Locating PVC Free Splat Mats for Baby Isn’t Easy

August 28, 2009 by Alicia
Filed under Baby Dishes and Utensils, PVC Free Products, Shopping Guides

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Finding PVC-free splat mats has turned out to be another one of those time-consuming and mostly unfruitful searches. 85% of the splat mats we researched were either made from PVC or were laminated with it. All of the mats we checked on were free of BPA and phthalates. We did locate a few PVC-free gems out there though

Jaq Jaq Bird Splatmats by Sam and Bellie are 48″ x 48″ and made of non-toxic EVA, which has the same look and feel PVC does. They’re reversible and perfect for under high chairs or play tables and also great for picnics and beaches, too. The slick surface is stain resistant, easy to wipe clean and UV resistant.

Mimi the Sardine Splashmats are made from organic cotton and laminated with acrylic. They measure 36″ x 46″, can be wiped down or machine washed. And they’re great looking too!

Neat Solutions offers the disposable Floor Topper which is made of polyethylene. It’s 38″ x 38″ and comes in a 5 pack. It’s easy to wipe clean and can be reused a few times. We’re not too excited about its disposable nature, but is good for on the go emergencies.

Throughout our communication with slews of splat mat manufacturers, we encouraged them to consider developing PVC-free options. Do you know of any other safe brands we’ve missed? Please share!

Tags: High Chair Mats, Lolly, Mimi the Sardine Splashmat, Neat Solutions Floor Topper, PVC Free, Splat Mats

LL

I also searched for PVC-free splat mats and found one from Land of Nod that is made of EVA. They are BPA, PVC, and phalate-free.

Betty

Those are great options.

doudoubebe

You've got some good options here - though we preferred to use inexpensive rag rugs that we could throw in the wash (guess it depends just how messy you are!). I found the plastic lined sheets too slippery for us.

One thing I've coming up blank on is PVC/phalate-free foam floor mats - great to have around, but haven't found any that are made for kids (yoga mats abound!).

terrance_whyne

thanks for your information.

www.ibabystore.com

Joyce

We purchased 2x3' polypropylene sheets from TAP Plastics (located on the west coast) - they are very cheap. We taped two to the floor and one to the table where our little guy sits.

Alicia

What a great idea! We did find a tarp-like option that would work like that too at http://www.giftbrand.com/pacific_play_tents/900...

Ms. Missteps

I feel so silly that it took me several minutes too long to sort out that "splat mat" is analogous to "place mat." Boy, will I ever get the hang of this thing? But anyway, good to know, because I need one badly! (And so does my child.)

Alicia

You know, I do see them differently - just to confuse you even more :)

To me, placemats indicate a small item that would fit well on the kitchen table or high chair tray. While splat mats are much larger and could be used under the high chair or as a mat to sit baby on while playing with messy stuff.

Now what do you think about that??

Oh, the world of baby gear is just too big sometimes :)

Nicole

I used this when my son was beginning solid foods:
The patented TinyDiner Portable Placemat provides a clean, safe eating surface that goes anywhere and stays in place. Made of FDA approved materials with no PVC, latex or phthalates, it protects children from germs while keeping spills off their laps. The reusable TinyDiner rolls easily into its own scoop to tuck into a diaper bag. At mealtime, it unrolls into a generous 12" x 18" eating and playing surface that stays securely in place with strong suction cups. The scoop catches the inevitable drips and dribble, and the outer rim of the placemat contains the wet messes.

Available in three styles: Yellow Hippo, Blue "Hey Diddle Diddle" and Pink "Hey Diddle Diddle"

Alicia

Hi Nicole,

We love the Tiny Diner ourselves and it's one been one of our best sellers for quite a while (http://thesoftlanding.com/kiddopotamus-tiny-din...).

We didn't include it in the Guide because we focused on large splat mats to go under high chairs and such :)