Play Mats and Crash Pads for Climbers
Crash Mats for Climbers
A climber on a hard floor is only half set up. The right mat softens the landing zone, keeps the frame from sliding and protects your floor, but only if it actually fits the climber above it.
Here's every Avenlur crash mat and play mat, which climber, swing or playpen it's made for, and how big and thick it is, so you can find the right one in seconds. Below the fit charts, you'll find how to measure your landing zone and what to do if your climber doesn't have a matching mat yet.
The short answer: choose the mat made for your climber. Swedish ladder mats are 2 inches thick for the Neem and Betula and 3 inches for the Walnut and Walnut Modular, and there are fitted mats for the Grove, Chestnut, Magnolia, Alpine and every Sweetgum size. For babies, there are 63 x 63 inch foam mats for the Spruce swing and the wooden playpen.
Fit Chart
Crash Mats for Climbers and Swedish Ladders
Each mat below is made for the climber in the first column. Sizes and padding come from the product listings.
| Fits | Mat | Size | Padding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut Swedish ladder (79 and 95 in) | Walnut Playset Mat | 73.5 x 71 in | 3 in cushioned foam, slip-resistant base |
| Walnut Modular (79 and 95 in) | Walnut Modular Playset Mat | 94 x 71 in | 3 in cushioned foam, slip-resistant base |
| Neem Swedish ladder and rope wall | Neem Playset Mat | 49.6 x 38.6 in | 2 in cushioned foam, slip-resistant base |
| Betula Swedish ladder | Betula Playset Mat | 49.6 x 38.6 in | 2 in cushioned foam, slip-resistant base |
| Grove (all colors) | Grove Playset Mat | Sized for the Grove | Multi-layer high-density foam, non-slip base |
| Large Chestnut | Large Chestnut Play Mat | 57 x 57 in | 2 in high-density foam, folding panels |
| Large Chestnut or Large Magnolia | Large Chestnut Climber Mat | Sized for the frame | Thick foam core, anti-slip bottom |
| Large Magnolia or Large Chestnut | Large Magnolia Playset Mat | Sized for the frame | Thick foam core, anti-slip bottom |
| Medium Magnolia | Medium Magnolia Playset Mat | Sized for the frame | Thick foam core, anti-slip bottom |
| Alpine | Alpine Playset Mat | Fits inside the 47.2 x 47.2 in base | Padded foam, wipe-clean |
| Sweetgum Large | Sweetgum Large Playset Mat | For the 63 x 61.9 in frame | Cushioned, easy-care |
| Sweetgum XL | Sweetgum XL Playset Mat | For the 70.9 x 69.7 in frame | Cushioned, easy-care |
| Sweetgum Jumbo | Sweetgum Jumbo Playset Mat | For the 90.6 x 88.2 in frame | Cushioned, easy-care |
Crash Pad or Playset Mat?
What each one is for
A crash pad is a thick, squishy pad for jumping, tumbling and soft landings during rough play.
A playset mat is firmer and fitted. It sits under a climber to soften the landing zone, grip the floor and keep the frame steady.
Under a climber, a fitted mat is usually the better choice, because it stays put and matches the frame's footprint.
Babies
Mats for Baby Swings, Playpens and Play Gyms
| Fits | Mat | Size | Padding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spruce baby swing | Spruce Swing Mat | 63 x 63 in | High-density foam, non-slip backing |
| 63 x 63 in wooden playpen | Playpen Mat | Fits the 63 x 63 in playpen | High-density foam, folds, spot clean |
| Ivy 3-in-1 play gym | Ivy Play Mat | Sized for the Ivy | Cushioned, wipe-clean, 0 to 12 months |
Landing Zone
How to Measure Where Your Child Will Land
A mat only helps where kids actually come down. Before you choose one, map out the landing zone around your climber.
- Measure the frame's footprint. Write down the length and width of the base from the product listing.
- Find the exits. Mark where kids leave the climber: the bottom of the slide, under the monkey bars, below the swing and in front of the ladder.
- Add room past each exit. Kids slide, drop and step off forward, so the padded area should reach beyond the frame where they land, not just sit under it.
- Check the room. Keep furniture, toys and sharp corners out of the landing zone, and leave a clear path around the climber.
If one mat doesn't cover every exit, add a firm, non-slip rug or foam play mat at the slide or bar end. Avoid loose blankets and pillows, which can slide underfoot.
Choosing a Mat
Four things to check
Fit. The mat should cover the area under the frame and where kids land from the slide, bars and swings.
Thickness. Taller climbers and hanging play call for thicker padding.
Grip. A slip-resistant base keeps both the mat and the climber in place.
Cover. A wipe-clean, water-resistant cover is easiest for everyday spills.
Care
Keeping a Crash Mat in Good Shape
Most climber mats have a water-resistant cover. Wipe with a damp cloth and let it dry.
If the mat starts to shift, clean the floor and the base so the slip-resistant backing can grip again.
Turn the mat now and then so wear spreads evenly, and let foam mats air out after cleaning.
Questions Parents Ask
Crash Mat and Play Mat FAQs
What size crash mat do I need for a climber?
Start with the frame's footprint, then add padding past the slide, bars and swings where kids land. Each fitted mat on this page is sized for its climber, and the Swedish ladder mats list exact dimensions.
Is a crash pad the same as a playset mat?
Not quite. A crash pad is a thick, squishy pad made for jumping and tumbling. A playset mat is a firmer, fitted mat sized to sit under a climber and soften the landing zone. Our mats are fitted playset mats.
How thick should a mat under a climber be?
Our Swedish ladder mats are 2 inches thick for the Neem and Betula and 3 inches for the Walnut and Walnut Modular. The Large Chestnut foldable mat is 2 inches. Choose the mat made for your climber.
Do I need a mat under an indoor climber?
On hard floors, a fitted mat is a good idea. It softens small slips, keeps the climber from sliding and protects your floor. A mat never replaces supervision.
Which climbers don't have a matching mat?
We don't make a fitted mat for the Pikler sets, Cherry, Juniper, Bush or Medium Chestnut yet. A firm, non-slip rug or foam play mat that extends past the frame works well under those.
How do I clean a playset mat?
Most of our climber mats have a water-resistant, wipe-clean cover. The playpen mat is spot clean only and isn't waterproof. Follow the care notes on each listing.
Complete the Setup
Find the Crash Mat for Your Climber
Not sure which climber you need yet? Compare our indoor climbers side by side.