Foam mats any good as rug for playroom?

[Chimps Childminding]

Hi, does anyone use the foam mats (ones that fit together like a jigsaw) as the flooring in their playroom etc. We have bought some that we use on June's decking, but the rug in my dining room (used as play room) could do with being replaced and I was wondering if these are robust enough to use all the time?

We have bought the others from Tesco (£7.50) for a pack of 4 (60 cm x 60 cm each) and I think I would need 3 - 4 packs to cover the floor area so not hugely expensive. I have been looking for rugs, but they all seem to be neutral colours (my dining area is blue) or they are really small or VERY expensive!

Just wondered what anyone thought about the foam mats?

[kel1983]

I have the number mats in my small playhouse in the garden. The only thing is the children keep taking the numbers our of them. I thought it would give them a softer landing than the slabs underneath.

I saw those in tesco but this week when i had the money they didnt have any. wanted them to put on our decking. Not sure what they would be like on a carpet or wooden flooring. They may

Im sure someone will be able to help you out.

[babs]

i used them in my lounge when lo's were babies left them down all week lifted at weekend had them down from Sept last yr up to about a month ago now they are both walking they go in play room with others.. id say they are robust enough Ive now packed them up ready for when i get another lo.. i brought ones from early learning they do alphabet and numbers.. i also have another set that i use outside in summer on patio in case they trip over covers my whole 10ft by 12 ft patio got theses from charity shop are still in good order and i leave them outdoors during week unless its raining.. my lounge is laminate

[karensmart4]

I bought the ones from elc £15 per pk buy 2 get one free, they are great in the playroom. They look bright and colourful, are soft for the childrens knees and are washable.

They get the thumbs up from me

[mrs_scottydog]

My CM friend uses them and finds them really good, she has 2 under 1yr at the moment as well as her 3 older girls. Hx

[AliceK]

They are great and I love them but whenever I have them down the LO's just pull the pieces apart

xxxxx

[swindonminder]

Pound Stretcher do them, a pack for £3.99

[babs]

i glued my letters in one ones i use outside.. new ones are not as loose..

[Chimps Childminding]

I have some with shapes, letters etc. in them, but as has been said the lo's pull the pieces out so wouldn't want to risk those incase they put them in their mouth. The ones I am thinking of using are just plain coloured squares, pack of 4 (red, yellow, blue and orange) 60 x 60 for £7.50 (only trouble I might need to buy more packs to use just the colours I want )

Thought it might be cheaper and more hygenic option than a new rug, just wasn't sure if they were robust enough for everyday use?

[onceinabluemoon]

Just looked them up on Tesco direct and they look good.

I have the ELC ones and use them loads indoors at the moment but they've also been outside under the playhouse etc

Link here to anybody else wanting to buy them

http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.207-9376.aspx

MUCH cheaper than the ELC ones but dont know if they are as thick/ strong.

[solly]

I had wood flooring put down in the living room last year and needed something to put down for the children but also to protect my lovely floor. I have the ELC ones and they are really good, I take mine up everyday as my house is my home at the end of the day

[Lick'le Oakes]

I use the elc ones all the time. They save my carpet getting even more ruined than it already is. I just wash themm down when a little one has dribbled on them or baby been sick etc. They lift up at night and I hoover and they have a weekly scrub. They tend to "walk" a little by the end of the day but it don't take long to sort out. I have had the same ones for about a year now, they are looking abit worn but they are used daily.

[merry]

I've bought the ones from Tesco to put in my conservatory on the tiled floor and they're warm, soft and lasting well so far, been down 3 weeks and still look new.

[Chimps Childminding]

Thanks everyone!! Have looked at the ELC ones, but they are twice the price of Tesco. I am thinking of getting them from Tesco and if they don't work out in the dining room, or I get fed up with them I can always use them in the Wendyhouse instead!! Had a quick measure up and 4 packs will cover quite a good space and only cost £30 + postage (or I think I can collect from local Tesco, so even better )

[MaryMary]

I don't think mine would stay on the floor long My kids love to make boxes out of them (got given 12 ELC ones). They hide in the boxes, and jump out on each other. they also use them to make dens, tunnels, etc. they have great fun, but don't stay on the floor long

[onceinabluemoon]

I don't think mine would stay on the floor long My kids love to make boxes out of them (got given 12 ELC ones). They hide in the boxes, and jump out on each other. they also use them to make dens, tunnels, etc. they have great fun, but don't stay on the floor long

heehee, we make tunnels and 'dice' with ours too. Kids love them!

Good to know the Tesco ones are good too as the ELC ones are pretty expensive!

[Chimps Childminding]

I don't think mine would stay on the floor long My kids love to make boxes out of them (got given 12 ELC ones). They hide in the boxes, and jump out on each other. they also use them to make dens, tunnels, etc. they have great fun, but don't stay on the floor long

Don't mind them using them to play, as long as they don't "lock" the baby inside

[JaxV]

I have them on the wooden floor in the living room, and the slate floor of the conservatory. The ones in the conservatory get taken out onto the patio area if its nice out. I think they are fab and so versatile, easy to clean etc. I'd definitely go for them over a rug in a playroom!

[Chimps Childminding]

Thanks everyone!! Decision made, gonna buy some foam mats instead of a new rug!!! Just hope Tesco haven't sold out now

[Rubybubbles]

did you get any of these in the end? wondering how they have been? I have moved the house around again and got a lovely big space which I currently have to put big cot sheets down to try and save the carpet from baby with reflux

these would be much easier!