Quilted Mat

Guiding Thought

{cytat The barriers to independent thinking are all the frames, plans, and guidelines.|Janusz Korczak

pediatrician, educator, early children's rights advocate}

Student Project

Quilted Mat (Mata pikowana)

Target age group: children aged 0–8

The Quilted Mat was thoughtfully designed for the most demanding and diverse group of users—children from their very first days through their early school years. This wide age range is intentional, as the mat’s smart construction and multifunctional design allow it to adapt to a child’s evolving needs. It offers comfort and safety while providing a variety of play opportunities at every stage of childhood.

The mat supports development of the following skills:

1. For children aged 0–2:
• gross motor skills – rolling from side to side
• fine motor skills – hiding and retrieving objects from pockets
• sensorimotor skills – exploring textures and fabric properties
2. For children aged 3–4:
• gross motor skills – rolling the mat into a tube
• fine motor skills – fastening and unfastening hook and loop fasteners
• imagination – playing in the mini pool
• cognitive development – packing the mat into its pocket
• focus and concentration – engaging in calm activities on the mat
3. For children aged 5–8:
• motor skills – exercising on the mat
• imagination and creativity – playing in the pool, building structures using the mat
• focus and concentration – engaging in calm activities on the mat

Features and play ideas

Exercise mat: This versatile design serves as a baby play mat and doubles as a workout mat for older kids, including those who have outgrown the rocker.

Rocker extension: Positioned correctly, the mat not only extends the rocker but also provides a soft cushion that can be placed inside it for added comfort.

Playpen / pool / fortress: When the mat is attached to the rocker positioned on its side, it creates a cozy play corner that offers a sense of privacy and personal space. Children can let their imaginations run wild, turning the area into a pool, a store, a tiny room, or even a fortress.

Mat on the rocker: When fastened with hook and loop fasteners to the underside of an upside-down rocker, the mat forms a tent-like shape, creating a safe and secret hideaway for little ones.

Pocket: The built-in pocket is perfect for storing treasures, toys, books, and all sorts of wonders.

Bolster: When rolled up and tucked into the pocket, the mat easily becomes a handy cushion that can be placed wherever needed.

These functions were thoughtfully designed during the development of the mat. However, the longer we work with it, the more potential we discover. We now realize that this project holds far more possibilities than we initially imagined. Its open form invites children—who are the best play designers—to come up with even more creative ways to use it.

Project Authors