Kushies Zolo Shangrila activity mat

If you’ve ever wondered what a P&N editor’s baby registry would look like, here’s your chance to find out! Over the next several weeks, I’ll be showing off the goods on my personal wish list as I get ready to welcome baby boy Butler late this summer.

First for the fun stuff (but really, it’s all fun stuff!) … I learned with baby #1 that while having a playmat is not vital to a child’s survival, it is awfully nice to have. My daughter reached for an object for the first time while lying beneath her Tiny Love gym, and it was a great spot for tummy time until she became more mobile. When shopping for a playmat for baby #2, I had a few things in mind. First, I like black and white designs for little ones who can’t yet take in colors. Second, I like interactive features, but I’m not that into flashy electronic capabilities. And third, I like a mat that’s going to look cute taking up space in my living room or playroom. I found that the Kushies Zolo Shangrila mat fit my needs and desires perfectly.

My favorite thing about the Shangrila (besides its artistic appearance) is its ability to grow with baby—it features versatility you just don’t find in most playmats. The mat itself is double-sided: When baby is tiny, the black and white side is great for visual stimulation during tummy time, and the colorful side holds more interest for an older baby who needs more to see and do. Detachable toys teach hand-eye coordination and object permanence.

And then there are the overhead bars. Even before I set up the playmat, I knew the bars arched much higher overhead than the bars on some other playmats. Because of this, it can be hard for a baby lying on his back to reach the dangling toys. But not to worry—I found the perfect solution. Kushies Zolo also sells a set of “Linko” teethers and toys that coordinate with and connect to the Shangrila mat. Attaching these toys puts them easily within baby’s reach, and when he learns to sit and reach higher up, the extra links can be removed and used as toys on their own.

I tried the mat out with my 8-month-old nephew, and he loved it! Even though he’s crawling now, he was interested in hanging out on the mat and playing quietly with the peek-a-boo toys for a fair amount of time. I thought to myself, “Now there’s a playmat with a lifespan!” Who would have thought a playmat could be useful from months one through eight? And maybe beyond? With all the bright patterns and funky textures, this toy is like a piece of modern art in my living room, and I love that it fits into a tidy carry bag for easy transport.

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