As a new parent, you know the importance of providing a clean and safe environment for your little one to play, explore, and develop. That’s why non toxic baby play mats are an essential addition to your home. We looked at many mats on the market today. Many are made with foam and plastic which continue to off-gas months after being brought home. We selected only the best non-toxic play mats to keep your baby healthy and safe. Here are our top findings:
| Best Non-Toxic Play Mat or Rug (Click to Read Review) | Non-Toxic Play Mat Contact Material | Shop Now |
| Nestig | Organic Cotton | nestig.com |
| Makemake | Organic Cotton | amazon.com makemakeorganics.com |
| Toki Mats | Organic Cotton | projectnursery.com |
| Charlie Crane | Ultra-Soft Poplin Cotton | projectnursery.com |
| Crane Baby | Cotton | projectnursery.com Amazon.com |
| pillobebe | Organic Cotton | pillobebe.com |
| Nest Designs | Bamboo/Cotton | nestdesigns.com |
| Lorena Canals | Cotton | Amazon.com |
These non-toxic play mats are made with materials that are free from harmful chemicals and toxins, ensuring that your child is protected as they spend hours on the mat, engaging in activities like tummy time, crawling, and playing. At the same time, these play mats are also a great way to stage adorable baby photos! With a variety of styles and designs to choose from, you can trust us to provide a safe and healthy space for your child’s development and playtime.
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning that if you click the link, I may get a small portion of the sale at no cost to you. In no way does this affect our description or review of the following products. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with the links provided in this article. In no way does this affect our description or review of the following products.
What materials should you avoid in a non-toxic play mat?
There are a number of chemicals and materials that you should be wary of when choosing the best non-toxic play mat for your baby. Here are a few to consider:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride): This is a type of plastic that can contain toxic additives such as phthalates, which can be harmful to children and is not considered a non-toxic play mat.
- Formaldehyde: This chemical is often used in the production of certain types of foam, and can cause irritation and allergic reactions.
- BPA (bisphenol A): This chemical is commonly found in plastic products and has been linked to a number of health problems, including hormone disruption and reproductive issues.
- Lead: According to the CDC, lead can be used to soften plastic and make it more flexible, and may also be used to stabilize molecules [1] from heat which has the potential to be found in play mats. This toxic heavy metal can cause serious health problems if ingested or inhaled.
- Flame retardants: These chemicals are often used in foam products to make them fire-resistant, but they can be harmful to children if ingested or inhaled.
When shopping for a non-toxic play mat for your baby, it’s important to look for products that are made with non-toxic materials and are free from these potentially harmful chemicals. You may also want to consider purchasing a mat that has been certified as safe by a third-party organization.
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What materials make the best non-toxic play mat?
There are a few materials that are generally considered to be safe and non-toxic for use in baby play mats:
- Organic cotton: This natural fiber is soft, hypoallergenic, and free from synthetic chemicals and pesticides.
- Natural rubber: This material is made from the sap of rubber trees, and is a sustainable and non-toxic choice for baby play mats.
- Wool: This natural fiber is a good choice for baby play mats because it is hypoallergenic and has natural fire-resistant properties.
- Bamboo: Bamboo is a great eco-friendly choice because it is an easy to grow crop without the use of pesticides, it is also very soft and gentle against baby’s skin. It is easily washable too!
It’s important to note that even if a play mat is made from one of these non-toxic materials, it could still contain harmful chemicals if it has been treated with certain chemicals during the manufacturing process. Be sure to read product labels and do your research to ensure that you are purchasing a truly non-toxic baby play mat.
What about EVA foam baby play mats? Are they considered to be a non-toxic play mat?
EVA foam, or ethylene-vinyl acetate, is a type of foam that is commonly used in baby play mats because it is soft, lightweight, and generally non-toxic. It is generally considered to be a safe and non-toxic play mat material for use in baby products, but because not all EVA foams are created equal and it is not environmentally friendly, we did not include any in our list.
Some types of EVA foam may contain toxic additives or be treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process that can make them harmful to children. For this reason, it’s important to do your research and choose a baby play mat that is made from high-quality, non-toxic EVA foam.
It’s also a good idea to look for a play mat that has been certified as safe by a third-party organization, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA). These certifications can help ensure that the play mat you choose is free from harmful chemicals and materials.
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Consider a Natural Material Rug Instead of a Traditional Play-Mat
There are several benefits to choosing a natural rug for kids over a baby play mat:
Safety: Natural rugs are generally made from materials that are less toxic and safer for children than synthetic materials. They are also less likely to off-gas [2] harmful chemicals that can be harmful to children’s health.
- Durability: Natural rugs are often more durable than baby play mats, which means they can withstand rough play and spills better.
- Style: Natural rugs come in a wide variety of styles, so you can choose one that fits your child’s room decor. Baby play mats tend to be more limited in their design options.
- Versatility: Natural rugs can be used in any room of the house, whereas baby play mats are typically only used in a playroom or nursery.
- Easy to clean: Natural rugs are generally easier to clean than baby play mats, as they can be vacuumed or spot cleaned as needed. Baby play mats may require more thorough cleaning, as they may be made from materials that are more prone to staining.
Our TOP Picks for the Best Non-Toxic Play Mats
Non-Toxic Play Mat #1: Nestig
This is more like a carpet than a mat, but because of its simple washability and fun design we had to include it at the top of our list. Nestig knows babies! They supply non-toxic sustainable furniture for the nursery, perfectly made for safety by both design and materials.
The Nestig rug is made out of 100% organic cotton without any flame retardant or additional harmful chemicals off gassing after production. All dyes are non-toxic and contribute to a lowered carbon footprint.
Nestig also sells cribs, dressers, and wallpaper that you will fall in love with for your baby’s room. Cribs are safely made with rounded corners and convertible options to keep it current for your child as they grow. All furniture is made-to-order from sustainable wood handcrafted from Brazil.
| Contact Material | 100% Organic Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | N/A |
| Thickness | N/A |
| Largest Size Available | 4 x 6 |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Styles Available | Fun shaped and patterned rugs with mixed colors to suit any room and a variety of themes |
Advisory Details
If you’re looking for something with padding, this may not be it. It does make an excellent play mat, but since it’s only a rug, the cushioning is slightly less than desirable for trips and falls. You can always consider putting padding UNDER the rug so that the contact material remains organic and natural.
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Non-Toxic Play Mat #2: Makemake
The Makemake non-toxic baby play mat is a beautiful and handmade mat made of the softest GOTS certified organic cotton. It is double-sided, allowing for different scenes to match your mood and is perfect for tummy time and play time. The mat is designed by moms and is exclusive and designed in Florida for a fun look that is not found anywhere else. The mat is super-sized, light-weight, thick quilted, and machine washable for easy maintenance. It also comes in a reusable cotton bag, ready for gifting, travel, or storing away when not in use. Also sold on Amazon.
The Makemake company takes great care to ensure that all of their products are made responsibly at a GOTS certified factory in India. They go to great lengths to ensure that their cotton is of the highest quality and gentlest on baby’s skin. The company uses no flame retardants or any other harmful chemicals, and the shell and final product are GOTS certified organic. The filling inside is OEKO Tex certified non-toxic polyester fiber. Its practical design makes it easy to maintain and clean.
| Contact Material | 100% Organic Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | Organic Cotton with Poly fill |
| Thickness | 1 ⅓” Padded |
| Largest Size Available | 48” Round |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Styles Available | Simple Patterned Mats Light Colors |
Advisory Details
In order to create the stuffing, the Makemake rug uses polyester filling surrounded by organic cotton. Although we’re after natural and organic baby play mats, the safety of the added padding is beneficial even though it’s made out of a synthetic material. Although it is machine washable, some users have found that over-washing begins to cause some of the threads to unravel and come apart. We recommend washing it on a gentle cycle to avoid this problem.
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Non-Toxic Play Mat #3: Toki Mats
Toki Mats are a great solution for parents looking for a comfortable and modern place to play with their newborn and toddler. The founder, a mother herself, created the mat with the goal of providing a functional and stylish option for parents in order to make the best non toxic play mat possible.
The mat’s structure is unique, consisting of a fabric cover with two side zip openings and two natural latex foam inserts that provide a perfect blend of squish and firmness to support baby’s development. The outer cover is made of 100% super soft machine washable, organic cotton fabric, while the waterproof covers are made of 100% bamboo jersey fabric, both of which are certified non-toxic and chemical free.
The option of waterproof covers is a great feature as it allows for easy cleaning. The outer covers can be swapped out for a different design, making it customizable to your personal style. Overall, the Toki Mats are a great option for parents looking for a comfortable, safe, and stylish play mat for their babies.
| Contact Material | 100% Organic Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | Thick foam guaranteed CertiPUR |
| Thickness | 1.1” Padded |
| Largest Size Available | 39″ x 39″ |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Styles Available | Single sophisticated colors for any room Subtle pattern designs |
Advisory Details
First, make sure to check if your baby has an allergy to latex. Although they are covered, they are made of latex and latex molecules have the capability of traversing the cotton barrier.
Toki mats are nice, non-toxic and a great option as a baby play mat, but the price can be a bit steep. If it’s in your budget, go for it, but if not you may want to try another brand such as …which we found to be comparable.
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Non-Toxic Play Mat #4: Charlie Crane: TAMI MATS
The Charlie Crane non-toxic baby play mat, known as the TAMI, offers exceptional comfort and softness. Made with 100% ultra-soft cotton poplin and a 3 cm thick CertiPUR-certified foam, it is safe for babies and has a soft feel.
Produced in France, the Charlie Crane company also offers simple, sleek designs for other baby products such as rockers, high chairs, and baby linen, with the high chairs made from beechwood and having a unique earthy feel.
Charlie Crane is a Paris-based company that creates beautiful and stylish baby and children’s furniture. The company works primarily with designers and uses noble and natural materials such as curved wood and metal tubing. They also collaborate with other textile companies to mix influences and create unique and high-quality products.
| Contact Material | 100% Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | natural latex foam |
| Thickness | 1” Padded |
| Largest Size Available | 39″ x 39″ |
| Machine Washable? | No. |
| Styles Available | Single sophisticated colors for any room Subtle pattern designs |
Advisory Details
The TAMI mat is not made from organic cotton, rather it is made from a soft poplin cotton. Parents enjoy the size and thickness of the mat, but the washability is limited since it does not have a cover to throw into the washing machine. If you’re looking for a best non toxic play mat that is also washable, you’re better with the TOKI mat previously discussed.
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Non-Toxic Play Mat #5: Crane
The Crane Company offers a collection of circular cotton covered baby floor mats with various patterns and styles that make a great addition to any nursery. The mat we love features hidden toys and pockets to encourage your baby’s natural development and curiosity as they play. It is also perfect for tummy time activities as it has 0.5” of cushioning for the baby.
Crane Baby Collection is a company that designs and manufactures a wide range of baby essentials, including baby bibs, nursery décor, swaddle wraps, quilted baby blankets, toy storage bins, and more.
They also care about the environment, therefore they are passionate about offering only eco-friendly, ethically sourced products to new parents. They have partnered with talented craftsmen who work in only the most ethical conditions. All products are handmade using all-natural, non-toxic materials, and old-world techniques to preserve the human element of each product. It is also available on AMAZON.
| Contact Material | 100% Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | Polyester Lining |
| Thickness | 1” Padded |
| Largest Size Available | 40″ x 40″ x 1″ h |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Styles Available | Many stylish yet playful styles Waterproof covers are also available for purchase |
Advisory Details
This mat is not made from organic materials. It does have a poly fill as cushioning, so that as well is not the more eco-friendly option. Nonetheless, this non-toxic play mat is durable and washes very well in the machine, making it one of the best non-toxic play mats for active families.
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Non-Toxic Play Mat #6: Pillobebe
Pillobebe goes the extra mile to offer mats that are not only organic cotton on the outside, but also organic cotton batting on the inside too, reducing the chemicals that your baby comes into contact with. This non-toxic baby mat is a great option for parents looking for a larger, eco-friendly play mat for their little one.
They offer various mats of different styles, sizes, and stuffing materials. They are very versatile and can be used for tummy time, crawling, sitting, playing and learning, and can even be used as a bed cover for kids as they grow. The mat is free of harmful chemicals such as formamide, fire-retardants, PU, PVC, BPA, BPS, formaldehyde, phthalates, lead and VOCs, providing peace of mind for parents.
The mat also comes with anti-slip strips and is handmade in the USA, with a reversible design and top-stitching for durability. It’s easy to care for and can be machine washed and tumble dried on low setting, without bleach.
We really like the Pillobebe company because they are family-run and create products based on safe and non-toxic products for children. All products are made in the USA and have been tested by independent laboratories to ensure compliance with CPSC regulations.
The Pillobebe products have a one-year warranty from the date of purchase.
| Contact Material | 100% Organic Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | 100% Organic Cotton fibers |
| Thickness | 0.5”- 1” Padded |
| Largest Size Available | 70″ x 47″ |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Styles Available | Both Child-like patterns and Adult-like patterns for mature decor |
Advisory Detail
If you’re looking for a thicker mat, you will have to opt for the CorkiMat® COMFY mat that is padded with polyester. The thinner mat is the best non toxic play mat that you will opt for if you want 100% organic cotton.
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Non-Toxic Play Mat #7: Nest Designs
Nest Designs baby mat is from a company that we trust a lot! We have been wearing their pajamas for a year now and find them so comfortable and quality-made. They have just recently added a baby mat to their collection and it is perfect for the first year of life.
The Nest Designs Fresh Forest play mat is great for any new parent. The bamboo cotton blend material is soft against a baby’s delicate skin, and it’s also eco-friendly. The mat features detachable arches with six adjustable hanging toys and two toys attached to the mat, providing visual stimulation and helping with brain development for babies 0-3 months.
One of the best features of this play mat is that it can grow with your child. Once they outgrow the toys, simply detach the arches and continue to use the mat for playtime. The mat is also large, measuring 90x90x40cm, providing plenty of room for your baby to play and explore. Overall, the Nest Designs Fresh Forest play mat is a great investment for any new parent looking for a safe, eco-friendly, and versatile option for their little one. It is the best non toxic play mat for new parents.
| Contact Material | 70% Rayon made from Bamboo, 30% Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | |
| Thickness | |
| Largest Size Available | 90x90x40cm |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Styles Available | ONLY in black and white The contrasting toys provide babies 0-3 months visual stimulation and help their brain development |
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Non-Toxic Play Mat #8: Lorena Canals
One of my favorite features of this rug is that it is machine washable in your own machine, making it easy to keep clean. The instructions provided were clear and easy to follow, and the rug came out looking great after washing. I also appreciate that it is handmade by artisans and made with eco-friendly materials. The rug is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to fold and store, and it has a non-slip underlay to keep it in place.
Overall, I am extremely impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of this rug. The colors are vibrant and the textures are fun and engaging for my kids. It’s easy to clean and safe for children! These are the best non toxic play mats for best most immersive Reggio Emilia experience.
| Contact Material | Cotton |
| Inner Stuffing Material | N/A |
| Largest Size Available | 5 x 7 |
| Machine Washable? | Yes |
| Styles Available | Various child-like themed rugs A wide selection of non-toxic adult rugs too! |
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Next Steps
It is important to do your research and choose the best non toxic play mat for your family that is both safe and fits your lifestyle and budget. The non-toxic baby play mats reviewed in this article offer a wide range of features, designs, and materials. From soft bamboo cotton blends to eco-friendly natural cotton, each play mat provides a safe and comfortable spot for babies to play and learn.
The washable and handmade options make them easy to clean and maintain. Overall, it is clear that there are many great non-toxic options available for parents looking for a safe and supportive play surface for their little ones.
Whether you’re looking for a specific design or feature, there’s a play mat out there to suit your needs. If you are looking for more non-toxic rugs for your home, take a look at our suggestions in this article titled: The Best Non-Toxic Rugs for a Chemical-Free & Healthier Household.
7 Responses
Having just getting the gift of twin grandbabies and another due soon this is a timely and great review thank you…
I would have never thought that there were certain ingredients to avoid in your baby’s playmats, but it makes complete sense! Especially when you consider how babies love to put anything and everything in their mouths. Great post to keep babies safe!
So many cute options!
Thank you for providing so.much helpful information. As a mom, I know the importance of creating a safe and healthy environment for kids to play and live. This list definitely takes all the hassles out of finding the perfect play mat.
Great list! This is perfect for my newborn niece, thank you for sharing!
Hi,
Great list and very helpfull!
Just a small suggestion that you should feature http://www.playandgo.com and their amazing organic playmat collection of their non toxic EVA foam mats
Have a great day
Nele
Thank you so much for your suggestion! I will be looking into this and possibly add it to the list!