In the first years of a baby's life, parents pay attention to its correct physical development. After all, it promotes natural growth and arouses interest in the world around us.
For a child, the prone position is important for the proper formation of the skeleton and muscles. It is in this position that he develops the symmetry of the body, and he learns to straighten up. If the child always lies on his back, he has delayed development.
In order for the baby to get used to this position, manufacturers of children's accessories offer an inflatable water mat. With it, the baby gets used to the prone position at an early age. Develops tactile sensations and fine motor skills. It will be much more interesting and easier for him to study reality.
The inflatable water mat is designed for young children, practically from birth up to 3-6 years. It is at this age that the baby reacts to light and sound stimuli.Begins to take an active interest in the world that surrounds him.
Content
A water mat is an inflatable product with a transparent surface. Its uniqueness is that the child plays with water, but at the same time remains dry. The mat is divided into compartments that are independent of each other, inside it is filled with air and water. Valves are located on its reverse side. The compartments inflate and create a contoured barrier.
The classic shape is considered to be a rectangle, but there are models of very different shapes on the market: round, oval, rectangular. In the form of a square, round, stars, heart or turtle. The main thing is that the child can easily fit on the surface. And the product itself was suitable for the size of the room where it will be located.
On sale are products of different sizes, from half a meter to a meter. The height is 8 cm. The rug is somewhat similar to a vest for swimming for children or an inflatable ring. The material is PVC and EVA, soft and pleasant.
The central part of the product is filled with warm water. Inside it are colorful marine life. The water cover is similar to an aquarium with fish.If you lightly pat the mat, the fish begin to move. Swimming they attract the baby. Some models have built-in tweeters. With their sound, they attract the attention of the child. This fun and educational toy brings benefit and joy to the baby and his parents.
The water mat is designed for a load of 20 kg. This makes it possible not only to lie, but also to stand on it with legs.
In order for the child to understand the game, it is necessary to organize the place correctly. At the beginning, it is advisable to turn on calm music or ring the bell. It is necessary to interest the baby. To do this, sing songs to him, recite poems. Play toys with him.
The water mat is easy to use. It is necessary to inflate the sides, pour warm water into the central compartment and it is ready. If desired, it can be blown off and used as a regular coating.
It is not worth pouring a full rug. The amount of water depends on the age of the child. If he is very small, and this is his first acquaintance, then it is better to pour 1 liter of water.
To do this, put the mat in a horizontal position, slightly raise the edge where the valve is located, open it a little, release excess air. Water should not pour out, then close the valve tightly.
At this stage, the main goal is to introduce the baby to a water toy. You can gradually increase the amount of water. After 2 weeks pour 2 liters.
As you grow, add water and bring its volume to 3 liters or more, depending on the model. The rug becomes elastic and soft. The child will strengthen the muscular frame, trying to stay on the product.
The water mat can be used not only as a toy. It produces a massage effect. If the baby has a tummy ache and colic, lying on his stomach on a rug can solve this problem.
The packaging of the water mat usually contains instructions on how to use it. It indicates at what age it applies, the maximum weight for which the product is designed.
Water covers for children vary in design, size and shape. The choice of topics is diverse: from marine life to the alphabet. You can pick up a rug for a very small crumb and an older child who will memorize letters or numbers.
The only disadvantage of a water mat is that in cold weather on the floor, the water in it cools quickly. In this case, the child should be dressed warmly.
You can buy a water mat in children's stores or on the Internet. Cost - 300 - 1600 rubles. It depends on the size, manufacturer and design of the product. A variety of models are presented on the Aliexpress, Ozone or Wildberry product site.
Some parents are distrustful of goods from China. But fashion brands in Europe produce their goods in China.
When buying a water mat, you need to pay attention to its safety: the quality of the connections, the type of material. It is advisable to choose models of popular brands. They produce products from proven, environmentally friendly materials.
Since this is an accessory for children, it must be hypoallergenic. You can learn about the compliance of the goods with the established standards from the certificate. It is located at the seller.
PVC products are considered the most inexpensive and durable material. They tolerate different water temperatures well and are not prone to fading. A wide choice of color and design solutions will allow you to choose a water product for every taste.
Many people are bothered by the smell. But all leather, wood and plastic products have their own smell.It is not always toxic. This is due to the antibacterial impregnation with which they are processed. It's easy to get rid of it. Rinse the product under running water and put it in the open air for a day. After that, the unpleasant smell will disappear.
If you have any doubts about buying a water mat. Or not available to buy. You can make it yourself and bring joy to your child.
To make a water mat, you need to visit a hardware store and do a little work with your hands.
For manufacturing you will need:
First you need to cut the plastic film. The size of the rug should be comfortable for lying on it. It is necessary to cut off two fragments of the same size and put them on top of each other.
Put parchment paper on top of the piece. Iron right on top of the edges with a warm iron, trying not to go beyond the border of the paper. The iron must not touch the plastic. If it melts, the seams won't join firmly. This must be done on all four sides, leaving a hole with one of them for the valve. You should get a large bag with a hole for filling with objects and warm water.
Take figurines, beads and push them into the hole. Then insert the hose into the hole and fill with water. You should not overdo it, you should get a pillow.
Then remove the hose, while keeping the edge hanging. Wipe the surface of the hole from water drops, straighten it and seal the flattened edges with a wide tape with even long strips. Strips should be laid along and across. The adhesive tape should be moisture resistant and stick well.
With careful use, such a rug can last several months.
Inside the product are painted algae, crab and fish figurines. It is easy to fit on the rug, its length is 60 cm, width is 50 cm. The child will feel like on the waves. Cover material is plastic. Suitable for children from 3-6 months. Production - China. The cost is 350 rubles.
The multi-colored model with funny animals will appeal to parents and their kids. When laid out on the rug, the child concentrates on the object, tries to crawl. The kid enjoys the toy, and parents can relax a little. Suitable for children from 3 months to 3 years. The material of the product is EVA and PVC. Production: China. The cost is 560 rubles.
Inside the inflatable product there are figures of an octopus, turtle, crab and fish. With their help, the baby develops grasping skills and motor skills of the hands. Instills the habit of lying on the tummy. The water mat is suitable for children from 6 months to 3 years. Great educational toy for the first year of life. Production - China. The cost is from 340 rubles.
Rug "The Little Mermaid", 65x50 cm stimulates the development of the child. Funny marine life will appeal to the baby.They can be looked at and touched while swaying on the waves. This keeps the baby dry. It can be used from 3 months to 5 years. Material composition EVA and PVC. It is easy to fold after playing. Production - China. The cost is 350 rubles.
The product helps to get acquainted with letters and develop tactile sensations. Inside there are toys that can not only be touched, but also moved. The muscles of the abdomen, neck and arms begin to work better in the child. Suitable for children aged 6 months and older. Production - China. The cost is 770 rubles.
Bright, multi-colored rug. A flower with petals, 5 figurines float inside. The petals are numbered from 1-7. Pictures of fruits, cars and an asterisk are drawn on the yellow side. The product is small 65 x 65 cm. Designed for children from 3 months to 1.5 years. With the help of the rug, the baby will develop physical and mental abilities. The composition of the material is EVA. Production - China. The cost is 700 rubles.
Product in the form of a pear. Material - environmentally friendly PVC, hypoallergenic. Lightweight and small, takes up little space, convenient to carry.
Designed for children from 3 months to 2 years old to strengthen muscles, improve coordination, develop fine motor skills, imagination and modeling skills. Production Russia. The cost is 650 rubles.
A product with a funny octopus, 6 fish figurines swim inside. They can be touched and moved. The rug is soft and pleasant to the touch. The kid will get acquainted with sea inhabitants. The product has a built-in squeaker. There is no smell. Production - China. The cost is 950 rubles.
A fun cartoon image of animal figures and objects will appeal to little ones and older children. The child can look at them for a long time. Toys float inside. A soft and light mat will help develop the muscular frame and imagination. Product size - 80 x 50. Material composition - EVA and PVC. Production - China. The cost is 1200 rubles.
Water coating "Friendly Farm" will help your child to get acquainted with pets and expand their horizons. The blue sky and green grass will delight him with bright colors. The water mat will develop visual perception, strengthen the muscles of the neck and back. The material of the product is PVC and EVA. Suitable for children from 3 to 6 years old. Production - China. The cost is 850 rubles.
It is important that children's accessories are easy and convenient to care for. After purchase, a new water coating should be washed. For this, baby soap and a sponge are used.
Then rinse with water and air out. If the product has a persistent odor, dry it by opening all valves. To do this, it is advisable to put the rug in the open air (balcony, yard, window). Then it can be used for its intended purpose.
If the baby constantly plays on the water surface, it should be cleaned regularly. To do this, just wipe the surface with a damp, antibacterial cloth. But once a week it is advisable to wash the rug under running water.
Do not use abrasive and acid products, solvents and powders for washing. They will damage the surface and make the paint fade.
The water mat is the whole world. It will become your child's favorite toy for a long time. It will allow you to develop faster, become smarter and stronger. Creating a safe environment for the child is one of the functions of the water mat. Non-toxic materials allow the baby to crawl on the mat without harm to health and even take it in his mouth.