Best Non Toxic Play Mats for Babies and What to Look For
Playtime is essential for a baby’s physical development, and one of the most popular baby gear for enjoyable play time is a play mat. These mats provide a comfortable, cushioned space for your little one to explore, roll, and crawl. Playmats offer protection from hard floors and rugs and create a designated area for play. However, with concerns about toxic chemicals and harmful substances in baby products, choosing a non-toxic baby play mat that guarantees safety and quality is crucial.
Whether you’re you’re setting up a play area in the living room or searching for the perfect tummy time mat, I have outlined the different types and best options for a non-toxic play mat.
Why Choose a Non-Toxic Play Mat?
Many conventional foam play mats are made from synthetic materials that may contain harmful chemicals like polyvinyl chloride (PVC), bisphenols A (BPA), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and phthalates. When new, these chemicals off-gas into the air affecting indoor air quality. Baby is then susceptible to breathing in the fumes. Read more about indoor air quality and the benefits of air purifiers for babies here.
Both PVC-free and phthalate-free are essential. Companies often boast that their product is phthalate-free, giving a false sense of security. However, the toy still contains PVC, known as “poison plastic.”
Phthalates have been linked to brain and developmental issues in children (1). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that BPA has been associated with attention-deficit disorders and behavioral disorders (2)(3).
VOCs are most known to off-gas with an unpleasant odor. VOCs can cause lung irritation, kidney issues, and liver damage. More common and less severe symptoms include headaches, coughing, and sneezing (4). For this reason, letting your new products off-gas is advised before bringing them into the home’s main living areas.
Your baby’s skin also comes into contact with various chemicals when lying on the mat. Baby’s skin is more sensitive than adults and can quickly develop rashes from exposure to such chemicals. Non-toxic play mats help mitigate these risks. Great play mats are made of natural materials such as organic cotton, natural rubber, or safer foam materials.
What Makes a Play Mat Non-Toxic?
When looking for a non-toxic play mat, you should consider several key attributes. Look for mats that are:
- Free from Harmful Chemicals: Avoid PVC, PFAs, phthalates, and BPA mats. High-quality mats are typically made from safe materials such as latex foam, EVA foam, organic cotton, or OEKO-TEX-certified polyester.
- Made from Natural Materials: Natural materials such as organic cotton, wool, or natural rubber are free from synthetic chemicals and offer a safer and more eco-friendly choice for babies.
- Easy to Clean and Maintain: Babies are messy. Busy parents need an easy-to-clean mat. Look for machine-washable or wipeable mats.
The Toki Mat: A Popular and Trusted Non-Toxic Play Mat
The Toki Mat is a popular choice for new parents regarding non-toxic baby play mats. It is made of high-quality materials and tested for safety.
Why Toki Mat is the Top Pick for Non-Toxic Play Mats
This simple play mat is available in three sizes. Their best sellers include cotton and foam mats, vegan leather and foam mats, and bamboo jersey and foam mats. Below is an outline of Toki’s cotton and foam play mats.
– Made from Non-Toxic Materials
The materials are the most crucial factor when choosing a play mat for your baby. The Toki Mat contains a 1″ thick natural latex foam insert that is OEKO-TEX certified. The cover is 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton. Each batch is tested for harmful substances, including phthalates, PFAs, BPA, and heavy metals. Their safety compliance reports are also linked on their product pages.
– Durability and Long-Term Use
The Toki Mat is designed with durability in mind. The material is thick enough to provide cushioning during tummy time and firm enough to support crawling and standing as your baby grows. The larger foam play mat allows for years of play from babies to young children.
– Easy to Clean
Babies make messes, and you must often clean your play floor mats. The foam insert should be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water. The cotton cover is machine washable and designed to fit a little large as it will shrink with the first wash. It is not advised to put the mat in direct sunlight for extended periods as this can dry out the mat.
Here is 15% off your first purchase at Toki!
Other Non-Toxic Play Mats to Consider
While the Toki Mat is a top pick for parents, other excellent, non-toxic play mats exist. Here are a few more options that offer a combination of safety, comfort, and design:
Pillobebe
Pillobebe is another non-toxic play mat option. With two different types of mats, parents can choose the one that caters to their lifestyle. Alternatively, both can be purchased and layered for extra padding and comfort. The CorkiMat is a large, rug-like playmat with a 100% certified organic cotton cover. The Padding is polyester. The mat is free of formaldehyde, flame retardants, PVC, BPA, phthalates, lead, and VOCs.
Their second mat is specifically designed for babies and is one of the best organic cotton play mats. The batting is made of 100% organic cotton fibers; the face is 100% certified organic cotton. This cotton mat is machine washable and proudly handmade in the USA!
The CorkiMat will provide more protection from hardwood floors, while the play mat is quilted cotton. Using both will offer the ultimate protection for your baby.
Lovevery Play Mat
The Lovevery Play Mat is another fantastic option for parents who want a safe, non-toxic play mat for their babies. While the Toki Mat is only a mat, The Lovevery Play Mat includes an activity gym with wood arches. The play gym consists of various stations emphasizing colors, touch and feel arches and several natural toys to aid the baby’s development. The mat is OEKO-TEX certified, and the play ball is organic cotton.
The company also provides a comprehensive booklet outlining developmentally appropriate ways to engage in play with your baby on the mat. You will get the most out of your Lovevery play mat by guiding new parents on best-practice play to optimize development!
Skip Hop Play Mat
Skip Hop is a well-known baby product brand. The Skip Hop Play Mat is free from toxic chemicals and is OEKO-TEX certified. It also features a fun, engaging design with vibrant colors and shapes. Its versatile play options promote the baby’s sensory development while providing a safe surface for crawling, playing, and tummy time.
Choosing the Right Non-Toxic Play Mat for Your Baby
With so many options available, choosing the right non-toxic play mat for your baby can be difficult. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:
- Consider the Material: Opt for non-toxic materials like organic cotton, natural rubber, or safe foam mats. If you decide on a polyester play mat, ensure it is OEKO-TEX certified as a safer alternative.
- Look for Durability: Choose a mat that is durable enough to withstand daily use and rough play. Mats made from latex foam are often the most durable and long-lasting options.
- Prioritize Easy Cleaning: A mat that is easy to clean is essential. Look for mats that are machine washable or easy to wipe down.
- Ensure the Right Size: Choose a mat that fits your space and provides enough room for your baby to move around comfortably.
Final Thoughts: A Safer Space for Your Baby to Grow and Play
A non-toxic play mat is essential in your baby’s play area. It provides a safe, cushioned surface for your little one to enjoy playtime and tummy time. It ensures your baby is not exposed to harmful chemicals or toxic substances. With the growing popularity of non-toxic mats like Toki mats, parents can have peace of mind knowing they’ve chosen a safe product for their baby.
If you’re on the journey to less-toxic living and curious about washing your newborn baby’s clothes and what detergents are safe, check out this article.
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(1) https://www.hbbf.org/blog/2017-03/phthalates-and-your-babys-brain-and-gender-development4