We bought the mats for our son (7 months). As he slowly tried to get ahead is the perfect base for our tiles. They are nice and soft, but he has enough support to hold up. I was a bit skeptical because I have read in other manufacturers mats much negative about the smell but it did not smell and I had no hesitation to put him on it. The letters easily fall out but I did not realize you can live with. Highly recommended!