B. Mat-A-Matics Musical Mat
Dance and make music with this sturdy floor mat.
<p><strong>Toy Description</strong></p>
<p>A large fold-out mat has 9 octagonal sections that each play a different note. Each section has a musical note symbol that lights up when played. Made out of plastic, the mat is easy to wipe clean.</p>
<p>3 AA batteries are included, though more will eventually need to be purchased.</p>
<p>A switch in the back turns the mat from its Demo Mode into regular play. If only one note lights up during play, the toy is still in Demo Mode.</p>
<p>The box includes the mat, batteries already installed, and an instruction card.</p>
<p>Dimensions: 26 X 54.5in</p>
<p><strong>Play</strong></p>
<p>Set the mat to one of four modes of play. In Super Dance, the goal is to follow along with the note as they light up, playing ten original dance tunes. Switch to Melody Mix to jump around on any part of the mat as it plays familiar nursery songs. Memory Music lets children memorize and repeat the steps needed to play nursery songs. Turning on Wacky Sounds changes the musical notes into funny noises, such as a frog, a duck, a car horn, a burp, and a fart.</p>
<p>The songs played can vary in tempo and rhythm, keeping this toy from becoming boring. The mat includes a volume control.</p>
<p><strong>Observations</strong></p>
<p>This toy is reported to keep children entertained for well over an hour at a time. Excellent for playing alone or with friends, the mat easily delights any child who enjoys making noise while jumping around.</p>
<p>This toy is suitable for both hard floors as well as carpet, though we did receive a few reports of the toy slipping slightly on freshly cleaned wood floors. Any issue with the toy sliding can be prevented with some kind of a rubber mat being laid between the floor and the toy. Shelf-liners for dish cupboards work quite well.</p>
<p>The notes light up, making this a fun toy to play with in the dark.</p>
<p>Users report children ranging in age from 3 to 11 playing together with the mat, though the older children are more likely to play with the toy only after they see other children enjoying it. This toy might not be a great gift idea for children older than 9. </p>
<p>While the manufacturer warns against letting children younger than 3 play with this toy due to a small parts choking hazard, the only small parts we found are the batteries. Children as young as 2 may be able to fully enjoy this toy, so long as they understand not to tamper with the batteries.</p>
<p>The mat can be folded to make storing easier, though be careful not to put anything too heavy on the folded mat, as this can break the wires inside.</p>
<p>Not surprisingly, the fart and burp sounds that occur during the Wacky Sounds mode are quite popular with children, though some adults may find them unsuitable.</p>
<p><strong>Care</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Wipe down mat with a damp cloth</li>
</ul>
<p>For more in-depth information on how to clean this type of toy, please see our blog, <a href="/Blogs1/The-Cleaning-Guide-for-Toys.htm" linktype="8" target="_self">The Cleaning Guide for Toys</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Pats and Pieces</strong></p>
<p>Not applicable. No additional parts are required.</p>
<p><strong>Concerns</strong></p>
<p>While the mat can be folded for easier storage, heavy weight cannot be laid on the folder mat, as this could break the wires inside the mat. Be sure that the folded mat is put back into its original box, or stored in a place where heavy items will not be likely to fall onto it. </p>
Written by: The Guide For Toys
B. Mat-A-Matics Musical Mat
Date published: 2016-03-08
9.00 / 10 stars
Detailed ReviewToy Description
A large fold-out mat has 9 octagonal sections that each play a different note. Each section has a musical note symbol that lights up when played. Made out of plastic, the mat is easy to wipe clean.
3 AA batteries are included, though more will eventually need to be purchased.
A switch in the back turns the mat from its Demo Mode into regular play. If only one note lights up during play, the toy is still in Demo Mode.
The box includes the mat, batteries already installed, and an instruction card.
Dimensions: 26 X 54.5in
Play
Set the mat to one of four modes of play. In Super Dance, the goal is to follow along with the note as they light up, playing ten original dance tunes. Switch to Melody Mix to jump around on any part of the mat as it plays familiar nursery songs. Memory Music lets children memorize and repeat the steps needed to play nursery songs. Turning on Wacky Sounds changes the musical notes into funny noises, such as a frog, a duck, a car horn, a burp, and a fart.
The songs played can vary in tempo and rhythm, keeping this toy from becoming boring. The mat includes a volume control.
Observations
This toy is reported to keep children entertained for well over an hour at a time. Excellent for playing alone or with friends, the mat easily delights any child who enjoys making noise while jumping around.
This toy is suitable for both hard floors as well as carpet, though we did receive a few reports of the toy slipping slightly on freshly cleaned wood floors. Any issue with the toy sliding can be prevented with some kind of a rubber mat being laid between the floor and the toy. Shelf-liners for dish cupboards work quite well.
The notes light up, making this a fun toy to play with in the dark.
Users report children ranging in age from 3 to 11 playing together with the mat, though the older children are more likely to play with the toy only after they see other children enjoying it. This toy might not be a great gift idea for children older than 9.
While the manufacturer warns against letting children younger than 3 play with this toy due to a small parts choking hazard, the only small parts we found are the batteries. Children as young as 2 may be able to fully enjoy this toy, so long as they understand not to tamper with the batteries.
The mat can be folded to make storing easier, though be careful not to put anything too heavy on the folded mat, as this can break the wires inside.
Not surprisingly, the fart and burp sounds that occur during the Wacky Sounds mode are quite popular with children, though some adults may find them unsuitable.
Care
- Wipe down mat with a damp cloth
For more in-depth information on how to clean this type of toy, please see our blog, The Cleaning Guide for Toys.
Pats and Pieces
Not applicable. No additional parts are required.
Concerns
While the mat can be folded for easier storage, heavy weight cannot be laid on the folder mat, as this could break the wires inside the mat. Be sure that the folded mat is put back into its original box, or stored in a place where heavy items will not be likely to fall onto it.