It is important to find your little one a safe surface to play on as spending time on the floor to explore the world is imperative for various stages of growth. A play mat makes playtime safe and fun, and offers your baby many benefits in terms of visual, cognitive, and overall physical development. Since the play mat comes in direct contact with your baby on a daily basis, you want to be sure to find a truly non-toxic mat free of allergic and toxic material.
Unfortunately, most traditional play mats in the market contain harmful chemicals like PVC, BPA, formamide, and phthalates, so when it comes to choosing which play mat to buy for your baby, some research needs to be done to ensure product safety. To help you find the right play mats that are absolutely safe and truly non-toxic, here are three choices we would highly recommend for your peace of mind. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between what’s safe and what looks good in your home, as these baby play mats marry beautiful design with the fun of playtime. Read on to learn more about each one and see testimonials from our Editorial Team.
Alzip Play Mat
Alzip is the most popular and trust-worthy play mat manufactured in Korea, and the first play mat to win three different safety certificates in its category. Alzip play mats are made without harmful substances from the very beginning. The leather outer cover (made out of PU leather to prevent baby scratches and chewing) can be opened up to see the inner foam inside (9 uniquely shaped layers assembled to secure chemical free production). The play mats are durable, water-resistant, and multi-functional, offering an adjustable secured space for baby to play, crawl, stand, and grow.
From our Editors: We are amazed by the quality, thickness, and flexibility of the Alzip play mat from Wunderkids. We love how they are great for tummy time when your baby is little, and only gets better once they start sitting, crawling, and even walking (we tested the product with 3 babies aged 6 months, 10 months, and over a year old). This is definitely the most durable play mat that truly grows with your baby and offers the most protection and space for daily activities.
The material is not only safe (lab reports are available upon request), but also easy to clean; comfortably soft yet firm, and thick enough to protect baby from falls. The weight of the play mat allows it to be portable from room to room, yet also heavy enough to stay firmly in place even when multiple babies try to grab, drag, or run and play actively on the surface. The Guard Castle and removable divider are our favourite details that provide extra protection and allow parents to get creative and make smart use of the space.
Where to buy: Alzip play mats and Guard Castles can be ordered from Wunderkids’ website, as well as on Amazon.
Toki Mats
Toki Mats creates beautifully designed, padded children’s play mats, using non-toxic materials. Founded in 2017 by a mom looking for a safe and modern play mat for her own kids, Eli worked through nap times and late nights to source the best materials and designs to create the solution she was looking for. Toki Mats are manufactured in San Francisco, CA, and are the only all-natural latex foam play mat on the market.
From our Editors: We would recommend Toki Mats to any mama looking for a beautifully made, fashionable play mat with organic quality that is easy to store and carry around. The play mat can be easily moved from room to room, and folded in half for storage, this means you can even pack it up for family trips and gatherings.
The material is super soft and comfortable (it’s not designed for sleeping but we could totally take a nap on it), yet thick enough for daily activities, which makes it perfectly safe for tummy time and for your baby to learn how to roll over and crawl. This play mat is truly beautiful from the inside out, not only is the mat design itself stylish and great for Instagram-worthy baby photos, the packaging is also chic and gift-ready. Toki Mats are proof that moms are powerhouses of invention and creative problem-solving, bringing joyful memories in a beautiful and functional way!
Where to buy: Toki Mats can be ordered from their website and Etsy store.
Finch & Folk
Finch & Folk was launched in 2010 by founder Rachel Mckenzie, mother to two young beautiful boys, Rachel wanted to create a unique and colourful brand for children that is ethically produced and was originally all locally handmade. Finch & Folk play mats are made in Australia with GOTS-certified organic cotton outer fabrics filled with OEKO-TEX certified polyester, featuring neutral-gender inspiring designs.
From our Editors: It was love at first sight with the design and beautiful craftsmanship. Finch & Folk play mats feature soft color scheme and creative illustrations (such as world map, I-spy) to motivate children’s learning.
The mat is machine-washable, easy to move around, and large enough to offer space for both the parents and the baby. The quilting makes the mat reversible (double-sided) for a different look in the nursery.
Where to buy: Finch & Folk play mats can be ordered from their website and Etsy store.
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