Heads up, friends! Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links, meaning we might earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no cost to you. But don’t worry, we promise to only promote products that we truly believe in and think you’ll love too.
Rugs can be a cozy addition to your nursery, and it’s important to choose one that you know is made of safe materials. Babies spend a lot of time on the floor, and non-toxic nursery rugs made of natural and organic materials offer a safe and comfy place to sit, play, and roll around.
Toxic chemicals in conventional rugs, on the other hand, can off-gas and contribute to poor indoor air quality, which can be harmful to a developing child’s health.
What Stuff to Avoid in Non-Toxic Nursery Rugs
There are a whole bunch of nasty chemicals that are found in conventional rugs and may be harmful to babies’ health. Some of the common chemicals used in rugs include:
- Formaldehyde: This is a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant that is often used in adhesives and finishing treatments for rugs.
- Flame retardants: These chemicals are added to some rugs to meet flammability standards, but they can be toxic and have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): These are chemicals that can off-gas from rugs and contribute to poor indoor air quality. VOCs can cause headaches, dizziness, and respiratory irritation, among other health problems.
- Pesticides: Some rugs are treated with pesticides during the growing and manufacturing process, which can leave residues behind that may be harmful.
By choosing non-toxic rugs for nurseries that are made with natural and organic materials, parents can help avoid exposing their babies to these harmful chemicals.
What materials should non-toxic nursery rugs be made from?
Natural and eco-friendly fibers, such as jute, sisal, wool, and organic cotton, are excellent choices for rugs in children’s bedrooms. For the rug backing and underlay pads, we suggest opting for materials like wool, jute, and natural latex.
11 Best Non-Toxic Nursery Rugs, 2023
To help you find the best non-toxic nursery rugs for your child’s bedroom, I’ve compiled a list of beautiful and safe rugs (and some play mats) in various sizes and price points.
1. Hook and Loom (from $39)
Hook and Loom’s rugs are a wonderful choice for environmentally conscious consumers looking for non-toxic nursery rugs for their children’s bedrooms. Made from 100% recycled cotton and wool, these rugs reduce waste and give new life to old materials.
The rugs come in a variety of designs and colors, ranging from classic to contemporary, and are hand-woven by skilled artisans. They are free from harmful chemicals, making them a safe choice for babies, children, and pets.
2. Safavieh Natural Fiber Collection Rug (from $40)
Safavieh’s non-toxic nursery rugs are made from natural fibers like jute and sisal and are free from harmful chemicals. This natural fiber rug is also durable, so it makes a great choice for high-traffic areas.
Safavieh’s natural materials rug collection features a variety of rugs made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials, including jute, sisal, and seagrass. The natural fibers used in these rugs make them a solid choice for consumers looking for non-toxic and hypoallergenic options. These rugs are hand-woven by skilled artisans.
3. Under the Nile ($52-100)
Under the Nile is one of our favorite GOTS certified eco-friendly companies for baby toys and clothes, and luckily for us, they also make beautiful (and budget friendly) non-toxic nursery rugs in a few different sizes. They’re lightweight enough that you can throw them in the car and take them on adventures to the park, as well.
Under the Nile’s rugs are hand-loomed with organic Egyptian cotton material scraps that are left over from their clothing productions- we love how eco-friendly they are! They are durable and get softer each time you wash them.
4. Pehr Designs Organic Muslin Nursery Rug (from $220)
This cute and lightweight non-toxic nursery rug is made from GOTS certified organic cotton muslin. It’s perfect for layering over other rugs or using as a standalone piece.
Pehr is a Canadian company that’s committed to ethical and fair trade practices, and many of their products are made by skilled artisans around the world. Pehr is also committed to social responsibility and has partnered with various non-profit organizations to help families in need.
5. Armadillo & Co. Nook Rug (from $190)
This beautiful 4′ diameter non-toxic rug is handcrafted by artisans in India using GOTS certified organic wool and viscose. It’s hypoallergenic and naturally stain-resistant, making it a great choice for little ones with allergies or sensitive skin.
Armadillo and Co’s Nook collection features several different hand-woven rugs made from 100% natural and sustainable materials, including wool and jute. The rugs are designed with a pretty braided texture. Armadillo and Co states that it’s committed to ethical and fair trade practices in the production of its products.
6. Lorena Canals Washable Biscuit Rug ($215)
This sweet biscuit-shaped non-toxic nursery rug comes in several different sizes (that do sort of resemble a biscuit!), is made from 100% natural cotton, and is free from harmful chemicals. It’s made of recycled cotton and is also machine-washable, which makes cleaning up those (inevitable) messes a breeze.
These are hand-crafted in India by skilled artisans. Note that this rug will shed at first, especially when washed, but that will happen less over time. They have other rugs that you can order in either cotton or wool, as well.
7. Totter and Tumble Play Mats ($239)
Totter and Tumble play mats are non-toxic and durable mats (the mat is a sort of cousin of the rug, one might say) designed for babies and young kids. Made from high-density foam and covered in a soft, waterproof material, these mats provide a safe and comfy space for babies to play on and crawl around.
Totter and Tumble’s mats are free from harmful chemicals like phthalates and lead. The mats come in a variety of sizes and designs, with options for both indoor and outdoor use. They’re easily cleanable and can be rolled up for convenient storage.
8. Parachute Braided Wool Rug (from $289)
The Parachute Braided Wool Rug is a lovely choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and non-toxic nursery rug for your baby or child’s bedroom. Hand-made in India from 68% Wool and 32% Cotton certified by OEKO-TEX, it’s free from both harmful chemicals and synthetic materials.
We love the classic braided design, which adds a timeless, cozy touch to any space that you won’t need to replace when your baby gets older. The natural materials provide a safe environment for children to play and grow. Additionally, wool is naturally hypoallergenic and easy to clean, making this rug a practical choice for busy parents.
9. Cold Picnic (from $210)
Cold Picnic’s wool nursery rugs are a beautiful, unique addition to any space. Each rug is made from 100% New Zealand wool, so it’s both durable and soft. The rugs feature unique geometric patterns and bright colors and are hand-tufted by skilled artisans.
Cold Picnic is a GOTS certified company (yay!) committed to using sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing processes. We especially love the crocodile rug for any little reptile enthusiasts!
10. Loomy Non-toxic Nursery Rugs (from $495)
Loomy’s high quality non-toxic kids’ rugs are handmade in India from a blend of New Zealand wool and cotton, making them soft and durable additions to any playrooms, nurseries, or bedrooms.
They are free from harmful chemicals, and the smaller ones are machine-washable for easy cleaning and lightweight enough to be easily moved around.
11. Organic Weave Sustaina Rug ($1,549)
These beautiful 5×8′ GOTS certified organic rugs from Organic Weave are made from sustainably-sourced wool and colored with non-toxic natural dyes. Hand-crafted in India, they’re free from toxic chemicals, so your baby can roll around on it without your needing to worry.
You can also get “made to order” rugs if you need a custom size for your nursery space.
Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Nursery Rugs
That’s a wrap on our top picks for non-toxic nursery rugs! We hope this guide helps you find the perfect and baby-safe rug for your little one’s room! With these rugs, you can be sure that the surface your baby is lying, crawling, drooling, and walking around on is both safe and eco-friendly.
If you’re also looking for some non-toxic toys, bath toys, and/or organic stuffed animals for your tiny one, check out our guides to help you out as you build your eco-friendly nursery! We also review other sensitive and non-toxic baby products in some of our other guides:
