Soft play is a fairly broad term describing developmental, squashy furniture and toys; this includes activity blocks / modules, cushions, floor activity mats and soft blocks. Soft play is great for all children, as, unlike solid furniture, soft play pieces react to them; this response is a basic physical need of children.

  Soft play is beneficial to different age groups due to its literal flexibility. Infants can crawl around on mats and grasp soft animals and blocks. Toddlers can sit comfortably on cushions, build with blocks and climb over the activity blocks (or "modules.") Older children will also enjoy playing on the activity modules, rearranging them to create different obstacles.

  Ball pools present a fluid material in which children can play and learn the effects of their actions based on the way their surroundings move; in these, younger toddlers have constant support around them, giving them the confidence to move without the fear of falling.

  As with any interactive play, social skills are developed through contact with other children. As children climb over and through activity modules, they advance their gross motor skills. Soft play also eliminates any hard surfaces and sharp edges that may contribute to injury, making for a safer play area