempted to make something like this !

[Lisalou1965]

I am no pro, but I would be looking at cotton batting. It breathes well, and endures washing well. Good luck with your project... will look forward to seeing pictures 

[Iminei]

Play mat? Play mat/changing mat?? or play mat/quilt cover???

Poly wading ... foam ... cotton wadding.

[PollyWally]

Thank you @Iminei and @Lisalou1965 . I was thinking of something like this Round Quilted Play Mat but I wasn't sure whether cotton batting would cope with frequent washing. Unlike a quilt which may be washed less often.

[Iminei]

I would think a thick Polyester wadding (which I loathe for the feel) with a decent amount of quilting would probably be best for that.

[Lisalou1965]

As Iminei says, poly is probably better for a play mat - as I said, no pro here. I was thinking more along the lines of quilt to sleep under when I posted.

[Sheilago]

I make lots of baby play quilts. I use both cotton and polyester wadding and both wash well, so long as the mat has a reasonable amount of quilting. I most often now back them with fleece or cuddle fleece as this adds to the padding.

[Sheilago]

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  This is my most recent play quilt, made with cotton wadding and turquoise cuddle fleece backing. As you’ll see , it’s a 3 bears quilt : so quick and easy. .....Or it would have been had I taken the time to pin, pin, pin, before quilting. When I looked at the back I had never seen so many puckers!    After lots of unpicking, it’s now finished and awaiting some as yet unknown baby’s arrival.

[Lowena]

If you use cotton wadding it may shrink a tad and become a little crinkled. Polyester wadding won't shrink.
I usually use 80  / 20 but for a baby mat I'm going to make for a friend's grandchild I will use polyester.

[BrendaP]

I like to pre-wash cotton waddinh - it's perfectly OK in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.

If you go for polyester there are different thicknesses; 2oz, 4oz and 6oz (weight per square yard).  The heavier the wadding the thicker it is.

[Iminei]

love, love, love that quilt @Sheilago  !!!

[Lachica]

I'm no quilter but I've made 3 playmats and used a polyester mattress protector for the wadding. Thin, washable & stable, I left the polycotton outsides on it which made it easy to handle. I know that the mats gave been well used & frequently washed and they're fine.

[PollyWally]

Thank you for the advice everyone, lots of food for thought. Your play mat is absolutely beautiful @Sheilago, anything I make will be a lot simpler I'm afraid.

[rubywishes]

@PollyWally ....hmmmm, yep I'd trot down to Spotlight and have a look at their mattress protectors and also their batting. The poly will be cheaper than the cotton or bamboos.  I wonder that the cotton and the bamboo, especially the Spotlight stuff may be a bit too thin for your purpose and liking. I've also heard that some bamboo shrinks.

You know what I would do, living in Australia too...I would contact Nu-Wool, or Matilda's Own...both Australian companies and ask them which of their battings would be suitable for your play mat. Also/or contact Australian online suppliers like OzQuilts...they're terrific people to deal with.

Don't disregard the local quilt shops...often their batting is on a par cost wise to Spotlight. 

[Kenora]

I'm currently making a play mat for a gt-grandchild due end of this month. I'm using 2 layers of cotton wadding (pre-washed). Everyone has different ideas, so it's probably down to personal preference in the end.