Babies need to 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. A cozy 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.
Yet, when searching for tummy time mats, it’s important to consider the safety of your precious baby. You don’t want your child breathing in toxic off-gassing or chewing on a chemical-filled play mat. Fortunately, there are plenty of non toxic play mats that provide all the benefits of a play mat without any drawbacks.
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.
Materials are a top concern for choosing the best baby mat for the floor. This is not only related to safety but also to your baby's development. As your baby grows, they will develop additional skills such as crawling, and walking.
Pediatric physical therapist, Dr. Amie Dougherty recommends that babies practice walking on uneven surfaces. Natural latex foam mats are ideal for this, as they are squishy, requiring babies to practice balancing. Also, keep in mind that a cotton play mat may slide more easily, slipping as your baby crawls or walks. This makes heavier, thicker play mats ideal.
Best Baby Play Mats that Are Non Toxic
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 the following chemicals:
- Formamide
- Fire-retardants
- PU
- PVC
- BPA
- BPS
- Formaldehyde
- Phthalates
- EVA
- Lead
- Harmful VOCs
1. Best Non Toxic Play Mat Overall: Piccalio Play Mat ($169)
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 play 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.
- Size - 42" x 42"
- Material - GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton + OEKO-TEX® Certified Natural Latex Foam
- Square shaped
- Cover is machine washable
- Reversible for versatility
2. Best Hand Made Baby Play Mat: Organic Cotton Play Mat (Reversible) by Makemake Organics ($99)
Image by MakeMake Organics
This adorable circular non toxic play mat has an organic cotton shell. 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.
- Size - 48" D
- Material - 100% Organic Cotton
- Round shaped
- Machine washable
- Reversible for versatility
3. Best Organic Cotton Play Mat: Organic Cotton Play Mat by Pillobebe ($299)
Image by Pillobebe
This organic cotton play mat is made exclusively of organic cotton. Soft, warm, and cozy, 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.- 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 Non Toxic Play Mat: Baby Play Mat by Pehr ($90)
Image by Pehr
Looking for something beyond a square shape? This circular organic cotton play mat is a great choice.
The thick quilted mat is perfect for placing over hardwood floors so your little one can enjoy a play gym. 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.
- Size - 40" D
- Material - 100% Organic Cotton
- Round shaped
- Machine washable
5. Best Hemp Play Mat: Hemp Organic Life ($99)
Image by Hemp Organic Life
This linen/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 quilted linen cover in a neutral color. The best part? Hemp is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, plus these mats are machine washable and dryer-friendly.- Size - 40" x 40" (multiple sizes available)
- Material - 100% Linen + Hemp Fiber
- Square shaped
- Machine washable
- Handmade in Ukraine
How to Use Your Baby Play Mat
Pediatric physical therapists highlight the importance of tummy time. Spending time on their bellies helps babies build their muscles and 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?
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. 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.
We’d love to snuggle on any of the above fabulous non toxic play mats. Which is your favorite?
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