Aside from staging the cuuuuutest baby photos, non-toxic play mats provide a clean and safe surface for your baby to feel, discover, and develop.
Between tummy time, crawling, rolling, tumbling, and playing (not to mention licking, sucking, and biting nearly any—and everything in reach), little ones spend a lot of time on their mat, which is why they should be made using only the safest materials.
With an immature body and a still-developing system that would struggle to process and metabolize chemicals, many products—even those designed for babies—can become toxic as the baby breathes or ingests it. We’re talking EVA foam (associated with the toxic off-gassing of a chemical called formamide), PVC (that releases lead and phthalates), and toxic flame retardants, to name a few problem materials that we aim to eliminate through non-toxic living.
In addition to safe materials, our brand rating system assesses brands based on multiple sustainability-related criteria, including things like chemical usage, product care and safety and ethics in the supply chain. Brands need to opt in to be rated. Look out for rated brands below and look out for other rated play mat brands in our directory – these brands have gone the extra mile to provide a transparent view of what they offer.
We independently research all featured brands, and we ask them to confirm their claims. In many cases we personally review recommended products. This post contains affiliate links which means we may earn a commission if you buy something. We explain this further in our Terms of Use.
Our Top Picks: The Best Non-Toxic Play Mats
Toki Mats offers all the play-safe padding of foam mats without any of the harmful off-gassing chemicals thanks to their use of certified non-toxic and natural latex foam. Toki Mats has been comprehensively rated and reviewed by us – see the rating.
Lorena Canals got the thumbs up from our very own toddler. The Path Of Nature washable play mat was a hit, providing sensory experience through colors, contours, and textures. Did we mention it’s made of all-natural materials?
Makemake Organics elegant organic cotton play mats won’t just feel nice for your newborn but they’ll look nice in any room of your house.
Index: Non-Toxic Baby Play Mats
- Toki Mats Jump to brand
- Pillobebe Jump to brand
- Finch & Folk Jump to brand
- Lorena Canals Jump to brand
- Wander & Roam Jump to brand
- Makemake Organics Jump to brand
- Pehr Jump to brand
- Why Buy a Non-Toxic & Organic Play Mat? Jump to brand
- Choosing a Non-Toxic Play Mat Jump to brand
Toki Mats
Ethical Sourcing
Raw materials have been sourced ethically with people and planet in mind.
Non-toxic
All products are made with ingredients or materials that are currently considered non-toxic
Organic
Products are made from organic materials.
Vegan
This brand does not use any animal products or by-products in their products
Woman Owned
This brand is owned by a woman or a group of women.
BCSI
GOLS
GOTS
OEKO-TEX®
REACH
SMETA
TUV
WRAP
BCSI
The amfori BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative) is a leading supply chain management system that helps companies improve social performance in global manufacturing. It provides a common Code of Conduct and regular third-party audits to ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, ethical labor practices, and respect for workers’ rights across all tiers of the supply chain.GOLS
The GOLS (Global Organic Latex Standard) certification ensures that latex products contain more than 95% certified organic raw material and meet strict environmental and social criteria throughout production. Managed by Control Union, GOLS verifies that latex is sourced from organically managed plantations without harmful chemicals and that processing facilities uphold fair labor practices and sustainable manufacturing standards.GOTS
The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification is the world’s leading standard for organic fibers. It covers every step of production, from harvesting raw fibers to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing, and prohibits toxic dyes, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. GOTS also enforces fair labor practices.OEKO-TEX®
The OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certification ensures that every component of a textile product (threads, buttons, zippers, and fabrics) has been independently tested for harmful substances. Managed by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology, it guarantees products are safe for human health, meeting strict global limits for chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, formaldehyde, and PFAS.REACH
The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU law designed to protect human health and the environment from risks posed by chemicals. It requires companies to identify and manage chemical risks by registering substances they manufacture or import, ensuring safe use, and promoting the development of safer alternatives. Products compliant with REACH are free from the most harmful or restricted chemicals under EU standards.SMETA
The SEDEX (Supplier Ethical Data Exchange) certification and platform help businesses manage and improve ethical performance across their supply chains. Companies that participate in SEDEX use the SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) framework to assess and report on labor rights, health and safety, environmental practices, and business ethics.TUV
The TÜV certification is issued by independent TÜV organizations such as TÜV SÜD, TÜV Rheinland, or TÜV Nord. It verifies that products, systems, or manufacturing processes meet strict safety, quality, and environmental standards in line with national and international regulations. TÜV marks are widely recognized as symbols of tested safety, reliability, and compliance across industries ranging from electronics and textiles to sustainability and management systems.WRAP
The WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certification ensures that manufacturing facilities operate safely, ethically, and lawfully. Focused primarily on the apparel, footwear, and sewn products industries, WRAP audits factories against 12 core principles covering labor rights, health and safety, environmental compliance, and legal operations.Toki Mats has been rated by Sustainable Jungle. Find the full rating here.
The play mats by Toki Mats are designed with a firm (yet comfortable) OEKO-TEX-certified natural Dunlop latex foam or GOLS-certified organic latex filling to cushion little ones learning to get on their feet.
The flame retardant-free filling is anti-bacterial, self-ventilating, non-allergenic (except for latex allergies), and biodegradable.
They can easily be folded for traveling, and have several removable cover options, either made of 100% organic cotton, OEKO-TEX-certified water resistant bamboo, or vegan leather.
The vegan leather is OEKO-TEX-certified, water-based microfiber polyurethane (PU) that is weather-resistant and easy to wipe clean (but not machine washable).
Watch or read our reviews of Toki Mats below.
Our Personal Review of Toki’s Bean Bag and Play Mat:
“We own Toki’s bean bag and cotton play mat. My daughter absolutely loves the floral print and was so pleasantly surprised at how comfy the mat was to lounge on while doing puzzles, reading, playing dolls, colouring – the works! The bean bag is lightweight, and comfy. My husband and I take care to ensure our kiddos sleep on the safest materials, and now her play place is no different. The washable (and changeable) covers make for an easy bedroom update, and with the cotton lining, I don’t fear 1 trillion little beads spilling onto the floor. Clearly quality products, so I expect them to live with us for years – and as my nephews and nieces are born and grow up, I think they’ll make the perfect pass-me-downs or gifts.”
Review by Shelby Loeppky (and her daughter), SJ Writer & Product Tester
Pillobebe
Pillobebe has not been rated.
Price Range: $179
Pillobebe offer an Organic Cotton Play Mat range that has a 100% organic cotton designer print cover and 100% organic cotton inner batting.
Their other mat, the CorkiMat® mat is OEKO-TEX-certified and features a removable organic cotton cover (some of which is non-dyed) with an anti-slip bottom. The insert tiles are made with hypoallergenic layers of compressed polyester (which can be replaced with separately sourced natural rubber or wool if you want to avoid the polyester).
Pillobebe got their start when they needed a play mat for their son—but then learned about the cancer-causing formamide found in foam mats.
So they invented an eco-friendly alternative, along with a blanket and several burping cloths.
Everything is handmade in the USA and tested by independent labs to confirm they’re free of formamide, formaldehyde, flame retardants, PU, PVC, BPA, BPS, phthalates, lead, latex, and VOCs.
Finch & Folk
Finch & Folk has not been rated.
Price Range: $60–$120
For the cutest organic baby play mats in gender-neutral and brain-stimulating designs, flit on over to Finch & Folk.
Their play mats feature a GOTS-certified organic cotton top combined with an OEKO-TEX-certified polyester inner layer (which can be swapped out for pure wool for some of the designs – something we would recommend to avoid the polyester).
For budding artists, some feature a reusable coloring cloth that can be decorated and doodled on, washed, re-colored, and hung on the wall.
Lorena Canals
Lorena Canals has not been rated.
Price Range: $95–$395
Lorena Canals makes rugs for people and homes of all sizes, their collection of non-toxic nursery rugs is especially impressive.
Choose between stuffed natural play mats and an adorable collection of interactive play rugs, like the washable Veggie Garden Rug where kiddos can “tend” their own garden—it’s never too early to cultivate a love for growing things, after all!
All mats are made using recycled cotton, cotton, and wool, all of which are colored with GOTS and OEKO-TEX certified safe dyes.
Our Personal Review Of A Lorena Canals Play Mat
“The Path Of Nature with its peaks and valleys and range of textures is quite the exciting play rug. Our boy loves to explore the paths, trekking a variety of animals and cars and other toys through the landscape with his imagination. It’s enabled many hours of engagement (and some relief for mom).”
Review by Joy McConnochie, SJ Co-founder
Wander & Roam
Wander & Roam has not been rated.
Price Range: $99—$189
wander & roam make a hypoallergenic, nonflammable, easy-to-clean, comfy play mat for babies and beyond.
The reversible foam mat features a single piece of biodegradable thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foam that’s been tested as exceeding all US and European toy standards.
Being free of latex, BPA, formamide, and PVC, TPU “does not harm the environment in production, use or disposal”. It’s often used in medical devices as a non-toxic alternative to PVC and EVA.
Their vegan leather line features a vegan leather top and flocked suede bottom, but they haven’t confirmed what this vegan leather is made from.
Makemake Organics
Makemake Organics has not been rated.
Price Range: $99
Makemake Organics’ washable organic cotton play mats are available in three quilted, round, reversible styles.
They’re perfect for both tummy time and playtime, featuring a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover dyed with non-toxic dyes and polyfill filling that bears an OEKO-TEX certification.
The high-quality materials ensure long-lasting play and many hand-me-downs to any younger siblings to come.
If it can’t be handed down, the cover (not the filling) is compostable.
Pehr
Pehr has not been rated.
Price Range: $128
Pehr’s non-toxic baby playmats are made with 100% cozy quilted cotton, screen printed by hand into several designs using natural, AZO-free dyes.
They’re also washer and dryer friendly.
This woman-founded company prioritizes working with women.
They partner with groups like Care & Fair, Good Weave, and Good+ Foundation to support low-income parents or provide opportunities for women in developing nations.
Why Buy a Non-Toxic & Organic Play Mat?
Got a little one who’s scooting around or a babe in need of a soft landing for tummy time?
Looking for the best eco-friendly play mat is time well spent.
Babies spend a lot of their own time on the ground, of course. As curious tiny humans, they also love to lick, suck, and bite nearly any—and every—thing in reach.
With an immature body and a still-developing system that would struggle to process and metabolize chemicals, many products—even those designed for babies—can become toxic as the baby breathes or ingests it.
So, are play mats toxic and why?
EVA Foam & Formamide
Are foam mats safe for babies? Are EVA foam mats toxic?
EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate, is commonly found in foam-based products. Think: sporting equipment, costumes, craft materials, and, yes, play mats.
But it’s associated with toxic off-gassing of a chemical called formaldahide, which has been linked to reproductive issues and cancer. This has resulted in play mat-related formaldahide bans in some European countries.
While recent conflicting research sometimes suggests the safety of EVA, it’s also not recyclable or biodegradable—giving it a thumbs-down from us.
PVC & Phthalates
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is found in play mats, balls, dolls, inflatable swimming pools, and more.
Unfortunately, as flexible and useful as this type of plastic is, it is the worst kind.
Releasing lead and phthalates, PVC has been linked to cancer, premature puberty, reproductive and developmental disorders, and more.
It’s also responsible for releasing cancer-causing dioxins and emits 160 toxic gasses when disposed of.
Flame Retardants
Flame retardants are often from a class called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which have been linked to negative health effects for children, including early puberty and delayed development.
Polyurethane and VOCs
The jury’s still out about polyurethane (PU) play mats. Although considered to be non-toxic, the material is flammable, meaning it may be treated with those pesky flame retardants.
In a study looking at PU foam mattresses, a significant release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was reported.
Still, polyurethane is fully recyclable and considered to be one of the least dangerous materials in baby products. Just avoid those treated with flame retardants.
XPE Foam
XPE foam is often marketed as “non-toxic” material, but it’s thin and lacks the softness found in TPU.
It’s also made of cross-linked polyethylene (PE) foam, which presents a similar risk as PE itself (i.e. offgassing, leaching plastic additives).
Choosing a Non-Toxic Play Mat
Whew, that’s a lot of chemical exposure to expect when you’re expecting!
Fortunately, playtime isn’t canceled.
In order to make the best organic play mat for babies, these brands have looked high and low for earth friendly materials and processed them in a way that’s better for people and our planet.
Materials:
What is the best material for a baby play mat?
The answer is (always) natural materials like organic cotton, hemp fabric, linen, or natural latex—which are processed with fewer chemicals, hypoallergenic, more breathable, but have a far better end-of-life bedtime story.
Among synthetic fabrics still used in the playpen, polyurethane foam is strong, long-lasting, and good at absorbing shocks for little ones learning to walk. However, it does present some risks if treated with harmful chemicals.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) is also strong and durable, but unlike PU it does not off-gas VOCs, nor does it contain BPA, BPS, BPF, or harmful plasticizers.
No matter the material, we always look for “free of” claims, chemical testing, and sustainability certifications to ensure safe, non-toxic baby play mats.
- Certifications: OEKO-TEX, Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)
Supply chain & business practices:
The best non-toxic baby play mat brands will contribute to a world worth raising our kids in.
We prioritize brands utilizing ethical manufacturing, paying fair wages, and supporting disadvantaged populations.
Carbon commitments & green practices:
We were extra goo-goo-ga-ga over non-toxic and organic play mats from brands that also took extra steps to look after the environment.
This included using carbon-neutral shipping via carbon offset programs, plastic-free packaging (anyone else trying to raise a zero waste baby?!), and goals to keep improving their manufacturing practices.
Final Thoughts On Organic & Non-Toxic Play Mats
Nothing puts a pause on playtime like toxic materials.
Fortunately, as this list shows, the fun doesn’t have to end.
You can’t totally baby-proof your home, and make it safer (and supportive) by choosing consciously-made products like eco-friendly diapers, sustainable baby clothes and, of course, organic kids’ play mats.
But in all our baby fever, it’s important we don’t forget that toxins exist in many other conventional products—and if we keep talking about this issue, manufacturers will have no choice but to adapt and evolve.
Let’s keep the rolly polly momentum by sharing this article with some new or expectant moms and dads.
Joy has been a passionate advocate for the environment since she was a small child. She grew up in South Africa and has been lucky enough to be exposed to the wonders of nature not just in Africa but all over the world. She founded Sustainable Jungle (together with her husband Lyall) back in 2017 after becoming enraged by the devastating impact of palm oil. She then founded the Sustainable Jungle Podcast and together with Lyall interviewed remarkable people from all over the world who were finding ways to create positive impact. Outside of Sustainable Jungle, Joy has always worked in the corporate world, starting out as an auditor and later moving into management consulting. More recently she specialized in Climate Investing for the Asia Pacific region. Given her experience, her current passion is Brand Ratings. She is very much enjoying going deeper on what it really means to drive sustainability performance and true impact through business operations.
Hi! realize this is an old article but trying anyway but was the ofie mat by little bit baby also considered in this list? Trying to decide between that and the Wander & roam playmat. Thank you!
Sorry for the late reply Casey, I imagine you’ve made your decision already but no we didn’t look at the Ofie mat – we’ll take a look on the next update.
What are your thoughts on the mats by rugabub an Australian business that claim to be ecofriendly and nontoxic?
Hi Phoebe, I think I vaguely remember looking at these when I was looking for my bub (since we are personally in Australia too) but didn’t do a thorough deep dive. Just looking at the site now and if toxicity is what you’re most concerned about, I’d say they look good as they use TPU which is considered a safer material. I can’t see much on their sustainability policies (the ethics of their supply chain and so on) so not sure about that aspect.
What are your thoughts on Gathre mats?
Hi Tori, we’re about to update this article and took a look at the Gathre mats, they’re gorgeous but we didn’t quite make the top mats for this list because of the bonded leather material – we couldn’t easily find much about how this leather is sourced (we take a sustainability/ethics lens as well as a toxicity lens when we search for brands so this is important for us). Also leather is typically treated/tanned with a ton of chemicals so we couldn’t see any information on the tanning or treatment process. That’s not to say they don’t source ethically and treat their leather with a non-toxic tanning process, we just couldn’t find that information easily. So it might be worth reaching out to them for more information if you really love their mats. Hope that helps!
The lovevery mat is not organic cotton….
Hi Ashley, thank you for letting us know about this. I’m disappointed to see that you’re right and I have updated the post to make that clear. We will look for a replacement for Lovevery unless we receive further detail from them (we had reached out but yet to receive a reply). Thanks again!
I cannot wrap my head around how many of the mats recommended are filled with polyester fibres. Polyester fibres shed regularly are are some of the most pervasive, having been found everywhere and in everything from the depths of the ocean to human placenta and blood, and researchers increasingly concerned about impacts on human health. Certified or otherwise their properties remain the same, polyester sheds, attracts and transports other chemicals, and for something that a child spends so much time on their tummy on (inhaling microfiber particles) I cannot fathom why anything containing polyester is on the list?
Hi Laura, thank you for taking the time to comment. Fully agree polyester is less than ideal. We do struggle to find perfect products though and chose these 3 brands (at the time of the comment) for their organic/non toxic covers. Please do let us know if you find any incredible brands on your travels as we’re often updating these lists as we find more options with better sustainability credentials.