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Many of you asked me for a play mat recommendation: there are many play mats out there but just a few meet my criteria.
❌ Polyurethane Foam: this is the most common foam found in beds. These cheap, unhealthy foams are highly toxic, synthetic, polluting, and petroleum by-products, meaning they are derived from fossil fuels. Polyurethane is made from petroleum chemicals that can emit VOCs—harmful chemicals that can cause respiratory irritation or other health problems. Polyurethane is often mixed with other harmful compounds such as formaldehyde, boric acid, polyvinyl chloride, and other petrochemicals.
❌ Memory Foam: Memory foam (or viscoelastic foam) is another type of polyurethane foam with chemicals added to give it unique conforming properties. Both Memory foam and Flexible polyurethane foam are polyurethane foams. These cheap, unhealthy foams are petroleum products, meaning they are derived from fossil fuels.
❌ Polyester: another synthetic and petroleum product derived from fossil fuels. this foam is toxic and polluting.
❌ PFAS: synthetic fabrics that are often treated with perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) plus various anti-bacterial biocidal treatments and even flame retardants.
❌ Flame Retardants: the most common include brominated flame retardants, chlorinated flame retardants, and phosphate flame retardants. Brominated flame retardants are often added to polyurethane foam. Chlorinated flame retardants are often added to the fabric of mattresses, as well as to the filling. Phosphate flame retardants are often added to the padding of mattresses. Avoid also fire barriers made from fiberglass.
Avoid greenwashing play mats made by brands that pretend to be organic, green, natural, or sustainable when they are not! Even if they say “natural” or even “organic” without a certification is hard to prove it! That’s why I don’t recommend any brands not disclosing or showing their Organic Certification. These certifications are very rigorous and expensive, so not many want to get through that or can pass their strict requirements!
❌ Soybeans Foam: this foam is derived from conventional bean crops and is usually full of pesticides, so avoid that too.
❌ Plant-based Foam: typically produced with a small percentage of soybean oil or castor oil mixed with petroleum chemicals. It is often marketed as “environmentally friendly,” but plant-based foams emit VOCs just like polyurethane foam.
❌ Polyethylene Foam: Polyethylene foam can contain fewer contaminants compared to polyurethane foam. It can be made from petroleum-based or bio-based ingredients
They would need to show proof of certification of their organic claims so they can guarantee that they are truly safe and non-toxic.
Here are the certifications:
✅ GOTS Certification: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the world’s leading processing standard for organic textiles and fibers, including ecological and social criteria, backed by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. This is for cotton, wool, and other natural textile.
✅ GOLS Certified Organic Latex: 100% organic, natural, non-toxic, untreated with flame retardants, anti-bacterial, self-ventilating, biodegradable, and non-allergenic.
✅ OEKO-TEX Certified: 100% natural, non-toxic, untreated with flame retardants, anti-bacterial, self-ventilating, biodegradable, and non-allergenic.
Here you will find the best certified organic Play Mat Brands on the market!
Their Organic Play Mats are made with the best, safest, and most sustainable and organic materials available anywhere!
My number one organic Play mat brand recommendation is:
Shop with my links to support my research! 💖
15% off link
15% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
💚 Toki is my number one Organic Play Mat brand recommendation!
Toki offers an amazing collection of organic play mats and organic toys for babies and kids!
Toki Certified Organic Cotton Play Mat is made with certified organic materials!
100% GOTS certified organic cotton fabric and 100% GOLS certified organic Dunlop latex. Oeko-Tex certified.
The latex foam: GOLS certified 100% organic, natural, non-toxic, untreated with flame retardants, anti-bacterial, self-ventilating, biodegradable, and non-allergenic.
MATERIAL: 100% certified organic cotton fabric. 100% GOLS certified organic latex foam.
20% off link
🌿 Naturepedic Organic Rest Pad Nap Mat is my favorite and my number one brand recommendation!
✅Perfect for comfy and healthy naps, the Naturepedic Rest Pad is toxic-free, waterproof, easily wipes clean, and folds for hassle-free storage.
Features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear food-grade waterproof coating made from non-GMO sugarcane. Non-allergenic and easy to clean.
The only rest pad that meets the following standards:
NO Polyurethane Foam, NO Pesticides, NO Glues/Adhesives, NO Vinyl/PVC/Phthalates, NO Perfluorinated Chemicals, NO Allergenic Materials
✅ Meets flammability standards without flame retardants
Proper Hygiene: Waterproof on top and bottom with waterproof heat-sealed seams
White and beige top and bottom colors to help you remember which side is clean
✅ Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified
✅ MADE IN THE USA
Dimensions: approximately 16.5" x 31.5" x 4"
MATERIAL: 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton, 100% waterproof surface made from sugarcane
🌿Makemake Organics is dedicated to quality and sustainability and committed to providing high-quality, organic products that are safe and gentle on delicate skin. They are made with GOTS Certified organic material, sourced only from ethical and sustainable suppliers.
🌿 Make make Organics Nap Mat is crafted from ultra-soft materials, providing a cozy and cushioned surface for your baby to rest on. The built-in padding ensures your child feels secure and comfortable, promoting better sleep. Comfortable and easy to carry, it comes with a detachable Pillow. An Organic Back to School must-have.
MATERIAL: 100% Organic Cotton Shell and Oeko-Tex certified Polyfill batting
🌿 Naturepedic Organic changing pad is my favorite and my number one brand recommendation!
✅ Non-toxic 100% waterproof surface made from sugarcane is the healthiest material ever used on a changing pad.
It is truly waterproof and wipes clean with water or mild soap. A layer of 100% GOTS Certified organic cotton adds the perfect cushion.
The contoured design prevents the baby from rolling.
✅ Features a luxurious organic cotton fabric with a clear food-grade waterproof coating made from non-GMO sugarcane. Non-allergenic and easy to clean. Safety buckle helps secure baby while changing and snap screws are included to secure the pad to a dresser while at home.
Dimensions: approximately 16.5" x 31.5" x 4".
MATERIAL: 100% GOTS certified organic cotton, 100% waterproof surface made from sugarcane
20% off code: PRETTYORGANICGIRL
✅ White Lotus Home has been selling handmade mattresses, mats, and pillows for over 40 years.
100% GOTS Certified Organic Cotton layers without Fire Retardant
GOTS Certified organic cotton.
✅ GOTS-Certified Organic Cotton
GOTS-certified organic cotton is held to the highest standards for health and sustainability. Made of endless fluffy layers of 100% pesticide-free organic cotton raised sustainably.
Pesticide and insecticide free
100% natural and biodegradable
Safe for sensitive skin
Firm, yet soft
It Consumes 91% less water to grow than regular cotton
Protects farmers from pesticide exposure
MATERIAL: 100% GOTS-certified Organic Cotton Twill
🌿 The only Greenguard Gold and Formaldehyde-Free claim verified play couch on the market.
🌿This sustainable play couch sofa is made with REPREVE®, a trusted performance fiber made in North Carolina from recycled plastic. 20% BioFoam®. It's a patented biological foam made in the USA from vegetable materials, such as corn, sunflower seeds, castor oil beans, and soybeans. Fabrics made from recycled plastics
Covers are removable and washable. Replacement cover sets are also available
They work as a play mat, two chairs, one sofa, a fort, or any structure they can envision. And since it's designed to promote kids' imaginative play and gross motor skills, the Play Couch will support cognitive development, too.
The Play Couch is soft and safe for toddlers, yet durable enough and infinitely configurable for kids of all ages.
MATERIAL: vegetable materials, such as corn, sunflower seeds, castor oil beans, and soybeans. bottles. Recycled plastic, 20% BioFoam®,
🌿 Healthier Homes Willow Kids Teepee + Mat
The Willow indoor teepee for kids is handwoven from 100% natural cotton yarn, hand-tied around teak tent poles. Handmade from white crocheted cotton
This natural kids' indoor teepee tent is a perfect cozy reading nook, stuffed animal hideout, and imaginative playhouse.
So you can give your little adventurer a stylish nook that’s all theirs.
MATERIAL: 100% white cotton crochette, canvas mat + cover material: 90% cotton, 10% bamboo rayon, teak wood teepee poles
💚 Toki offers an amazing collection of organic play mats and organic toys for babies and kids!
Let your child’s imagination reach new heights with our play cube!
These organic play cubes and supporting pillows are made with GOTS-certified organic cotton.
Made with only the safest materials and designed for stacking, building, and knocking down.
Lightweight, non-toxic foam and soft fabric make this cube perfect for uninhibited, ouch-free play.
Thanks to a fully removable cover that’s machine-washable, it’s also super easy to clean!
MATERIAL: GOTS certified organic cotton. Lightweight and firm PU foam that has been tested to be compliant with REACH standards.
Polyurethane(PU) Leather Cover and Polyethylene(PE) Foam
MEMORY FOAM-POLYURETHANE FOAM: this foam is toxic and polluting. The most common beds are made of memory foam (or viscoelastic foam), flexible polyurethane foam, coils, or combinations of these materials. Both memory foam and Flexible polyurethane foam are polyurethane foams. These cheap, unhealthy foams are petroleum products, meaning they are derived from fossil fuels.
Recyclable Polyethylene(PE) foam made in South Korea.
Not recommended brand: this brand's play mat Material: super soft coral fleece.
Coral Fleese is made from polyester. it is synthetic fiber not recommend. It contributes to the microfiber pollution and it is not he safest material to be around.
Choose natural material safer for your family and the environment.
Not recommended brand: this brand's play mat has Inner: High Density Polyethylene Foam Cover: Polyurethane Leather
POLYURETHANE FOAM: this foam is toxic and polluting. The most common beds are made of memory foam (or viscoelastic foam), flexible polyurethane foam, coils, or combinations of these materials. Both memory foam and Flexible polyurethane foam are polyurethane foams. These cheap, unhealthy foams are petroleum products, meaning they are derived from fossil fuels.
Not recommended brand: this brand had all the potential to deliver a great product. I wish they didn't use a petroleum-derived products. The brand's play mat constructed with an internal layer of memory foam.