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🧸Play Area Essentials for One-Year-Olds
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May Mendez profile picture
May Mendez
☀️ Creating a safe, fun, and development-focused play space for our one-year-old is one of my favorite ways to show love. Here are our top play area picks—toddler-approved, parent-friendly, and made for endless fun! We’re still adding more as we go...
Sections
4
 
Soft Surfaces & Safe Bases
 
Enclosures
 
Climb & Slide 🛝
 
Sensory and Playful Extras

Soft Surfaces & Safe Bases

 
May Mendez profile picture
Soft, modular “couch” doubles as seating, fort material, or cushioned play surface. Versatile and stylish — perfect for crawling, climbing, or cozy reading spots.
The NuggetÂŽ Original Play Couch
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May Mendez profile picture
This foldable soft foam mat is a fold-and-go play area perfect for my one-year-old: flat for crawling and rolls or with its four pop-up walls to make a mini playpen that keeps toys in. The reversible designs let you switch up the look, and the size h...
Infantino Go Gaga! Foldable Soft Foam Mat
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May Mendez profile picture
We layered ours over our soft play mat, and it’s been such a fun addition! My little one loves taking the pieces apart and putting them back together—it keeps her busy for a good 15–20 minutes and helps her learn her letters and numbers while playing...
ABC Floor Mat Set
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Enclosures

 
May Mendez profile picture
Perfect for blocking off big open spaces or making a little play zone for your toddler! Easy to adjust, fold, and move. It’s a lifesaver for open‑floor rooms. Just pop a soft mat inside, and you’ve got a safe, comfy play spot for your little explorer...
Regalo 144-Inch Super Wide Baby Gate And Play Yard
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May Mendez profile picture
Beautiful natural wood playpen that doubles as a stylish “mini room” for your little one. Adjustable panels let you shape it to your space, and the 24″ height keeps crawlers and early walkers safe. Add a soft mat inside for extra coziness — perfect f...
HARPPA Grovi | Baby Gate Playpen & Fence for Babies and Toddlers
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May Mendez profile picture
A simple, freestanding play yard that’s easy to set up and fold away. Great for indoor or outdoor use, and the panels give your toddler plenty of room to crawl, cruise, and play safely. Add toys or a soft mat for a fun, contained play area!
Toddleroo by North States Superyard Explorer Baby Play Yard
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Climb & Slide 🛝

 
May Mendez profile picture
Climbing, sliding, and crawling all in one. The perfect height for our little ones! Plus, it folds flat for storage and can also be used for outdoors.
Little Tikes Easy Store Slide & Explore, Indoor Outdoor Climber Playset
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Sensory and Playful Extras

 
May Mendez profile picture
It's such a fun setup for crawling, climbing, and sensory play! We have this combo at home (balls sold separately), and it’s been a favorite spot for exploring and active play. My little one loves crawling up the ramps, sliding down, and tossing the ...
Foam Ball Pit
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May Mendez profile picture
It's the perfect match for the foam ball pit! These lightweight, colorful balls are durable, non-toxic, and super easy to clean. I love that they come with a storage bag, so cleanup is quick and easy—and my little one even helps pack them up! We also...
Little Tikes Balls
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