The Summer Infant Pop 'N Play is a different kind of play yard. While most playards are rectangular travel cribs that double as play spaces, the Pop 'N Play is purpose-built for outdoor and indoor play. Its hexagonal shape, lightweight pop-up frame, and UV canopy option make it the go-to choice for families who want a safe play perimeter in the backyard, at the park, or on the beach.
The design trade-off is that the Pop 'N Play ships with no floor at all. It is an open-bottom enclosure meant to sit on whatever surface is underneath — grass, carpet, sand, or patio tile. That works well enough outdoors for short stretches, but for longer play sessions or indoor use on hard floors, your baby needs cushioning underneath. Parents frequently ask us about Pop 'N Play mat options, and the biggest consideration is always the hexagonal shape — standard rectangular mats will not cover the entire floor, but a large square mat covers the active play zone effectively.
A play mat solves this and turns the Pop 'N Play from a simple fence into a genuinely comfortable, self-contained play area.
Summer Infant Pop 'N Play Interior Dimensions
| Model | Interior Shape | Approximate Interior | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pop 'N Play (standard) | Hexagonal | ~48" across flat-to-flat | No floor panel included |
| Pop 'N Play Ultimate | Hexagonal | ~48" across flat-to-flat | Includes padded floor and canopy |
| Pop 'N Play with Canopy | Hexagonal | ~48" across flat-to-flat | UV canopy, no floor |
The hexagonal shape means a standard rectangular mat will not cover the full floor area. You have two options: a hexagonal mat sized for this playard, or a rectangular mat that covers the center.
The Pop 'N Play's interior spans approximately 48 inches from one flat side to the opposite flat side. Corner-to-corner the distance is slightly longer. This is a substantially larger play area than a standard rectangular playard, which is part of its appeal.
What Size Mat Do You Need?
For full coverage, you would want a hexagonal mat approximately 48 inches across. These are uncommon, so the practical approach most parents take is a large square or rectangular mat placed in the center. A 48" x 48" square mat covers the majority of the usable floor, with small triangular gaps at each of the six corners. A 42" round mat is another option that centers nicely inside the hex shape.
If you use the Pop 'N Play primarily on soft surfaces like grass or carpet, a smaller mat covering just the central play zone may be sufficient. On hard surfaces like a patio or hardwood floor, maximum coverage matters more.
What to Look For in a Pop 'N Play Mat
The Pop 'N Play's outdoor orientation and open-bottom design create specific requirements:
- Water resistance is essential. If you use this play yard outdoors, morning dew, drink spills, and ground moisture are inevitable. A mat with a waterproof cover and moisture-resistant backing will survive outdoor conditions without absorbing water into the foam core.
- One-piece construction for an open-bottom playard. Without a solid floor panel beneath the mat, puzzle tiles have nothing to anchor against and will shift and separate even faster than usual. A single continuous mat stays in place and eliminates the choking hazard of separated pieces.
- CertiPUR-US certified memory foam. Whether your baby is playing indoors or outdoors, the foam they lie on should be independently verified for safety. CertiPUR-US certification tests for harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and off-gassing — all things that matter more when a baby is face-down during tummy time. Why foam certifications matter →
- Sufficient thickness for hard surfaces. On grass, the ground provides some natural give. On a patio, deck, or indoor hard floor, a mat of at least 1 inch is needed to meaningfully cushion falls and make tummy time comfortable.
- Easy to transport. The Pop 'N Play's selling point is portability. A mat that rolls up compactly and weighs only a few pounds preserves that advantage. Memory foam is lighter than dense EVA at similar thicknesses.
- Non-slip backing for indoor use. On hard floors, the mat needs to stay put without the Pop 'N Play's frame holding it in place at every edge (since the hexagonal shape leaves gaps with a rectangular mat).
The CPSC's playpen safety guidelines recommend that play surfaces inside enclosed areas provide firm, snug-fitting cushioning. For a comprehensive overview of choosing the right mat, see our ultimate baby play mat guide.
Our Recommendation
Poco Koko play mats use 1.3-inch CertiPUR-US certified memory foam with a waterproof, wipeable microsuede cover and non-slip backing. For the Pop 'N Play, a large square mat placed inside the hexagonal frame covers the active play zone and provides the cushioning the open-bottom design lacks on its own. The one-piece construction means no separated tiles for your baby to mouth, and the waterproof surface handles outdoor conditions.
Shop Playpen Mats → | Full Size Guide → | Browse baby play mats
FAQ
Can I use the Pop 'N Play outdoors without a mat?
You can, but comfort and safety depend on the surface. Soft grass is acceptable for short sessions. On hard, uneven, or hot surfaces, a mat provides cushioning, a clean barrier, and thermal insulation between your baby and the ground.
Will a rectangular mat stay flat inside the hexagonal frame?
Yes. A rectangular or square mat placed inside the hex frame sits flat on the ground. The frame surrounds it rather than resting on top of it. The mat will not cover the small triangular corner areas, but those gaps are at the edges where babies spend less time.
What about the Pop 'N Play Ultimate that includes a padded floor?
The Ultimate version comes with a thin padded floor insert. It provides basic coverage but minimal cushioning. Many parents still add a memory foam mat on top of the included floor for better tummy time comfort and fall protection.
How do I keep the mat clean after outdoor use?
Wipe down the surface with a damp cloth after each outdoor session. If the backing gets dirty from grass or soil, flip the mat over and wipe the bottom as well. Bring the mat indoors to dry completely before storing — memory foam should not stay damp for extended periods.
Written by the Poco Koko Team — parents, product designers, and child safety researchers dedicated to creating safer floors for families.