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Best Non-Toxic Ball Pits
We vetted ball pits against the Welpr Standard and here are our top picks.
Cofounder & Product Curator
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Here's what we look for:
- Natural, non-toxic materials like cotton for upholstery and plant-based foam or fill
- Free from BPA, phthalates, lead, and other harmful chemicals
- Third-party certifications whenever available
- Brands that are transparent about materials, sourcing, and safety testing
Best Non-Toxic Ball Pits
On Welpr, terms like "non-toxic," "safer," "cleaner," "healthier," and "vetted" are editorial labels based on our own standard for product assessment. They are not guarantees, certifications, or medical claims. Learn more.
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How to Swap to Non-Toxic ball pits:
Here's how to swap to non-toxic ball pits:
What to know about ball pits
Ball pits are made up of two main parts: the pit structure and the balls themselves. Both matter because babies and toddlers spend extended time sitting in them, touching the materials with bare skin, and putting the balls in their mouths.
- The balls are the biggest focus since kids chew on them, so the plastic needs to be free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, and heavy metals.
- The pit structure often uses foam padding and fabric covers, which can contain flame retardants, VOCs, or synthetic coatings.
Check what your ball pit is made of
Look at the product listing or packaging for details on what materials are used in both the balls and the pit itself. Welpr prioritizes products that clearly disclose their materials, so if a brand doesn't say what's in it, that's worth noting.
- Check whether the balls are listed as BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free — ideally backed by third-party testing.
- For the pit structure, look for CertiPUR-US® or GREENGUARD certified foam and natural or organic fabric covers rather than synthetic materials with no certifications.
Use your current ball pit more safely
If your ball pit doesn't check every box, a few simple habits can reduce what your child is exposed to. Replacing a ball pit isn't always practical right away, so these steps can help in the meantime.
- Wash new balls in warm soapy water before first use and let them air out in a well-ventilated area for a few days to reduce any off-gassing.
- Limit the amount of time very young babies spend in the pit, especially if they're at the stage where everything goes straight into their mouths.
Choose a cleaner ball pit
Look for ball pits that clearly list their materials and prioritize food-grade or non-toxic plastics for the balls. For the pit itself, natural fabrics and certified foam are the best combination.
- Choose balls made from food-grade plastics that are certified free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates — and a pit with organic cotton or natural fabric covers over CertiPUR-US® certified foam.
- Click the button above to shop Welpr Approved ball pits.
Camille May
Cofounder & Product Curator
Camille May is the co-creator of Welpr and a guide for clean living. After selling her last company in the health food space, she went non-toxic while working to heal an autoimmune condition....
Olushola M. Awoyemi
Medical Reviewer, PhD
Olushola M. Awoyemi (aka Shola) is a board-certified toxicologist and a research scientist with a PhD in Environmental Toxicology. Shola's long-term ambition is to be recognized as a world-renowned expert in toxicology,...