The best rugs for baby to crawl on are soft enough to cushion the falls they will have as they learn to crawl and walk. You’ll also want something non-toxic and easy to clean, especially since your baby will be spending so much time on it. Below, you’ll find our favorite non-toxic nursery rugs and a buyer’s guide to help you know what you need to look for.
Best Rugs for Babies to Crawl On
PAGISOFE Soft Kids Nursery Rug is a plush rug made of hypoallergenic synthetic materials with a slip resistant rubber bottom, while the Andecor Soft Fluffy Bedroom Rug is a soft rug made with a microfiber top, a sponge in the middle, and non slip rubber dots on the bottom.
PAGISOFE Soft Kids Room Nursery Rug
The PAGISOFE Soft Kids Room Nursery Rug comes in a wide variety of rich colors including brown, purple, hot pink, cream, blue, navy blue, and more. It has a thick, plush top that will be soft against baby’s delicate skin. This is also available in sizes larger and smaller than the one pictured.
This is made from non-toxic, hypoallergenic synthetic materials. It does not shed very easily, however, your child might be able to pick it apart once they are older. The bottom is made from a slip-resistant rubber material, which helps keep the rug in place when it’s on the floor.
You cannot wash this in the machine, however, it is easy to shake the dirt out outside. It is also recommended that you use a small handheld vacuum or spot wash it by hand as needed. Taking care of it as recommended will keep the fabric soft and plush.
Pros
- Soft, thick design
- Made from non-toxic, hypoallergenic materials
- Available in a wide variety of colors
- Comes in different sizes
- Easy to shake the dirt out
- Slip-resistant rubber backing
Cons
- Your child may pull the long fibers out
- Specific instructions for care
Bammax Play Mat
The Bammax Play Mat works as well as any rug for crawling babies. It is made from non-toxic materials and free of propylene, BPA, and other harmful components. The rug is also over 1/2″ thick, which provides lots of cushioning for a crawling baby.
This is a great choice for parents needing an extra-large baby mat because it is 70″ x 77.5″. It also folds up easily, making it great for travel. This is also incredibly easy to clean. The mat is waterproof, so you can easily wipe it with a wet cloth.
This mat features a soft, thick design that can easily be used for everything from playtime to yoga in the future. This mat is also reversible, with each side featuring a different design. One size has a maze of different animals, letters, and numbers, while the other has raised letters and blocks that provide a non-slip grip. The early introduction to colors, animals, letters, and more makes it great for early learning.
Something to note is that the soft material of the mat is not especially durable. You’ll want to avoid placing it in high traffic areas so people don’t walk on it with shoes. The top also isn’t especially grippy if your child has pants on. It is best when used with bare skin. You’ll also want to be careful about your babywearing socks once they are walking.
Pros
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Made from non-toxic materials
- Very large
- Easy to fold up and take on the go
- Thick design so baby doesn’t get hurt if they fall
- Good for early learning
Cons
- Top could be more grippy
- May tear if it is walked on too much
teytoy Baby Rug for Crawling
The teytoy Baby Rug for Crawling features bright, vivid colors and a design that will keep baby captivated. As you introduce them to different numbers, fruits, animals, and other characters, this can also be used as a learning tool. It’s great for teaching as your baby is starting to learn about the world around them.
The top of this is made of a soft, non-toxic cotton material that resists food, liquid, and stains. It’s also easy to clean- just vacuum it and wash as needed. The back of this rug has a non-slip grip that holds the floor firmly. It folds up easily, which makes it a great choice if you want a rug to bring along when your visiting relatives or taking your baby on playdates.
Something to note is that this is more of a mat than a rug. It doesn’t have the same thickness as some other options. Additionally, while it’s great for a new crawler, you may find your baby outgrows it as they want to explore more. On the plus side, the smaller size does make this easier to wash as needed.
Pros
- Easy to wash
- Resists dirt and liquids
- Bright, visually engaging design
- Can be used for learning and playtime
- Non-slip bottom
- Soft cotton on top
Cons
- Not as thick as some other options
- Not big enough for a toddler
Andecor Soft Fluffy Bedroom Rug
The Andecor Soft Fluffy Bedroom Rugs features a thick, plushy design that will be comfortable on your baby’s hands and keens while they’re learning to crawl. It is also fairly easy to keep clean.
In addition to the microfiber top, this has a sponge as a middle layer to add to the thickness. Additionally, there are small anti-slip dots on the bottom that stop the rug from sliding all over the floor.
This is also a good idea if you’re looking for something with different color options. It is available in gray, black, teal blue, navy, pink, and more. Additionally, it comes in several sizes going all the way up to 6′ x 9′.
If this needs cleaned, the best way to do it is to shake the dirt out. You can also use a mild detergent and wash this by hand. You should also hang to dry, though the manufacturer recommends avoiding sunlight if you don’t want the color to fade.
You will need to let this sit out for a few days to plump up after shipping. It is packed very tight and the memory foam is flat when it arrives.
Pros
- Available in several sizes
- Comes in lots of colors
- Sponge layer adds to thickness
- Soft, microfiber top
- Anti-slip dots on the bottom
Cons
- Needs to sit out to plump after arrival
- Cannot put in direct sunlight
MAXYOYO Baby Play Mat
The MAXYOYO Baby Play Mat is a large, thick rug for your baby’s nursery. It is 2cm thick and provides great cushioning for crawling babies. This mat also wipes clean easily.
The top of this baby rug is made from soft, velvety microfiber material. There is foam filling in the middle and non-slip plastic dots on the bottom. One thing to note is that the rug becomes very compacted during shipping. It has creases and is flat since there is memory foam in the middle. You’ll need to let it sit for 1-3 days to plump up; the manufacturer recommends setting it in the sun to speed the process up.
Even though this is very thick, the short velvet material on top makes it easy to clean. You can remove most dust and dirt by vacuuming. The manufacturer also recommends spot washing it with a damp cloth as needed. You cannot put this in the washing machine.
This rug comes with a 30-day warranty. It’s always nice when a company stands behind its product with a guarantee. Something to note is that since this has memory foam, you may not want to put it under furniture or in high-traffic areas because the foam can become permanently compressed.
Pros
- Thick, memory foam interior
- Soft and velvety on top
- Non-slip grips on the bottom
- Easy to keep clean
- 30-day warranty
Cons
- Needs time to sit when it arrives
- Not machine washable
Best Rugs for Babies to Crawl On Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| MAXYOYO Baby Play Mat | 8.7 | 8.8 | 168.99 |
| Bammax Play Mat | 9.7 | 9.4 | 78.99 |
| Andecor Soft Fluffy Bedroom Rug | 9.8 | 9.0 | 29.99 |
| teytoy Baby Rug for Crawling | 3.9 | 9.0 | 27.99 |
| PAGISOFE Soft Kids Room Nursery Rug | 9.9 | 8.8 | 24.99 |
How We Selected Rugs For Baby To Crawl On
Functionality
A functional rug for a baby nursery is one that is thick, soft, and non-abrasive. You don’t want to worry about severe rug burn when your baby gets excited and crawls quickly across the carpet. Additionally, a rug is going to provide an extra layer of cushioning between your baby and the floor. You should expect them to trip, fall on their face, and fall on their bottom as they learn to crawl and walk.
Something else to consider regarding functionality is size. It’s important that your baby has enough room to move around. However, you’ll also want to be sure the rug you choose will fit the dimensions of your baby nursery, living room, or wherever you plan to put it. If you are unsure, use a measuring tape to measure the inches that you want to fill with the rug. Be sure to accommodate for furniture. While rugs can sit under furniture, cribs and dressers are heavy and may leave indents.
Finally, you’ll want to be sure the rug you choose isn’t going to slip or bunch up. Thinner rugs are more likely to bunch up than thicker rugs. If you have hard floors, you’ll want to choose something with a rubber, silicone, or another type of non-slip backing. Positioning the rug under furniture is also an option, especially if you’re using it on carpeting.
Safety
When choosing the floor, the biggest factor in safety is exposure to chemicals. It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to treat rugs with chemicals to make them more flame retardant. However, this does not mean there aren’t plenty of options without chemicals or VOCs (volatile organic compounds). If you can’t find this information, consider choosing a baby-specific rug. Products made for babies are generally made without these dangerous compounds.
Something else to consider is how long the fibers are on rugs. Even though a baby rug may be plush, you don’t want any that have fibers or strings hanging off. This is especially true if they come loose easily since your baby can swallow them. While shag rugs are generally okay for babies, be sure they are well-designed. You should also follow manufacturer instructions about care. Often, shag rugs cannot be washed or vacuumed with a high-power vacuum because it will loosen and damage the fibers.
Cleanliness
Once your baby is moving around, they’ll be spending a lot of time on the floor. You’ll want to be sure the rug for a baby nursery is easy to keep clean. Some thicker rugs may trap dust, dirt, mildew, and allergens, while certain materials resist them.
Some rugs are only made to be vacuumed. Jute rugs, for example, resist dirt and are thin enough that just vacuuming removes dust from the fibers. Polyester rugs also resist dirt and stains. If you have a thicker rug, you may need to spot clean it from time to time or use a steam cleaner. Other rugs can be washed and dried or air-dried. You’ll want to follow manufacturer instructions to avoid damaging the rug.
FAQs – Rugs For Babies To Crawl On
What rug materials are safe for babies?
Manufacturers often coat rugs in flame retardant chemicals that may release VOCs or other chemicals that can harm your little one. One of the primary things you’ll want to look for in a rug for babies, therefore, is non-toxic materials.
As long as you’re choosing non-toxic nursery rugs, there are several materials that you can look for. Ideally, you’ll want something soft and easy to clean. This prevents dust and allergens from being trapped where baby can breathe them in, especially once your child is spending more time on the floor. Some materials you should consider are:
- Wool- Since wool is natural, it generally isn’t treated with harsh chemicals. It’s also hypoallergenic, durable, and flame resistant on its own. One thing to note, however, is that some babies’ skin may be irritated by wool.
- Cotton- Cotton rugs are usually thin, but they work well over carpeting or hardwood. They are soft, breathable, and lightweight as well.
- Jute- Jute rugs are all-natural and environmentally friendly. In addition to being non-toxic, they are thin and very easy to clean. Usually, vacuuming them is enough to get rid of any dust or allergens.
- Acrylic- Acrylic rugs usually have a plush design. They are soft and usually accept colors well, so it’s easy to choose a colorful rug your child will love.
- Nylon- The major benefit of a nylon rug is its resistance to dirt, mildew, and insects. Nylon rugs are easier to keep clean and and usually soft.
- Polyester- Polyester is a manmade fabric that can be soft on your little one’s knees. It is also resistant to stains and highly durable, so it’ll likely last the first several years of your baby’s life.
When will my baby start crawling?
Most babies show early signs of crawling around six months, though some might not crawl until much later. In most cases, you can expect your baby to be crawling effectively by 10-12 months of age.
Many parents are excited about this milestone, as it shows baby is on their way to taking their first steps. One of the best ways to get your baby crawling is letting them spend lots of time on the floor, first with tummy time and then letting them roll around and scoot. Once they have started moving around, you can also encourage them to come to you.
Is carpet or hardwood better for crawling?
Babies can move quickly once they start to crawl and carpeting has the risk of rug burn if your little one is moving too fast. However, babies learning to crawl or walk are highly likely to take a few tumbles. Carpeting provides a better surface for these falls and helps prevent serious injuries. If rug burn seems to be a persistent problem for your little one, try keeping pants on them while they are roaming around the house.
Rugs are a great alternative to carpeting if you have mostly hardwood floors in your home. You’ll want to choose something big enough that your baby can explore. Additionally, blankets tend to bunch up and don’t provide the same amount of padding as a rug. Be sure that you choose rugs with anti-slip materials on the bottom so your little one doesn’t slip.
