Are Foam Play Mats Safe in 2025?

By Elena Fraser, Safety & Compliance Editor | Safety & Standards Column | Childcare Standards Council

Foam play mats have become an essential feature in many homes, nurseries, and early years settings. They offer a soft, protective surface for babies and toddlers to explore movement safely. However, as safety awareness grows and regulations evolve, many parents and childcare professionals are asking: Are foam play mats still safe in 2025?

This article offers a clear, up to date look at foam play mats, the materials, regulations, risks, and what to look for when choosing one, so you can make an informed, confident choice for your childcare environment.

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What Are Foam Play Mats Made Of?

Most foam play mats on the market today are made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. It’s lightweight, soft, water resistant, and easy to clean, all practical features for young children’s play.

However, concerns about chemical safety have been raised in recent years, particularly regarding:

• Formamide, a chemical used in foam production that may pose health risks if inhaled in large quantities.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which some synthetic foams can release over time.

• Heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium or arsenic, which are highly toxic, particularly to infants.

The good news is that most reputable manufacturers have now removed formamide and reduced VOC emissions, complying with the latest safety regulations.

However, not all foam mats on the market are created equally, especially those sold online without clear compliance labels.

UK and EU Safety Regulations in 2025

In 2025, foam play mats in the UK must meet the following regulatory standards to be sold legally:

• EN 71 1: Mechanical and physical properties

• EN 71 2: Flammability of toys

• EN 71 3: Migration of certain elements (chemical safety)

• REACH regulation: Controls over the use of specific hazardous substances in consumer products

Retailers must ensure that children’s products, including foam play mats, are UKCA marked or CE marked (for items still traded within the EU). These markings confirm that the product has been independently tested and meets basic safety requirements.

Consumers should check for these marks before purchasing, especially when buying from online retailers or international platforms.

Chemical Safety: Is Off Gassing Still a Concern?

Off gassing refers to the release of chemical vapours from materials, particularly synthetic ones like foam. Some foam mats, especially lower quality imports, may emit a strong chemical smell when first unpacked. This is often due to residual VOCs or plasticisers.

In 2025, high quality, certified foam mats typically release little to no odour and are manufactured under stricter safety conditions.

That said, it's still good practice to:

• Air out the mat in a well ventilated area for 24 to 72 hours before first use.

• Avoid using any mat that continues to emit a strong odour.

• Check for the label "Low VOC" or "Formamide Free" on the packaging or product description.

If you're unsure of a product's chemical profile, contact the manufacturer directly or request a safety data sheet.

Interlocking Puzzle Mats: Safety Benefits and Drawbacks

Many foam play mats come as interlocking puzzle tiles, which can be easily customised to fit a room. While these are convenient, they come with specific safety considerations:

Pros:

• Easy to clean or replace individual tiles

• Customisable layout

• Generally more affordable than large, single sheet mats

Cons:

• Choking hazard if the pieces are small or come apart easily (especially for babies under 3)

• Dirt and bacteria can gather between the seams

• Some cheaper options may lack proper safety certification

In settings where children are under 36 months old, it is recommended to choose larger tile mats with minimal detachable parts, and to supervise play in any case.

Sustainable and Non Toxic Alternatives

Parents and carers who prefer natural options will be pleased to know that non foam alternatives have become more accessible in 2025:

• Natural rubber play mats: durable, non toxic, biodegradable

• Organic cotton quilted mats: machine washable, breathable, ideal for infants

• Cork and bamboo mats: eco friendly and firm, though not as cushioned for toddlers

While these options may be more expensive, they offer peace of mind regarding chemical exposure and sustainability. However, it’s important to note that none provide quite the same shock absorption as thick EVA foam. For this reason, some parents choose to combine a soft natural mat over a low VOC foam underlay.

Maintenance: Keeping Play Mats Clean and Safe

Foam play mats are relatively low maintenance, but regular cleaning is essential to prevent the build up of bacteria, especially in shared environments such as nurseries or creches.

Best practice for cleaning foam play mats in 2025:

• Wipe down daily using warm water and mild soap

• Disinfect weekly with child safe, non abrasive solutions

• Avoid bleach, ammonia or alcohol based cleaners, which can degrade the foam

• Dry thoroughly before reassembling or rolling up

If the mat develops cracks, peeling, or missing chunks of foam, it’s time to replace it, as damaged mats can pose ingestion or choking risks.

Key Features to Look for When Buying

Here’s a list for selecting a safe, modern foam play mat in 2025:

• Labelled “Non toxic”, “Formamide Free”, and “Low VOC”

• Complies with EN 71 and REACH standards

• Marked with UKCA or CE certification

• Free from small detachable parts if used with babies or toddlers

• Easy to clean and maintain

• Anti slip or textured surface to prevent falls

• Clear product details from a trustworthy, transparent brand

Final Thoughts: Are They Safe?

Foam play mats can absolutely be safe in 2025, as long as the product is:

• Made from certified, low emission materials

• Compliant with current UK and EU safety standards

• Used appropriately for the child’s age and mobility level

• Maintained with proper cleaning and inspection routines

Parents, guardians, and childcare professionals must remain vigilant and informed, particularly when buying from lesser known brands or third party sellers.

When safety is non negotiable, evidence based buying decisions matter. Always prioritise regulation, transparency, and age appropriateness when choosing any product for early years care.