Are you looking for play mats to add to your little one’s playroom or play area? Here are the 8 best play mats that are safe and super cute for babies and kids!
Babies, Toddlers, and just kids, in general, spend a lot of time on the floor. Whether they are learning to crawl or building a massive block tower. Kids tend to spend a significant amount of time on the floor. This is why playmats are super popular, and I completely understand why. Aside from being comfortable, playmats help protect our feet from some of the messier activities.
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I wanted my little one to be comfortable when playing. So adding a play mat was one of the first things I did when creating a play area for my daughter.
Depending on what you’re looking for, I wanted to include categories for the playmats mentioned. I know for me, I wanted something affordable and easy to clean! As a former preschool teacher, I know how messy play can get with toddlers, So these were the selling points for me when I shopped around for playmats.
MY TOP PICKS | BEST PLAYS MATS
- Best Overall: Baby Care Playmat
- Affordable: Yay PlayMat
- Best Rating: Gathre
- Durable: Baby Bello Organic PlayMat
- Easy To Clean: Gathre
What Chemicals You Should Avoid When Buying Play Mats.
I think it’s important to understand what chemicals to look out for when purchasing a non-toxic play mat for your little one! I have a little one who has sensitive skin and is allergic to latex. Before making a purchase, I always ask the brand for a list of the materials used to make the product. This helps me understand which play mat best fits us and our home.
Here are some of the significant chemicals you should avoid when purchasing a playmat!
1. Flame Retardants
Unfortunately, many ordinary household items, including play mats and toys, are treated with flame retardant. Knowing that a lot of what we use daily is sometimes treated with flame retardants is alarming. When choosing a non-toxic play mat, try to ensure it has not been treated with flame retardants.
Flame retardants are ingested ten more in children than adults, mainly from hand-to-mouth contact. It’s no secret that children touch everything, and smaller toddlers tend to put many things in their mouths, so whenever possible, avoid flame retardants. Research has shown that exposure to flame retardants is linked to various health problems and sometimes behavioral challenges.
2. Latex ( Natural Rubber )
Not considered a toxic material. However, latex allergies are more common than we may think. So if your little one is allergic to latex, get a playmat that doesn’t contain latex. Latex can be found in things such as gloves, buttons on remote controls, rubber ducks, soles of our shoes, and so much more!
3. Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde exposure isn’t as common anymore, but it is still something to look out for when purchasing anything for your little ones. Most items containing formaldehyde are wood products, glues, paints, lacquer, and finishes. When possible, shop for formaldehyde-free products that do not contain any toxic glues.
4. BPA & Phthalates
Luckily products containing BPAs“s and Phthalates are less common these days. Most companies will mention they are BPA-Free or that their product contains no phthalates. It’s still worthwhile to double-check with the brand you are purchasing from to be sure. Exposure to BPA and phthalates does pose a risk to children’s endocrine system.
5. Triclosan
Unfortunately, we are exposed to triclosan more often than not. Triclosan is found in toothpaste, hand soaps, cutting boards, school supplies, play toys, and more. Studies have shown that it gets into our airways and affects most wildlife. This chemical is categorized as a pesticide and does pose a health risk to all of us.
When shopping for kids and babies, I would double-check that the products don’t contain this chemical.
8 Non-Toxic Play Mats For Babies & Kids
1. Yay PlayMats
Okay, so the yay playmats are a personal favorite of mine. I have a few patterns for my daughter, and we love them. My daughter has super sensitive skin and a latex allergy, so I was excited that this brand offers a line of non-toxic play mats for kids!
The Details | Toxins Avoided
- Free of Lead, phthalates, and BPA-free
- Family-owned and operated
- Orderless & Non-Toxic
- BPA Free
2. Gathre
I know square play mats and rugs are more popular, but circle play mats are a thing. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them. They add something special to any play space.
The Details | What Toxins Are Avoided:
- Free of PVCs, Lead, Phthalates, & CPSIA Compliant
- Ethically & Responsibly Made
- Folds for easy storage and transportation
- Wipeable & Waterproof
- CPSIA Compliant
3. Childlike Behavior
If you love rainbows, then this is the playmat for you! I enjoy pastels and neutral colors in a child’s play area. This playmat is beautiful and will brighten up a play area!
The Details | What Toxins Are Avoided:
- Chic Design
- Waterproof & Easy to Clean
- Cushy Foam
- Free of Phthalates and BPA free
- BPA
- Hypoallergenic
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4. Littlefolk Stylish Foam Mat
The little folk stylish play mat is oh-so-cute. Im a huge fan of neutral colors for any play space, so this play mat is perfect! Not to mention how comfortable and easy it is to clean up spills.
The Details | What Toxins Are Avoided:
- Free from heavy metals, Lead, BPA, and PVCs
- Swedish Design
- Easy To Store
- Waterproof & Easy To Clean
5. Baby Care Play Mat
I’m all for playmats that a reversible and multipurpose! The baby care play mat is just that! You can reverse the playmat to change up the play area vibe. But what I love the most is the ability to use the mat for play, Grab some cars or trains, and create a new world.
The Details | What Toxins Are Avoided:
- Large & One Piece
- Free from lead, latex, formaldehyde, & EVA tested
- Waterproof & reversible
- waterproof & easy to clean
6. Berry Lane Baby PlayMat
This playmat is very boho chic. I love it! It is also reversible, which is becoming a favorite for me. Im really into the reversible play mats. It’s almost like getting two play mats for the price of 1. Now that’s a deal.
The Details | What Toxins Are Avoided
- Free of BPA, Latex, Lead, & PVC
- Hypoallergenic
- Waterproof
- Non-Toxic
- Super Soft
- 1 Single Piece
7. Childlike Behavior PlayMat
How adorable are the bright-colored oranges on this playmat? I love how airy and bright this playmat is. It will brighten up any playroom! It is extra-large, making it perfect for babies and toddlers.
The Details | What Toxins Are Avoided:
- Cushy Foam & Comfortable
- Easy To Clean
- Easy Assembly
- Free of lead, PVC,
8. Baby Bello Organic PlayMat
Sometimes less is more, and this playmat is all about comfort and durability. I love the clean and chic design, making it suitable for any playroom or play area!
The Details | Chemicals Avoided
- 100% Organic Cotton Cover
- Made In USA
- Made of eco-friendly material & Organic
- 55” squares, 1.25” Thick
- Easy to clean & maintain
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8 Best Play Mats That Are Comfortable For Babies
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