When it comes to products for our kids, we always want to choose ones that are as safe as possible, especially those that are coming in contact with their skin. Baby mats are one of those items.
They crawl all over them and probably put their mouths all over them too, right? That’s why it’s important to choose a non-toxic play mat versus one that contains potentially dangerous chemicals.
Many people don’t realize the toxic chemicals that can be found in play mats and why they can be so dangerous. Let’s take a look at those chemicals as well as why they’re important, and what to look for in a play mat.
In this article
- Short On Time? Here Are Our Top Picks!
- Toxic Chemicals That Can be Found in Play Mats
- Why Non-Toxic Play Mats Are Important
- What To Look For In A Non-Toxic Play Mat
- Padded To Protect Against Falls
- Best Non-Toxic Play Mats For Babies
- Our Reviews of the Best Non-Toxic Play Mats for Babies
- 1. Baby Care Play Mat Foam Floor Gym
- 2. Baby Mushroom Baby Bello Organic Play Mat
- 3. Bammax Play Mat
- 4. Wander & Roam Baby Play Mat
- 5. Yay Mats Extra Large Baby Play Mat
- 6. Baby Play Mat by Uanlauo
- 7. Baby Play Mat Tiles by Childlike Behavior
- 8. Superjare 25 Pieces Baby Play Mat
- Bottom Line on Best Non-Toxic Play Mats for Babies
Short On Time? Here Are Our Top Picks!
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Baby Care Play Mat Foam Floor Gym - Non-Toxic Non-Slip Reversible Waterproof, Pingko and Friends, Large | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Baby Mushroom Baby Bello Organic Play Mat for Babies, Toddlers and Kids, Ivory | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Bammax Play Mat, Folding Mat Baby Crawling Mat Kids Playmat Waterproof Non Toxic for Babies, Infants, Toddlers, 70" x 77.5" x 0.6" | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Toxic Chemicals That Can be Found in Play Mats
You may be surprised that products made for babies can have toxic chemicals. Here are some of the chemicals you may find if you’re not careful:
- TPU
- BPA
- Formaldehyde
- Flame Retardants
- Polyurethane Foam
- Plant-Based Foam
- PVC (vinyl)
- Glues
- Phthalates
- Lead
- EVA Foam
If you see a playmat that has any of these chemicals listed, you should steer clear.
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Why Non-Toxic Play Mats Are Important
With so many play mats on the market for babies, you may be wondering why it’s so important to choose a non-toxic play mat over other options. Here are a few reasons:
Safety
Babies’ skin is delicate and can be prone to allergies. If a mat is made from toxic materials, this may trigger skin allergies. We all know babies put their mouths on and roll all over play mats, having one that is made from non-toxic material just makes sense.
Odor
Playmats that are made from toxic material often have a strange smell. Non-toxic play mats will not have any dangerous smells associated with it.
You’ll notice that there is no plastic-like smell or anything else that could be dangerous.
Easy to Clean
A non-toxic playmat or organic playmat is easier to clean. Usually, you can just wipe it down to clean. Some have covers that you can take off and wash, depending on the material of the mat.
Many high-quality mats are waterproof and stain-free.
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What To Look For In A Non-Toxic Play Mat
With so many play mats on the market, it can be confusing what to look for in a non-toxic mat. Here are some boxes that should be checked:
Completely Non-Toxic
If you have a doubt that a playmat contains toxic material, it’s best to steer clear. You want to choose a completely non-toxic mat. This means it should not include any of the toxins listed above, including EVA foam or PVC.
Padded To Protect Against Falls
One of the reasons why you buy a mat is to protect your baby from hitting the hard floor. This is why you should look for a non-toxic mat that is padded enough to protect against bumps and falls.
If there’s not enough padding, your baby is still going to get hurt.
Size
You want to choose a mat that is large enough for your baby or toddler to play on it. What fits your baby now my not fit in a month or two. Choose one that’s large enough to fit your growing baby and one that will fit in the space you have.
Odor-Free
If your baby is going to be crawling around the mat, he’s going to have his nose close to the mat, taking in the smell of the mat. If it’s full of toxins, he is going to breathe all of that in.
Choosing a non-toxic mat or organic mat can alleviate this concern.
Now that you know what to look for and the benefits of non-toxic playmats, it’s time to check the best ones out there.
Best Non-Toxic Play Mats For Babies
- Baby Care Play Mat Foam Floor Gym
- Baby Mushroom Baby Bello Organic Play Mat
- Bammax Play Mat
- Wander & Roam Baby Play Mat
- Yay Mats Extra Large Baby Play Mat
- Baby Play Mat by Uanlauo
- Baby Play Mat Tiles by Childlike Behavior
- Superjare 25 Pieces Baby Play Mat
Our Reviews of the Best Non-Toxic Play Mats for Babies
1. Baby Care Play Mat Foam Floor Gym
We love this Baby Care playmat because it’s not only 100% non-toxic, but it also has such a fun design for kids to keep them entertained. The mat is hygienic and safe, and it’s also Phthalate Free, BPA Free, lead-free, latex-free, formaldehyde-free, and EVA-free.
Unlike some mats that have interlocking pieces that can be difficult to put together and store, this mat is just one piece that you easily roll-up. This makes it great to store and even better to just roll out when your child wants to play.
The whimsical design has pictures of animals on one side and helps to teach the alphabet on the other. So, it’s a win-win when it comes to early learning.
We also like this non-toxic playmat because it’s waterproof and easy to clean. No worries if some snacks spill! It is a little pricey when compared to other mats, but you can feel safe that it’s made from safe materials for your baby.
Pros:
- Toxin-free
- Easy to roll out and use
- Waterproof
- Fun design for kids
Cons:
- A bit pricey
2. Baby Mushroom Baby Bello Organic Play Mat
When you’re looking for a simple organic playmat that is going to be safe for your baby to play on, this one checks all of the boxes. It comes with a washable organic cotton cover that is made from 100% non-dyed USDA certified organic cotton.
The mat itself has a waterproof layer made from vinyl/PVC free non-toxic medical grade stretch knit fabric. It even has sewn seams for anti-bacterial and dust-mite protection. There is a plant-based foam that makes up the core of the play mat.
Not only is the mat made from extremely safe materials, but it also measures 55″ X 55″, giving your baby enough space to play and roll around. You can also roll it up for easy storage.
It is a bit pricey when you start to compare it to other mats. But, if you’re looking for a mat that is non-toxic and safe for your baby, this is a great choice.
Pros:
- Made from all eco-friendly materials
- Has washable cover
- Large enough for baby to roll around in
Cons:
- A bit pricey
3. Bammax Play Mat
We also love this Bammax playmat if you’re looking for a non-toxic playmat for your baby. It’s made of BPA-free XPE material. This means it has no funny odors and is also non-polluting.
The mat is waterproof so it’s also easy to clean with a damp cloth.
If you want a mat this is large enough for your baby to crawl all over it, this mat measures 70″ X 77.5″, and has a thickness of 1.5 inches. This will give your baby enough cushioning when they’re crawling around.
The fun reversible patterns also make it interesting for your baby’s imagination. There is one with pandas playing in the forest and an animal car race at the back. The mat is also foldable so it won’t take up a lot of space.
It’s reasonably priced, so parents should appreciate that. While some may enjoy the extra-large size, others may not have enough room for this mat, so keep that in mind.
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4. Wander & Roam Baby Play Mat
The Wander & Roam mat is made from non-toxic foam and is free of later, BPA, formamide, and PVC. It’s also hypoallergenic for your baby’s sensitive skin.
The mat has passed all U.S. and European toy standards, so that should give parents peace of mind when it comes to its safety.
You don’t have to worry about your baby getting hurt on the mat because it is 1/2 inch thick, which gives them enough padding on the floor. It also measures 6.5 ft x 4.5 ft so it’s large enough for your baby to roll around on it. The mat is also waterproof and easy to clean.
The price is comparable to other non-toxic mats on the market, but you’ll notice that it costs more than other mats that are not non-toxic.
Pros:
- Made of non-toxic foam
- Has a reversible design
- Large space for baby to play
Cons:
- A bit pricey, but comparable to other non-toxic mats
5. Yay Mats Extra Large Baby Play Mat
Yay Mats make the list because they’re free of lead, BPAs, and phthalates. They are made from a high-density hypoallergenic foam that meets the highest safety standards for EVA foam worldwide.
But, if you were looking for a mat that was completely free of EVA, this mat may not be for you.
The tiles on this may are large, six 2 x 2 feet squares that interlock to create this play mat. This is better than having more squares that are difficult to store. This 6 ft. by 4 ft. play area is the perfect size for your baby. The mat is also waterproof so it’s easy to clean.
Pros:
- Free of lead, BPAs, and phthalates
- Large interlocking tiles
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Free of many toxins, but does have EVA foam (meets highest safety standards for EVA foam)
6. Baby Play Mat by Uanlauo
This baby play mat is non-toxic and BPA-free. We like it because it’s also is waterproof and skid-proof, so you don’t have to worry about your baby slipping. It’s extra thick too so that it protects your baby from falls.
Because it’s easy to clean, just use a wet towel and wipe down any spills. You can also reverse the mat to switch up the design. It’s easy to fold up, so you can move it easily from room to room or take it along to grandma’s house.
Compared to other baby mats, it’s a simple mat that’s also reasonably priced.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Foldable
- Large enough for adult and baby to play
- BPA-free
Cons:
- May be too big for some people’s spaces
7. Baby Play Mat Tiles by Childlike Behavior
If you’re looking for a non-toxic playmat that is also extra-large, you and your baby may like this design from Childlike Behavior. It is free of lead, BPA, and phthalates, but is made from a non-toxic EVA foam.
If you were looking for a product with absolutely no EVA foam, this may not be for you.
The mat comes with large 24″ squares as well as 16 side fence pieces and four corner pieces. There is plenty of room for baby to crawl and play around, just as long as you have the space for it.
It comes with a storage bag that makes it easy to bring the mat along if you’re taking a trip. The thickness and soft material are gentle to protect your baby’s knees and hands. It’s also waterproof and washable, so you don’t have to worry about spills ruining the mat.
It is also reasonably priced when you compare it to other mats of its size.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Non-toxic
- Extra thick
Cons:
- May be too large for some areas
- Although it is non-toxic, it is still made of a non-toxic EVA foam
8. Superjare 25 Pieces Baby Play Mat
If you’re looking for a non-toxic playmat that’s a little smaller than others like 47.4″ X 47.4″, this could be a match for you. Some parents like this mat because it has little walls that can be put up which can act as a little barrier against furniture or other obstacles in the house.
The mat is free of lead, chrome, and phthalates. It’s also flexible to suit your needs, so you can always add another set if you wanted a mat that was extra plush.
You can easily wipe it so you don’t have to worry if your baby gets food on it or spills a drink.
It’s also priced a little lower than other non-toxic mats because it is smaller. If you’re looking for a smaller non-toxic playmat that is reasonably priced, this could be a good option for you.
Pros:
- Interlocking tiles
- Comes with edge tiles for safety
- Free of lead, chrome, and phthalates
- Reasonably-priced
Cons:
- May be too small for some
Bottom Line on Best Non-Toxic Play Mats for Babies
When it comes to a non-toxic play mat or organic play mat, it’s important to determine what features mean the most to you. For many parents, finding a mat that’s completely toxin-free is the top priority. Other parents are okay with EVA foam that is deemed environmentally safe.
Be sure to read through all the labels to see what potential toxins may be included.
Besides the issue of toxins, finding a mat that’s cushioned enough to protect your baby from getting hurt is also a top priority. That is the point of having a play mat in place.
Taking all of these things into consideration, we chose the Baby Care Play Mat Foam Floor Gym because it checks all the boxes. It’s Phthalate Free, BPA Free, lead-free, latex-free, formaldehyde-free, and EVA-free.
When it says it’s 100% toxin-free, the company means it!
We also chose this mat as our top pick because it simply rolls out. Although it’s not extremely difficult to put interlocking pieces together, the idea of just rolling out a mat is much easier especially when your little one is ready to roll.
We also love the design because kids can even play around with it without having any toys with them.
Although it may be viewed as a bit pricey, it can be worth the money. Since it is also waterproof and easy to clean, you could pass this down from child to child.
In the end, it all comes down to how much you want to spend on a non-toxic playmat and what features you’re looking for when you buy one. Size also matters because some mats may be great, but maybe too large for your space.
Whichever one you choose, select one that has your baby’s best interests in mind, especially when it comes to their health.
