When you buy a non-toxic play mat, you provide your baby with a soft, safe space for tummy time, play time, and more. When my oldest was practicing sitting up, he would often jerk backward, bumping him up. I tried pillows and quilts, but they didn't work out very well. I didn't want to use a foam mat filled with toxic chemicals that would impact our indoor air quality. When I found organic baby floor mat options, I was so grateful that I could keep him and all of us safe.
The Best Non Toxic Play Mats
Babies spend lots of time on the floor to get their tummy time and also to practice sitting or crawling. Toddlers and older children also love playing on the floor (hello, blocks and cars!). A cozy kids play mat can make all this floor time more comfortable and safe. With a non toxic play mat, you can soften bumps on the head and keep your little one warm and comfortable while playing.
Below, find the top 5 eco friendly, non toxic, organic play mats your baby is sure to love. Note that all the options are non-toxic, organic, and free of harmful chemicals.
1. Best Non Toxic Play Mat Overall: Piccalio Play Mat ($189)
We may be biased, but Piccalio offers the best play mat on the market!
Our organic baby mat for the floor features a spongy latex foam center made of rubber tree sap. The foam gives this non toxic play mat a soft cushion without any unwanted chemicals. Rest assured it's good for your baby and good for the planet. The foam is OEKO-TEX® certified and the cotton liner is GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Plus, the mat is firm enough for playing with blocks or other toys. You can even use it as a safety mat for your Pikler Triangle Set. Measuring 42 inches squared, your little one will have plenty of space to play.
As if that wasn’t enough, this organic mat comes with a soft, machine-washable organic cotton cover. Choose from the adorable two-sided designs. A waterproof cover is also included, so it's easy to clean no matter what comes your way.
Invite your little one to tummy time, crawling, and active play on a non toxic play mat you can trust.
Features:
- Size - 42" x 42"
- Material - GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton + OEKO-TEX® Certified, and Natural Latex Foam
- Square shaped
- Cover is machine washable
- Reversible for versatility
Right now, our play mats are $40 off with promo code: PLAYMAT40
2. Best Hand Made Baby Play Mat: Makemake Organics Organic Cotton Play Mat ($99)
This adorable circular non toxic play mat has an organic cotton shell. The quilted style creates a soft, fluffy, cozy surface. Measuring 48 inches in diameter, this mat is easy to machine wash and dry to keep clean for your little one.
While there are fewer designs to choose from than other brands, the ones they do offer are sweet. It even includes an adorable drawstring bag for storage.
Features:
- Size - 48" D
- Material - 100% GOTS-certified Organic Cotton
- Round shaped
- Machine washable
- Reversible for versatility
3. Best Organic Cotton Kids Play Mat: Pillobebe Organic Cotton Play Mat ($299)
This organic cotton play mat features an organic cotton cover with polyester padding. Pillobebe’s 70 inch by 47 inch baby mat for the floor is also completely non toxic. The removable cover comes in a range of patterns and you can opt for a single or double layer of cotton padding. That way, you can adjust based on whether you have carpeted or hardwood floors.
A versatile mat, enjoy it with your newborn and later for yoga.
Features:
- Size - 70" x 47"(multiple sizes available)
- Material - 100% Organic Cotton with Polyester Padding
- Rectangle-shaped
- Machine washable
- Handmade in the USA
4. Best Circle Play Mat for Babies: Baby Play Mat by Pehr ($90)
Looking for something beyond a square shape? This circular organic cotton play mat is a great choice.
The thick quilted mat creates the ideal soft landing for your little one. Plus, you can wash the whole 40 inch mat to keep it clean and fresh. All that’s left is to choose one of the sweet, whimsical designs.
Features:
- Size - 40" D
- Material - 100% Organic Cotton, Polyester Fiberfill
- Round shaped
- Machine washable
5. Best Hemp Play Mat: Hemp Organic Life Crawling Mat ($99)
This linen and hemp play mat measures 40 by 40 inches and comes in a wide range of sizes. While the mat is quite simple, we absolutely love the neutral toned linen cover. The best part? Hemp is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial. Plus, these mats are machine washable and dryer-friendly.
Features:
- Size - 40" x 40" (multiple sizes available)
- Material - 100% Linen + Hemp Fiber
- Square shaped
- Machine washable
- Handmade in Ukraine
What Is a Non Toxic Play Mat?
Non toxic play mats are different than popular foam mats made of plastic materials. Typical play mats are usually made of made of EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Studies show these materials contain chemicals like formamide to help make the plastic softer. These chemicals seep out into the air as VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds.
Formamide may have negative impacts on your child’s reproductive health and may also cause cancer. Phthalates are also commonly found in play mats. This substance can interfere with hormones in children.
Non toxic play mats don’t contain harmful materials and substances. A few to keep an eye out for include formamide, fire-retardants, PU, PVC, BPA, BPS, formaldehyde, phthalates, EVA, lead, and other harmful VOCs.
We make our non toxic play mat using natural latex that comes from rubber trees. Plus, it has a cover made of organic cotton. Other manufacturers make non toxic play mats using cotton batting or other natural fabrics such as hemp or linen.
What Kind of Play Mat is Best for Babies?
Ensure the play mat you choose is safe. From polyurethane foams to natural latex, and organic cotton, how can you choose the best tummy time mat materials? When possible, choose natural, non toxic materials to keep your indoor air quality high. You can ensure the product is safe by checking for certifications such as ASTM F963, California Prop 65, and TUV.
How to Use Your Baby Play Mat
Pediatric physical therapists highlight the importance of tummy time. Spending time on their bellies helps babies build muscles in their arms and abdomen. Building these muscles is essential as babies work toward milestones such as sitting and crawling.
Tummy time is simple and straightforward. All it involves is placing your baby on their tummy and engaging them in play. You can put your baby on your non toxic play mat and look at a book, play with toys, or sing to them. Check out the advice of a pediatric physical therapist if you're looking for tummy time activities or tips for making tummy time more comfortable for your baby.
What Age Should a Baby Use a Playmat?
You can use a play mat with your baby from birth. This will help your baby grow accustomed to tummy time. Before you know it, your baby will be pushing up on their arms and ready to start crawling.
That said, baby play mats are useful well into toddlerhood and beyond! Children enjoy playing on the floor and a baby play mat provides a comfortable space to read, play with blocks, and more. You can also use a play mat as a soft landing underneath your Pikler Triangle or other climber toy. Adults can even enjoy a yoga session on this cushiony mat.
We’d love to snuggle on any of the above fabulous non toxic play mats. Which is your favorite?
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