There are so many types of baby playmats on the market today that you might feel a tad bit confused as different manufacturers use different materials to make a baby playmat. In this post, we will break down for you the good and bad of each material for your reference.
We can agree that the perfect playmat for your little one should be:
- made from the safest and non-toxic material possible
- tested and certified to meet the highest standards
- soft, thick, and shock absorbent to cushion your little one
- easy to maintain and waterproof
- highly durable for long-term use
- a stylish design to suit your home aesthetics
Is there a material that ticks all of the above? Let's find out!
1. Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)
TPU is a chemically inactive material and does not off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it a safe material of choice for baby playmats.
Pros of TPU
- No toxic elements
- Waterproof
- Durable and flexible
- Environmental friendly
- Great shock absorbency
Cons of TPU
- Wipe clean only
- Has a higher price tag due to the expensive cost of producing them
2. Fabric (Cotton)
Made of clothing materials like cotton which is non-toxic (provided the cotton plant was not treated with pesticides) and durable.
Pros of fabric
- No toxic elements
- Machine-washable
- Durable
Cons of fabric
- Not waterproof
- Required washing regularly to eliminate germs
- Limited padding for shock absorbency
- Padding can be toxic
3. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
Puzzle playmats also known as ABC mats are usually made from EVA, which is an elastic polymer that is similar to rubber.
Pros of EVA
- Waterproof
- Flexible
- Shock absorbent
Cons of EVA
- Has traces of chemicals from manufacturing
- Has a strong chemical smell
- Wipe clean only
- Banned in Europe due to the content of Formamide which is unsafe for babies
4. Expanded Polyethylene (EPE)
EPE is a food-grade polyethylene, a widely used plastic.
Pros of EPE
- Waterproof
- No toxic elements
- No strong chemical smell
Cons of EPE
- Wipe clean only
- Limited durability
5. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC mats are more popular due to their colourful designs and smooth surfaces and are widely used due to the cheaper cost.
Pros of PVC
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Has a lower price tag
Cons of PVC
- Bulky and heavy
- Production involves toxic plasticisers
- Has a strong chemical smell
- Often contains Phthalates
- Lifecycle has inherent toxicities which are unavoided
- Wipe clean only
6. Rubber
Rubber playmats are made of 100% natural rubber from the sap of rubber trees.
Pros of rubber
- Natural compound
- Waterproof
- Thick
- Non-slip
- Free of toxic elements
Cons of rubber
- Has rubber smell
- Patina will develop over time
- Can develop a stickiness
- Wipe clean only
Browse our collection of safe baby playmats from Little Wiwa, Dwinguler, and more.
