Soft and cozy play mats for your baby are wonderful to have in your nursery and around your home for tummy time and exploration time. And with safety at the top of mind for your precious bundle, you need to know just what the mat is made of before you commit to making a purchase.
A search for foam baby mats yields results made from various plastic and rubber materials. But which ones are safe? Many traditional mats are made of PVC, which is known to be one of the most toxic forms of plastic, or EVA, which contains formamide.
TPU, on the other hand, is a baby foam play mat material that is a preferred choice of parents everywhere. The claims are that it is non-toxic, lead-free, latex-free, and free from phthalates and formaldehyde.
But, still, many people are wondering, “Is TPU foam safe for babies?” Good question. We will answer some of your most commonly asked questions about TPU to help you make the decision that is right for your family.
Is TPU Safe?
Because of the toxicity of many of the materials being used to make foam baby mats, parents everywhere are looking for safe alternatives and seeking out play mats made of TPU.
TPU, thermoplastic polyurethane, has all the benefits we love in a baby mat, being soft and durable, while the material itself is quite safe and free from toxic properties. In fact, TPU is frequently used in medical applications.
"TPUs possess a wide range of properties that make them suitable for an array of applications," explains Prakash Vizzeswarapu, commercial development manager, NAFTA TPU Resins, Bayer Material Science. This explains why many hospitals have replaced PVC, which requires phthalates and plasticizers that may cause emissions that are harmful to patients, with TPUs.
Is TPU Foam Toxic?
With those precious little hands, feet, mouths—and everything else—coming in direct contact with foam baby play mats, it’s important that the surfaces be safe and non-toxic.
TPU is a completely inert material and does not off-gas VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This is why it has become a safe material of choice for foam baby mats and recommended by discerning moms everywhere.
Comfort Design Mats are Safe for Babies
At Comfort Design Mats, we are known for creating gorgeous play mats that seamlessly blend with any décor in your home. But safety is our priority.
That’s why our thick and spongy mats are made only from non-toxic TPU foam. No latex, BPA, or phthalates. No formamide or formaldehyde. But we didn’t stop there. We took it a step further to provide you with a safe baby foam play mat that is also waterproof, hypoallergenic, easy-to-clean, and pet-friendly.
Comfort Design mats support your child’s growth all the way through the rough and tumble ages. Your kids of all ages will love playing and rolling around on our mats, and you will love the way they look in any room in your home.
