As a parent, you want to provide your little one with engaging toys and activities that support their development. Baby play mats are a popular option, allowing babies to play, explore and develop motor skills in a safe space.
Two top contenders in the baby mat space are Toddlekind and House of Noa. But which one should you choose?
Here we’ll compare the key features, pros and cons of each to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Toddlekind | House of Noa |
| Material | Non-toxic PVC vinyl | 100% Cotton with PVC backing |
| Design | Bright colors and patterns | Neutral tones and subtle patterns |
| Toys/Activities | Lots of removable toys | Minimal toys, more sensory textures |
| Montessori-inspired? | No | Yes |
| Price | $69.99 – $89.99 | $160 – $190 |
| Best For | Babies who like stimulation | Babies who need gentler sensory input |
The Main Takeaways Are:
- Toddlekind offers more vibrant colors, patterns and toys at a lower price point. It’s better for babies who like lots of stimulation.
- House of Noa focuses on subtle textures and neutral designs inspired by Montessori. It’s more expensive but made of natural cotton. Better for calmer babies.
Overview of Toddlekind Play Mats
Toddlekind offers play mats designed for ages 0-36 months. Their mats aim to stimulate babies’ senses and foster development through features like high contrast patterns, crinkle toys, and teethers. Some key things to know:
- Materials: Toddlekind mats are made from non-toxic phthalate-free vinyl. They have a wipeable surface for easy cleaning.
- Design: Available designs include black & white patterns, shapes & colors patterns, and alphabet prints. Mats measure approximately 24×48 inches.
- Features: Removable toy attachments include crinkle toys, textured tags, suction cup teethers, and more. There are 12-18 toys included.
- Extras: Toddlekind mats come with an activity guide on how to use the mat to aid development. They offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
- Price: Ranges from $69.99-$89.99 depending on the design.
Overview of House of Noa Play Mats
House of Noa creates premium, Montessori-inspired play mats for ages 0-3+. Their designs aim to be neutral but stimulating. Here are the key details:
- Materials: House of Noa mats are made from 100% cotton with a PVC backing. They use non-toxic dyes and all materials are phthalate/lead/BPA-free.
- Design: Mat designs are more neutral in color scheme with subtle black & white or beige & natural patterns. Size is roughly 31×46 inches.
- Features: Instead of lots of attached toys, Noa mats focus on stitched-in subtle patterns, textures, crinkles. A few styles have teething corners.
- Extras: House of Noa provides an eBook on how to use the mat to foster development. They offer free shipping and returns.
- Price: Ranges from $160-$190 depending on the design.
Key Differences Between Toddlekind And House of Noa
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each brand, let’s see how they compare across some key factors:
Material Quality
- Toddlekind mats are made from non-toxic vinyl that is phthalate-free. The wipeable surface resists stains.
- House of Noa uses 100% cotton tops with a waterproof PVC backing. All materials are non-toxic and free of harsh chemicals.
- Both brands use high quality non-toxic materials, but House of Noa’s cotton surface may feel nicer and more breathable.
Design & Stimulation
- Toddlekind mats feature bright contrasting colors and patterns to stimulate vision. Toys also stimulate senses.
- House of Noa mats have more neutral tones and subtle patterns for gentler stimulation. Focus is on textures.
- Toddlekind may be more visually stimulating, while Noa provides more subtle sensory input. Depends on your baby’s preferences.
Features & Toys
- Toddlekind mats feature up to 18 removable toys like teether, tags, and crinkles to bat at. Lots of stimulation.
- Noa mats have minimal removable toys. Stimulation comes from stitched-in patterns and textures instead.
- Toddlekind offers more toys and Removables, while Noa focuses on integrated sensory elements.
Montessori-Inspired Design
- Toddlekind does not specifically claim Montessori-influence in its designs.
- House of Noa highlights creating Montessori-inspired, independent play spaces.
- For parents looking for Montessori-style toys, House of Noa is designed with this in mind. Watch the assembly video if you love it.
Baby Development & Activities
- Both brands provide ebooks on how to use their mats to aid development.
- Toddlekind’s highly stimulating mats may keep baby engaged for longer periods.
- House of Noa’s subtle activities may encourage more independent play and exploration.
- For babies who get overstimulated, Noa’s mats provide gentler sensory experiences.
Price
- Toddlekind mats range in price from $69.99-$89.99
- House of Noa mats range from $160-$190.
- There is a significant price difference, with Noa being the more premium, costly option.
Overall Quality & Reputation
- Both brands are well-reviewed overall and seem to offer good quality.
- Toddlekind is a popular, Amazon best-seller while House of Noa is a smaller boutique brand.
- Users rave about both mats, so quality and satisfaction seem high for both.
Key Pros and Cons
Toddlekind Pros
- More affordable price point
- Bright, stimulating colors and patterns
- Lots of removable toys for sensory play
- Machine washable and wipeable surface
Toddlekind Cons
- PVC vinyl material isn’t as breathable
- Very visually stimulating, which some babies dislike
- Not Montessori-style design
- Lower quality than premium brands
House of Noa Pros
- Made from 100% soft cotton
- Neutral colors and subtle patterns
- Montessori-inspired design
- High-end boutique brand
House of Noa Cons
- Much more expensive price point
- Minimal removable toys and activities
- Cotton material shows stains and harder to clean
- Less stimulating for some babies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For parents looking for premium quality and natural materials, House of Noa mats are likely worth the higher price tag. The cotton surface and neutral Montessori design make them stand out.
Yes, House of Noa uses all nontoxic materials, including dyes, for their mats. They are free of phthalates, lead, BPA, and other harsh chemicals.
It depends on your priorities! Toddlekind is best if you want lots of affordable activities and stimulation. House of Noa is best for natural materials and subtle Montessori-inspired play.
House of Noa offers free standard shipping that takes 7-10 business days within the contiguous US. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional fee.
The Bottom Line
While both Toddlekind and House of Noa make excellent baby play mats, there are some clear differences. Toddlekind offers more vibrant stimulation and activities at a budget-friendly price point.
House of Noa provides more subdued sensory experiences on natural materials for a premium price.
Think about your baby’s needs and preferences, as well as your budget and values, to decide which brand’s play mat is the better fit for your family. Whichever you choose, you can feel good knowing you’re providing your little one with a great developmental tool.