The North States Superyard — now sold under the Toddleroo by North States brand — is one of the most versatile play enclosures available. Unlike traditional playards with a fixed frame, the Superyard uses a configurable panel system that lets you create different shapes and sizes depending on your space. Six panels create a compact hexagonal or rectangular play area. Add the two-panel extension kit, and you get an eight-panel configuration with significantly more floor space.
That configurability is the Superyard's greatest strength and its biggest challenge when it comes to finding a mat. There is no single "right" size because the interior dimensions change based on how you arrange the panels. Parents frequently ask us about Superyard mat sizing, and the key insight is always the same: measure your specific configuration first, because the same panel set creates very different floor areas depending on the shape you choose.
But the good news is that common configurations have predictable dimensions, and once you know what shape you are working with, choosing a mat becomes straightforward.
North States Superyard Interior Dimensions
| Configuration | Shape | Approximate Interior Area | Approximate Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-panel (hexagonal) | Hexagon | ~34 sq ft | ~56" across flat-to-flat |
| 6-panel (rectangular) | Rectangle | ~34 sq ft | ~64" x 48" (approx) |
| 8-panel (hexagonal) | Larger hexagon | ~46 sq ft | ~72" across flat-to-flat |
| 8-panel (rectangular) | Rectangle | ~46 sq ft | ~85" x 50" (approx) |
| 8-panel (square-ish) | Square | ~46 sq ft | ~66" x 66" (approx) |
Exact dimensions depend on panel angles. Measure your specific setup before ordering a mat.
The Superyard does not have a built-in floor panel. It sits directly on your existing floor surface, which means the mat you choose is the only cushioning between your baby and whatever is underneath — hardwood, tile, thin carpet, or concrete.
What Size Mat Do You Need?
This depends entirely on your configuration:
6-panel hexagonal: A 54-56 inch round mat or a 48" x 48" square mat covers the center area well. The hexagonal shape means a rectangular mat will leave corner gaps regardless, so aim for maximum center coverage.
6-panel rectangular: A mat approximately 62" x 46" covers most of the floor. This is one of the easier configurations to fit since standard large play mats come close to this size.
8-panel configurations: You will likely need to combine two mats placed side by side. Two 48" x 48" mats, or two rectangular mats arranged to cover the expanded footprint, work well for most 8-panel layouts.
What to Look For in a Superyard Mat
The Superyard's open-bottom, configurable design creates specific requirements:
- Full floor coverage matters more here. Without a built-in floor panel, any uncovered area is bare floor. On hard surfaces, this means unprotected zones where your baby will inevitably crawl, fall, or play. Cover as much of the interior as practical.
- One-piece construction per mat section. Even if you use two mats to cover a larger configuration, each mat should be a single continuous piece. Puzzle tiles shift apart on bare floors, creating gaps and separation-related choking hazards. This risk is greater without a floor panel to anchor the tiles.
- CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. Your baby will spend extended periods face-down on this surface during tummy time and crawling. The foam should be independently tested for off-gassing, heavy metals, and harmful chemicals. Learn more about non-toxic play mat safety →
- Thickness of at least 1 inch for hard floors. On carpet, the existing padding helps. On hardwood, tile, or laminate, the mat is the only shock absorption. A 1-inch or thicker memory foam mat provides meaningful fall protection for babies who pull up on the panels and topple.
- Non-slip backing is critical. Without a playard floor to contain the mat, it will slide on hard surfaces unless the backing grips the floor. Look for textured or rubberized bottom surfaces.
- Durable cover for active toddlers. The Superyard is popular with older babies and toddlers who are more mobile and harder on surfaces. A waterproof, wipeable cover that resists scuffing and staining will last through the toddler years.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that play surfaces inside enclosed areas provide firm, snug-fitting cushioning, and that only manufacturer-approved accessories be used for sleep. For a comprehensive overview, see our ultimate baby play mat guide.
Our Recommendation
Poco Koko play mats use 1.3-inch CertiPUR-US certified memory foam in a one-piece design with non-slip backing and a wipeable, waterproof microsuede cover. For smaller Superyard configurations, a single mat may cover the full area. For larger 8-panel setups, two mats placed together provide complete coverage without the hazards of puzzle tile systems.
Shop Playpen Mats → | Full Size Guide → | Browse baby play mats
FAQ
I change my Superyard configuration frequently. Do I need a different mat each time?
Not necessarily. A large square mat works reasonably well across multiple configurations. If you frequently switch between 6-panel and 8-panel setups, consider buying one mat that covers the smaller configuration and adding a second mat when you expand.
Can I use puzzle tiles instead of a one-piece mat?
We strongly advise against it inside any enclosed play space. Puzzle tiles separate when babies pull, push, and crawl on them. The connector tabs that interlock the pieces are a known choking hazard. Inside the Superyard, where your baby may be playing with less direct supervision, a one-piece mat is the safer choice.
Will a thick mat make it easier for my toddler to climb over the panels?
A 1 to 1.5-inch mat raises the floor level by a negligible amount relative to the panel height (26 inches). This small change does not meaningfully affect climb-out risk. If your toddler is actively climbing, you may be approaching the age and stage where the Superyard panels no longer provide adequate containment regardless of mat thickness.
How do I secure the mat if it slides on hardwood?
Poco Koko mats feature non-slip backing that grips most hard floor surfaces. If you need additional grip, a thin rug pad cut to size underneath the mat adds extra friction without affecting the mat's cushioning.
Written by the Poco Koko Team — parents, product designers, and child safety researchers dedicated to creating safer floors for families.