11 Organic & Non-Toxic Play Mats For The Most Eco-Friendly Fun

Why Non-Toxic & Organic Play Mats?

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. 

Why?

Because 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.  

For the same reason parents are increasingly seeking out organic baby shampoo and organic baby skin care products, they’re now also considering some of the other problematic materials babies come into contact with.  

This leads to the important question more parents should be asking: are play mats toxic?

Like most items around the house, they certainly can be, and that’s extra dangerous for babies.

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. 

EVA foam and formamide

Ah, the burden of being a new parent… more questions! 

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 also dangerous.  

Although a safer alternative to PVC, it’s associated with toxic off-gassing of a chemical called formamide, which has been linked to reproductive issues and cancer. This has resulted in play mat-related formamide bans in a few European countries. 

While recent conflicting research sometimes suggests the safety of EVA (unless a child were to practically eat the mat), it’s also not recyclable or biodegradable—giving it a thumbs-down from us. 

PVC and dangerous 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 into the environment. It 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 potential 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. 

Additionally, in a study looking at PU foam mattresses, a significant release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was reported. Because of their smaller body weight, babies inhale 10 times as much of these dangerous compounds as adults. 

Still, polyurethane is considered to be one of the least dangerous materials often used in baby products. If you do go with a PU playmat, avoid those treated with flame retardants.

This option is fully recyclable, making it one of the less insidious plastics out there.

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).

How To Choose The Best Non-Toxic Play Mats

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—especially when compared to synthetic fabrics.

Not only are these sustainable fabrics processed with fewer chemicals, are hypoallergenic, and more breathable, but they also have a far better end-of-life story.  

From a durability and washability standpoint, however, some synthetic fabrics have a place in the playpen. 

Polyurethane 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.

Considered to be a safer alternative, 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 plasticizers that can irritate skin or cause other health problems. 

No matter the material, we always look for “free of” claims, chemical testing, and third-party reassurance. Sustainability certifications are the best way to ensure safe, non-toxic baby play mats.

• Certifications: OEKO-TEX® 100, GOTS, Fair Trade, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS); Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS)

Supply chain & business practices:

The best non-toxic baby play mat will contribute to a world worth raising our kids in. AKA one in which we actually care about the well-being of our planet and everyone on it.

That means we prioritize non-toxic play mat brands utilizing ethical manufacturing, paying fair wages, and supporting disadvantaged populations.

While a lot of these brands did not quite have the manufacturing transparency we usually like to see from our slow fashion, some did, especially those with very small supply chains.

For those that didn’t, we’ve reached out directly and will update this guide when they confirm.

Green business 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.