7 Non-Toxic Playmats For Babies & Kids
Playmats are a wonderful place for babies to strengthen their neck and back muscles, explore toys and teethers and snuggle up for story time. Sadly – not all playmats are created equal. In this article, we look at what materials to avoid and show you our top non-toxic picks!
If there’s one universal truth for babies and toddlers, it’s that they spend a lot of time on the floor exploring every toy, furniture surface and rogue crumb with their hands and mouths.
Incredibly crucial for both their cognitive and physical development, it’s important that parents find safe and non-toxic spaces for their tots to play and rest. Due to the fact that babies have extra sensitive skin and delicate immune and endocrine systems, it’s wise to make sure you’re avoiding products with materials and/ or ingredients known to disrupt hormones or cause irritation the skin, eyes and respiratory track.
While many brands are switching to natural and non-toxic options, the sad truth is that many still contain harmful chemicals.
In this guide, we’ll go over:
- Chemicals to avoid in infant and toddler playmats
- Our favorite non-toxic playmat product picks
Scroll down to learn more.
Chemicals to avoid in infant and toddler playmats
- Flame Retardants: Some play and nap mats are made with synthetic foams and many times are treated with flame retardants. Kids ingest roughly 10 times more PBDEs than adults from hand-to-mouth contact and can present health risks and exposure to carcinogenic compounds affecting fertility and causing other health problems.
- PVC or Vinyl: PVC is made using a toxic cocktail of materials that could put your little ones at risk from exposure to lead, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hormone-disrupting chemicals like phthalates. This would be my #1 material to avoid with kids and babies.
- Formaldehyde: Less common but still something to avoid is formaldehyde. Most notably found in particle board and press board, formaldehyde off-gasses VOCs and adds to the indoor pollution of our homes. Look for products that are free of formaldehyde and toxic glues.
- PFAS Chemicals: Used to achieve water-proofing, PFAS (poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a large family of different chemicals that have been shown to cause developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals.
- Triclosan: Triclosan is in a lot of products from cutting boards, pencils, toothpaste and hand soaps. Triclosan typically protects the product more than the consumer. Not to mention it gets into our waterways and contaminates our fish and wildlife. We are exposed to it more and more so if you can avoid it, all the better.
- BPA and Phthalates: These are likely less common but still something to check off on the avoid list. Both Bisphenol-a and Phthalates pose a risk to child’s developing endocrine system in that it mimics hormones. A small amount of exposure might not be too harmful but compounded with all the other times we are exposed to these chemicals can prove to be a pretty sizeable load on our bodies, especially kids.
At The Tot, we never use or recommend anything that hasn’t passed The Tot Test. This means we’ve looked deep into third-party testing, examined ingredients lists and asked in-depth questions about a product’s composition to make sure it doesn’t contain any dangerous levels of the chemicals that we avoid.
Click here to view the full list of ingredients we avoid and why.
Our favorite non-toxic playmats
All Tot Tested and approved, here are our favorite non-toxic playmat product picks:
Toddlekind Playmats
Toddlekind was founded by mom of two, Samantha Brueckner, who wanted to create a playmat that looked beautiful in her home without compromising on quality or safety. Since babies and little ones spend the majority of their time on the floor, Toddlekind aims to provide them with the safest place possible to explore and learn!
Toddlekind Nordic Collection Playmat
$119.99
Available in more colors
Toddlekind Earth Series Playmat
$119.99
Available in more colors
Todlekind Luxe Nappy-Free Playmat
$99
Available in more colors
Wander & Roam Playmats
This gorgeous range was created by a mama of 3 who found limited options for non-toxic, durable and eco-friendly playmats in the market. Cushy, hypoallergenic and reversible, this is one playmat both parents and tiny tots will love.
wander & roam Zebra and Stripe Foam Playmat
$179
wander & roam Tribal and Mecca Foam Playmat
$179
wander & roam Antelope and Stripe Foam Playmat
$179
wander & roam Ikat and Stripe Foam Playmat – Grey
$179
wander & roam Ikat and Stripe Foam Playmat – Navy
$179
Little Bot Playmats
Available in large rectangular sizes (that look GREAT with any decor) Little Bots playmats are scratch-resistant, easy to clean, wonderfully cushy AND reversible!
Little Bot Ofie Playmat – Zen Line + Eze
$149
Pehr Playmats
Made of super soft cotton and screen printed by hand using AZO-Free dyes, Pehr’s playmats aren’t only cute – they’re practical. Babies love them because of their playful illustrations while parents love them because they’re machine washable!
Pehr Life Aquatic Playmat
$84
Pehr Botanica Playmat
$84
GATHRE Mats
Easy to wipe and water-resistant, these insanely cute leather mats from GATHRE are printed with non-toxic inks and are free of harmful chemicals like PVC, phthalates, and heavy metals.
GATHRE Mini+ Mat – USA Map
$86
Gathre Midi Mat – Circle World Map
$106
Gathre Mini Mat – Tannin
$46
Available in more colors
Nook Sleep Systems LilyPad Playmat
The LilyPad Playmat is a soft and stylish foam-free playmat that can be used for tummy time, nap time or play time. The padding is made from non-toxic PETE and covered in a 100% organic cotton cover for a comfy playmat experience.
Nook Sleep Systems LilyPad Playmat
$149
Available in more colors
Louelle Playmat / Quilt
Made in a light cotton linen blend, this versatile playmat does double time as a quilt. Simple and sweet, you can also get a matching sleeping bag, bloomers, towel and bib in the same print!
Louelle Playmat – Gold Spot
$108.75
Louelle Playmat / Quilt – Grey Gingham
$104.25
Louelle Playmat / Quilt – Harbor Island Blue
$104.25
Toki Playmats
Free of toxins, PVC, phthalates and lead, Toki mats are made with a pure latex foam insert and easy to wash 100% cotton cover. Easy to fold and store, they can go from tummy time to toddler yoga to preschool reading nook! Shop the full Toki Mats range here!
Toki Mats Olive Branch Playmat w/ Classic Insert
Ranging from $165 to $275
Toki Mats Rainbow Stamp Playmat w/ Classic Insert
Ranging from $165 to $275
Available in another color
Toki Mats Arches Playmat w/ Classic Insert
Ranging from $165 to $275
Available in another color
Ruggish Play Rugs
The definition of genius, Ruggish play rugs are a 2-in-1 rug/ playmat that provides functionality and fun without compromising on style!
Ruggish Lulu Play Rug
$199
Ruggish Cali Play Rug
$199
Available in more colors
Ruggish Romy Play Rug
$199
Available in more colors
Continue exploring
- Wondering what your baby should be able to do? Here are the Infant Development Milestones for 0 – 6 Months!
- What we’re reading: Why Bamboo Clothing Is Best For Babies With Sensitive Skin.