the journey

PVC playmat, EVA foam playmat, TPU playmat, cotton playmat or none at all?

As a mum of two, I never thought I needed a playmat. With us constantly on the go and barely home, nursery furniture was never my top priority. The only huge baby items we had were a carseat and a stroller, not even a cot. It was not until my eldest turned 2 and I was expecting my second child when we decided to get a small playmat just so we could place the play gym on it instead of on the mattress to free up some space. Who would have known that this task was way harder than we expected it to be, given that Malaysia has so many baby vendors. We were wrong.

Before we set out to search for a playmat, all we wanted was to find one that would protect our children, whether in terms of cushioning falls or bumps or from toxic gases.

Next, we were looking for one that was comfortable and simple. If our children were going to be on it for a long time, it has to be comfortable enough for them to stay on it, and simple enough to allow them to focus on objects placed in front of them and not overstimulate them.

Lastly, easy clean, because spills, pukes, diaper leaks and potty training accidents are going to be inevitable. Environmentally friendly and stylish were plus points. 

After months or search, we found none that fully suited those basic criteria.

Almost every playmat found in Malaysia were made out of either PVC or EVA foam, and they were extremely colourful and fancy. Determined to still have the one playmat that fit all the criteria, we gave up searching and started researching and manufacturing our own. 

the design

Malaysia takes pride in our tropical rainforests that is home to many exotic creatures and plants. The diversity and abundance of greenery is exactly what we wish to feature on our mat. The sage green colour, filled with images of leaves one can find so readily in the rainforests, paired with an alternate design featuring the honeycomb representing the diverse species of stingless bees found in the pristine rainforests of Malaysia. This combination of both a seemingly random arrangement and a more uniform geometric pattern in one mat represents the diversity one can find in our Malaysian rainforest.

The Nature Forest mats come in Dà and Yuán sizes.

tikar by budak

Upon designing the playmat, we envisioned it to be a place of security, fun and exploration, one where relationships are forged and strengthened, and where one learns to be determined and not give up. But first and foremost it has to be one that will give parents the assurance to allow their little ones to roam freely on it. More than just a playmat, tikar by budak will be there to adapt to your ever changing needs in your journey of discovering learning.

Hence, TIKAR by BUDAK, a playmat designed by parents for their little ones.

product features

hypoallergenic

non-toxic

soft and squishy

absorbs impact for falls and trips

waterproof

easy to clean

durable

lightweight

newborn comfort during tummy time

supports growing knees and wrists

functional for the entire family

versatile to suit your ever-changing needs

biodegradable

reversible design

product care