Apr 28, 2009

Works for Me: Office chair mat as a high chair mat

A few years ago, I came across a reader's tip in Parents magazine to use a plastic office chair mat as a high chair floor mat. It made a lot of sense to me, because we were already on our third high chair mat and they had all been hard to clean and keep in place. Marc immediately realized the benefits of an office chair mat too, so I promptly went out to Staples and bought the largest one they had – 46 x 60 inches and about $70. Not cheap, but not much more expensive than the three high chair mats we'd already gone through.

It turns out the money was well spent. Several years later, we're still using the same mat under our dining table where the boys now sit. It's easy to clean and in fact, I can vacuum right over it. Plus, because it's clear, it's not an eyesore. We'll probably leave it in place for the next three years or so, or until the boys are much better about not dropping food on the floor!

Find more Works for Me Wednesday tips at We are THAT Family.

6 comments:

Kirsty said...

Genius! Where were you when I had kids in highchairs. I may have to institute this under the bunny's litter box though...hmmm.

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Jenny said...

Great idea! I never would have thought of that.

In fact, the whole house should be covered in that stuff! LOL!

Buffie said...

I used those click together foam type squares they make for garages and such. They worked great and were cheaper then the chair mat. I know they won't work for everyone, but I was just couldn't bring myself to shell out the money for a chair mat.

LunaMoonbeam said...

Love it! We use a plastic mat from Ikea. Our first baby was a girl, so it's got some large graphic flowers on it, but it's fairly tasteful. I don't think it was as expensive as the Staples version...I don'[t remember how much it was.

(@ Shelly - are you for real?!)

Anonymous said...

The chair mat is coming down from the office today! What a great idea!