How To Choose Non-Toxic Play Mats?
There are a few things you should look for when choosing a non-toxic, organic play mat.
First, make sure the mat is made from natural, eco-friendly materials.
Second, check to see if the mat has been certified by a reputable third-party organization like Greenguard or Eco-Cert.
And finally, take a look at the company’s manufacturing process to ensure that they are not using any harmful chemicals or toxins in their products.
Look for play mats made of natural materials like wool or cotton, which are safer for your child.
Toxic Chemicals to Avoid
Eva Foam
Eva foam is a popular material for play mats, but it can contain harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. While these chemicals are not necessarily harmful at low levels, prolonged exposure can be dangerous, especially for young children.
If you are concerned about exposure to these chemicals, look for play mats made from alternative materials such as cotton or wool.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride foam)
This type of foam can release harmful chemicals into the air, which can be dangerous for your baby. Another type of toxic chemical to avoid is BPA (bisphenol A). This chemical is often found in plastic products and can leach into the food or drinks that your baby is consuming.
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are one of the most common toxic chemicals found in baby play mats. These chemicals are added to products to help them resist catching fire. However, they can be very harmful to your baby’s health.
Exposure to flame retardants has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, developmental problems, and fertility problems. If you’re looking for a safe and healthy baby play mat, make sure to avoid products that contain flame retardants.
XPE Foam
Xpe foam is often used in cheap, lower-quality baby play mats. It’s made from a variety of chemicals, some of which can be toxic. One of the most concerning chemicals is bisphenol A (BPA). BPA is a known endocrine disruptor, and it can leach out of the foam and into your baby’s body.
So, if you’re looking for a safe and non-toxic baby play mat, make sure to avoid this.Â
Formamide
Formamide is a chemical is used in the production of foams and plastics. Formamide can be toxic if inhaled or ingested so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose a play mat made with a safer, non toxic material.
Our Picks for the Safest, Non Toxic Play Mats on the Market
This playmat is perfect for your little one to practice milestones and tummy time. It has a fabric cover that zips on both ends to easily remove the two natural latex cushions. This innovative mat folds in half for easy storage and has two loops for attaching toys and pacifiers to keep your little one engaged.
- Non-Toxic Dyes + Inks
- Lead Safe
- Formaldehyde
- BPA + BPS Free
- Flame Retardants
- Phthalates
- PVC Free
- Low VOC
- Pesticide + Herbicide Free
- Polyurethane Foam
- 2 Sizes (mega & standard)
- Free Shipping
- 100% organic cotton cover
- GOLS certified organic insert
- Modular designed allows you to remove the cover and switch with interchangeable designs
- Folds in half for easy storage
- Has a supportive and springy feel, with small air pockets that make it completely breathable
- Great on any surface – hardwood, tile, rug, carpet
- Machine washable – cold, dry flat in shade
- Packaged in a wire frame travel case with handle
- Made in the USA
This vegan leather play mat is perfect for kids of any age to enjoy tummy time, playtime, arts and crafts, snacks, and everything in between! You can use it as a playmat or activity mat, and it's also great for bringing along to the beach or for picnics!
- Lead Safe
- Formaldehyde
- BPA + BPS Free
- PFAS
- Flame Retardants
- Harmful Phthalates
- PVC Free
- Low VOC
- Free Shipping
- Made from double-sided vegan leather
- Digitally printed using non-toxic ink
- Wipeable
- Water-resistant
- Stain-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Folds easy for storage
- Buffalo check print
- Scalloped edge
This Ula play mat has a hand-illustrated design inspired by vintage Moroccan rugs. It's made of premium EVA foam and is available in a range of neutral palettes. It's a safe, easy-to-clean, comfortable foundation for virtually any interior style and any living space.
- Non-toxic EVA foam
- Toxic dyes & inks
- Harmful phthalates
- Lead free
- Free from BPAs, PFAS, PVC, formaldehyde, latex
- 5 color options
- 7 size options
- Water resistant surface makes it easy to wipe clean
- Expandable to fit every room and space
- Exceeds ASTM F963 - US Toy Safety standards
- Exceeds EN71 - EU Toy Safety Testing standards
- CA65 - Prop 65 Compliant
- CPSIA Compliant
The Adilah baby play mat features a textured stripe boho pattern designed to look like a rug. Our premium EVA foam play mats complement your home’s décor while providing a safe, soft space for your little one to play.
- Safe for baby with premium quality, non-toxic EVA foam
- No toxic dyes & inks
- No harmful phthalates
- Lead free
- Free from BPAs, PFAS, PVC, formaldehyde, latex
- 2 color options
- 7 size options
- Water resistant surface makes it easy to wipe clean
- Expandable to fit every room and space
- Little Nomad, LLC owns the right of design, trademark, production, and distribution of Roam Free Play Mats
- Exceeds ASTM F963 - US Toy Safety standards
- Exceeds EN71 - EU Toy Safety Testing standards
- CA65 - Prop 65 Compliant
- CPSIA Compliant
- Lead Safe
- No Added Formaldehyde
- No PFAS
- No Flame Retardants
- No Known Harmful Phthalates
- PVC Free
- Free Shipping
- 5 color options
- Six 24″ tiles with edging borders to give a seamless rug-like look
- Made with a top-quality, non-toxic EVA foam
- The possibilities for sizing are endless – simply attach multiple tiles together to find a size that fits to your space.
- Easy wipe-clean surface
- Exceeds safety requirements in Europe and the US
- Age recommendation: 0 months +
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
This mat is a must-have for any parent - 100% organic and double quilted for maximum absorbency and softness, it's perfect for letting your baby explore, play, read, and even have some diaper-free time without any worries.
And with its waterproof center and range of modern colors, you can keep your floors clean when it's time to throw it in the wash.
- Lead Safe
- No Added Formaldehyde
- No PFAS
- No Flame Retardants
- No Known Harmful Phthalates
- PVC Free
- Free Shipping
- 5 color options
- Reversible
- Waterproof
- Double quilted
- Exceeds safety requirements in Europe and the US
- Age recommendation: 0 months +
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
This playmat has a fabric cover that zips on both ends, so you can easily remove the two natural latex cushions. It's innovative design means it can be folded in half for easy storage, and there are two loops for attaching toys and pacifiers. Perfect for practicing milestones and tummy time!
- GOTS Certified Organic
- Non-Toxic Dyes + Inks
- Lead Safe
- No Added Formaldehyde
- BPA + BPS Free
- No PFAS
- No Flame Retardants
- No Known Harmful Phthalates
- PVC Free
- Low VOC
- Pesticide + Herbicide Free
- No Polyurethane Foam
- 100% organic cotton cover
- GOLS certified organic insert
- Free of toxins, PVC, phthalates and lead
- Modular designed allows you to remove the cover and switch with interchangeable designs
- Folds in half for easy storage
- Has a supportive and springy feel, with small air pockets that make it completely breathable
- Great on any surface – hardwood, tile, rug, carpet
- Machine washable – cold, dry flat in shade
- Packaged in a wire frame travel case with handle
- Made in the USA
This play mat offers the look of a rug and the feel of a play mat, so you can swap out your expensive rug for a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing, protective product that’s a fraction of the price.
- Non-Toxic Dyes + Inks
- No Added Formaldehyde
- BPA + BPS Free
- No PFAS
- No Flame Retardants
- No Known Harmful Phthalates
- Undetectable Levels of Heavy Metals
- Low VOC
- Pesticide + Herbicide Free
- One-piece play mat, the size of a standard rug
- 2-in-1, a stylish rug with an interactive map on the backside
- Interior layer of memory foam with external layer of non-toxic Polyvinyl
- Durable, waterproof and easy to wipe down
- Non-toxic materials that are free of BPA, Phthalates, Lead, Latex, Formaldehyde and EVA
- Tested to European Toy Standards
- Includes 1 year manufacturer warranty
This play mat offers the look of a rug with the added bonus of being a protective play mat - perfect for kids! It's a fraction of the price of an expensive rug, and the simple geometric print will match almost any decor.
- Non-Toxic Dyes + Inks
- No Added Formaldehyde
- BPA + BPS Free
- No PFAS
- No Flame Retardants
- No Known Harmful Phthalates
- Low VOC
- Pesticide + Herbicide Free
- One-piece play mat, the size of a standard rug
- 2-in-1, a stylish rug with an interactive map on the backside
- Interior layer of memory foam with external layer of non-toxic Polyvinyl
- Durable, waterproof and easy to wipe down
- Non-toxic materials that are free of BPA, Phthalates, Lead, Latex, Formaldehyde and EVA
- Tested to European Toy Standards
- Includes 1 year manufacturer warranty
Baby Play Mats FAQs
What Is the Best Material for a Baby Play Mat?
When it comes to baby play mats, there are a lot of different materials out there to choose from.
So, what is the best and safest material for a baby play mat?
Well, that really depends on your personal preferences and what you feel comfortable with. There are a lot of different materials out there that are safe for babies, so it really just comes down to what you prefer.
If you want a softer, more cushiony surface for your baby to play on, then you might want to consider a mat that is made out of foam or something similar.
If you are looking for a more durable surface that will last longer, then you might want to consider a mat that is made out of vinyl or something similar
Are Play Mats a "Must Have"?
Sure, play mats can provide a comfy place for your infant to lay and play. But do they really need one?
It’s not a must-have item for every baby, but there are some benefits that may make you want to invest in one.
For starters, a play mat can create a designated space for your baby to play. This can be helpful if you have other kids in the house and want to make sure your baby has a safe, isolated area to play.
Playmats can also help your baby develop gross motor skills. Tummy time is important for babies and a play mat can give them a comfy place to do it. Some play mats even come with built-in toys attached to them.Â
Are PVC Play Mats Safe?
PVC play mats are a popular choice for many parents, but you might be wondering if they’re really safe for your little ones.
Here’s what you need to know about PVC play mats.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that’s used in a variety of products, including toys, pipes, and flooring. It’s strong and durable, which is why it’s often used in products that see a lot of wear and tear.
However, PVC also contains harmful chemicals, including lead, cadmium, and phthalates. These chemicals can leach out of the PVC and into the body, where they can cause a variety of health problems.
Are Foam Play Mats Toxic?
If you’re concerned about in your home, you might be wondering if a is safe. Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer. Some mats may contain , while others may not.
To make sure your child is safe, do your research before purchasing a . Check the labels to see if the is made with non-toxic materials, and look for reviews from other parents. With a little bit of effort, you can find an that’s both safe and fun for your .
