Abstract: In one embodiment, a disposable protective mat comprises a blank of material consisting of comprises one of paper, a cellulose-based product, polylactic acid (PLA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), polyamide 11 (PA 11), bio-derived polyethylene or combinations thereof, the blank of material shaped as a square having sides of about 37.5 inches in length, and having a thickness of between about 0.5 mils to about 36 mils thick; a position indicator on a top surface of the blank of material for aligning a highchair thereover, the position indicator comprising a dyed pattern on the top surface of the disposable protective mat; and wherein the blank of material comprises a decorative pattern on a top surface thereof, the pattern comprising one of ridges, bumps, grooves, repeating figures, characters, cartoon characters, animated designs or combinations thereof.