Non-Toxic Playmats For Children ... And Which to Avoid
*UPDATED 2/2023
When it comes playmates there are three categories:
THE BEST: these are playmats I recommend and have no concerns on
OK - BUT PROCEED WITH CAUTION: If you cannot buy one of the options in the ‘best’ list these would be your second option.
AVOID: These are playmats made with materials that are well documented to be harmful.
THE BEST LIST:
These are the ideal playmats to choose
They are made from completely natural and completely non-toxic materials, including: GOTS organic cotton, natural latex or materials that- while might not be ideal for environmental purposes- are unlikely to expose your child to harmful chemicals , like a polyester or conventional cotton
Look for: GOTS certified organic certification, OEKO TEX certified
These are some I like (in no particular order):
outer: 100% organic cotton sweatshirt knit
filling: organic cotton wadding
size lying flat: 39” x 39”
TOKI MAT PLAYMAT WITH ORGANIC INSERT
MADE IN USA
GOLS certified organic latex insert: Free of toxins, PVC, phthalates and lead
Modular designed allows you to remove the cover and switch with interchangeable designs
Standard dimensions: 40″ x 40″ x 1″
Mega dimensions: 55″ x 55″ x 1″
Made of 55% linen, 45% cotton
Fill: polyester
Dimensions: Approx. 35″ x 39″
Made of 100% cotton
Screen printed by hand using AZO-Free dyes
Reversible
Machine washable and dryer safe
Dimensions: 40″ Diameter
Wee Gallery EXPLORE ORGANIC PLAYMAT
made of certified organic voile and poly-fill
GOTS certified and Oeko Tex certified
Dimensions: 40″ x 40″ (also comes in round model)
Made of Cotton Non-Toxic Dyes + Inks,
Dimensions: 36″ x 36″
LIEWOOD Glenn Organic Cotton Playmat Pink / Green
100% Organic cotton grown without pesticides, Lining:, 100% Polyester
47” x 47”
OEKO-TEX® certified
Made of eucalyptus, organic cotton, an organic cotton/polyester blend, & zinc (Cover); PETE (Core).
Oeko Tex Certified
PETE is BPA-free plastic made from recycled water bottles. This eco-friendly, nontoxic fill is great for cushioned softness. The honeycomb-like weave of the PETE is ideal for airflow (perfect for tummy time) and is extremely durable.
The Pebble cover uses a small blend of OEKO-TEX certified, recycled, nontoxic polyester to make the play mat safe and durable for use indoors and out.
Size: 40” diameter
Cream Haus Folding Play Mat ( pls note this company seems to have gone out of business and I have heard reports that people have purchased mats online and have not received mats not money back: please avoid)
Made from Oeko-Tex certified food-grade, low-density polyethylene foam ( one of the safest plastics: they use ten thin layers of PE foam sheets that are laminated together using a chemical-free adhesive method)
polyurethane leather outer cover.
3 sizes: 39.5” x 71”, 51” x “79, and 51” x 102”
Fabric is 100% GOTS certified Organic , the inserts are made of 100% hypoallergenic polyester
OEKO-TEX Standard 100, Certified Class 1
EVE ECO BABY (use code ‘AIDA’ for 15% off_
Made of all natural rubber base with a luxe vegan suede surface
Printed with water based ink
Biodegradable and eco friendly
*not Oeko Tex nor GOLS certified but materials are much better than most alternative material mats
Organic white round boho style playmat
Cover is 100% Organic Cotton/ Fringe is 100% Organic Cotton/ Padding and inner tube are stuffed with all new materials 100% Polyester Fiber Fill - Oeko Tex Certified.
Round mat measures 44" outside edge to edge and 36” inside measurement. - suitable for age newborn up to 36 months
100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton French Chambray Shell
Made With Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Dyes & No Harmful Pesticides Or Chemicals
oeko tex certified poly fill
Quilted activity mat with arches made in durable organic cotton satin. The detachable arches are attach to the blanket with velcro and are designed with loops to hang activity toys made for interactive play
Outer material: 100% Cotton
Filling: 100% Polyester
OEKO-TEX-certified
THE OK - BUT PROCEED WITH CAUTION AND ASK QUESTIONS LIST
These offer more padded options and often much larger sizes but the material used is EVA foam.
ALL EVA foam playmats contain formamide… some more than others
many contain PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons),
Formamide is a reproductive toxin (affects fertility / sexual function in males and females) .
Experts have different opinions on how toxic the amount of formamide found in EVA foam mats could or could not be to kids. France and Belgium went as far as banning EVA foam mats and now allow them, but with regulated limits. The US does not have limits. Out of caution for children I would avoid these mats unless the company provides proof that their mats don’t contain formamide or contain very low levels.
The playmats I included here I have confirmed contain very very low levels of formamide- much lower than legally allowed levels in Europe where the strictest laws exist.
I also included non EVA foam mats in this category that are good alternatives- but because they won’t biodegrade I did not include under Best.
EVA mat
Basic set contains 6 tiles (2’x2’ each)
Free of BPA, PVC, plasticizer, and heavy metals
Seats 2 kids and 2 adults
Bonded leather mats are backed with flocked suede
Contains 28% genuine leather
Foam is free of PVC, phthalates, and lead
Diameter: 54"
EVA foam mats meet European standards, meet and exceed requirements limiting heavy metals, lead, formamide and phthalates in children's products.
Size: options starting at 4 feet x 6 feet and up to 10 feet x 12 feet
BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS ON- up to 25%
non-toxic EVA foam that exceeds European (and US) requirements
sets start with 6 tiles that make up 4x6ft
THE NOT GREAT LIST -
These are playmats I suggest you avoid
They are made with PVC (vinyl), PU foam, or EVA foam that does not explicitly mention formamide content.