Play couches can help unlock your child’s creativity, imagination, and energy. Similar to modular adult couches, these foam sofas come apart — but for kiddos, they can be repurposed into whatever they envision, from a rocket ship to a secret fort to a treehouse. The downside is that, like many pieces of furniture out there, they’re not always sustainable or safe for children.
Why choose a play couch with nontoxic materials?
Choosing a play couch made with non-toxic materials is crucial for the safety and well-being of children. Because play couches are crafted with foam, they’re often made of polyurethane which is flammable and contains harmful chemicals or VOCs. Children, especially infants and toddlers, are prone to exploring their surroundings by touching, licking, and sometimes even chewing on objects. By opting for non-toxic materials, you ensure that they are not exposed to harmful chemicals or substances that could potentially have adverse effects on their health.
We’re fans of the Nugget for championing third-party certified, nontoxic materials in their play couches. And now, there are even more brands using retardant-free environmentally friendly foam to make clean, kid-friendly play couches. Brands like Roo & You’s modular kids couches are changing the game with their certiPUR certified playroom furniture sets that are clean and safe to play on!
We’ve rounded up seven play couches below that are cute and versatile, and nearly all of them are certiPUR certified, OEKO-TEX certified, or GREENGUARD Gold certified so they’re safe, sustainable, and supportive enough for the kiddos in your life. It’s time to get creative!
Be sure to also check out our guides to the best nontoxic twin mattresses, organic toddler and kids clothes, and sustainable kids rugs for a safe and healthy eco-friendly upgrade for your kiddos.
Best Overall | Most Affordable
1. Brentwood Home
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam & plant-based BioFoam, recycled plastic (REPREVE)
Price | $349
When it comes to your little ones, you can never be too safe. That’s why we love Brentwood Home’s Play Couch — it’s as safely made as it is sustainable. Each sofa is crafted with a mix of BioFoam and USA-made foam, without any flame retardants, PFAS, or harmful chemicals. Plus, everything’s made locally in Los Angeles, packaged in recycled cardboard, and free of any carbon footprint. Best of all though is how it’s soft enough for toddlers but durable enough even for adults. Available in six pieces and in six colors, there’s an unlimited amount of fun to have here — without any worry.
Brentwood Home Review | “I was so impressed by the quality when we opened our play couch! The fabric is thick and durable while not picking up every little piece of dirt on the floor like some other brands! Having the two extra half circle pieces have really been nice to have too! Can’t say enough great things about it!” – Allison F. (See all reviews)
2. Nugget
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam
Price | $249+
Curiosity, adventure, and imagination thrive whenever playtime involves the Nugget! Combining furniture and toy, this play couch made of four foam pieces offers endless configurations, making it a favorite among kids of all ages. Available in 15+ colors and patterns and machine washable colors, the Nugget commits to quality and creativity in their design, standing out as the Original Play Couch™. With over 800,000 Nuggets sold and backed by 50,000+ five-star ratings, Nugget continues to revolutionize playtime. Made with care in the USA, with a focus on quality materials, fair wages, and community impact, this play couch encourages thoughtful playtime for not only the young but the young-at-heart!
Nugget Review | “The Nugget has lived up to the hype. Works for multiple ages, provides endless creativity and pretend play but also doesn’t require clean up. Just a quick switch back to couch mode and it looks really nice and matches our decor. Win win.” – Shannon K. (See all reviews)
3. Figgy
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam
Price | $329+
Unlock your child’s imagination with Figgy. This multi-part couch includes four base cushions, two rectangles, and an option for an extra wedge (along with the chance to add waterproof liners to them all!). There are even expansion packs of additional wedges and rectangles, for creativity that knows no bounds. As for Figgy’s safety the inside is made of low VOC foam and the entire couch is free from BPA+BPS, PVC, phthalates, and formaldehyde. Made by two parents, these play couches are known to be “easy to clean up, fit in any living space, and infinitely versatile.” They truly have thought of it all.
Figgy Review | “We have had our Figgy for a couple of weeks now and it is a new house favorite. My son loves it for building forts and jumping on. He is a rough and tumble kid and it holds up beautifully! I find myself using it often as a seating choice when I am working in the evenings. I can position the pillows to provide a comfortable stand for my laptop and just find it to be really comfortable. Highly recommend.” – Emory L. (See all reviews)
4. Kozy Couch
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam
Price | $370+
Let’s just say the Kozy Couch lives up to its name: It’s endlessly soft and supportive yet sturdy enough for all kinds of play. We like that the outside fabric is fully machine-washable for any spills or stains (because, you know, toddlers), and that there’s a second inside cover for added protection. The Kozy Couch comes with two square cushions and one triangle cushion in one out of seven colors, but you can always opt for the Double Kozy or accessory packs, too. (The Double Kozy Couch is currently on sale for less than $300 — entertain two kiddos for the price of one!) Now we just need to find the same but for adults…
Kozy Couch Review | “My kids love these. We bought a second one recently and it’s hours of entertainment! They climb it, use it as a launch pad, tumble on it, build forts with it. Endless fun” – Jami S. (See all reviews)
5. Roo & You
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam, OEKO-TEX certified velveteen
Price | $249+
Roo & You is a family-owned small business based in Canada. What first began as a brand for silicone toys expanded into play couches when the founders’ own children were in need of kid-friendly couch cushions to play with — and that’s what the popular Joey collection is today. These play sets come in nearly a dozen styles for your child to pick from, from a modular ball pit to trapezoidal cushions, and the colors range from neutrals to bold (check out the Joey x The Wiggles collection for the brightest options!). All Joey products are crafted with CertiPUR certified foam and without ozone depleters, flame retardants, and heavy metals. Enjoy free shipping across Canada, and in the contiguous US on orders over $100 CAD.
Roo & You Review | “I didn’t understand the craze of these play couches during the pandemic, but I totally get it now and wish we got them sooner! We now have 3 joeys and a bunch of accessories. The joey is really your all in one “toy” – furniture in resting mode, use your imagination to make builds, and great for gross motor activities and getting the kid’s energy out” – Cynthia C. (See all reviews)
6. Stylized Nest
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR certified Canadian foam
Price | $384+
If you’ve ever wanted to gift something special to your little ones, we imagine a custom-made Stylized Nest play couch may be at the top of the list. Every sofa here is made-to-order, with up to 15 color choices, the choice to add handles, etc., and everything’s made in-house in Canada to ensure fair wages and conditions. Even the certiPUR certified foam — made without any off-gassing, flame retardants, or CFCs—is manufactured and cut locally. Whatever your child dreams of, they can build it with this play couch!
Stylized Nest Review | “This is our third Nest Deluxe couch. It’s been such a game-changer to have 6 bases to build with! My 5 kids love the larger, 2-story builds we can create now (and the foam pile aftermath once it’s been dismantled). Having 3 foam couches in their play space doesn’t really take up any more space than 2 did. We stack the bases side by side 3 high on each stack to create a long couch, and then put 4 rainbow bolsters on top along the back and 2 more bolsters on the floor in front as foot rests. The upholstery grade velvet is just pure luxury to the touch, and smudges wipe clean so easily, even on the lighter colors. Alpine Mist is a gorgeous minty/grey sage green color and we adore it!” – Jessica O. (See all reviews)
7. Toki Mats
Nontoxic Materials | GOTS-certified organic cotton, REACH compliant PU foam
Price | $185
Toki Mats’ Mudcloth Play Couch is a versatile convertible couch-to-lounger designed to elevate your child’s play space with style and functionality. Adorned with a striking mudcloth pattern, this play couch is constructed from lightweight, non-toxic foam, making it easy to transport from room to room. Its removable slipcover, made from GOTS certified organic cotton, is also machine washable for easy and hassle-free cleaning! This play couch offers a cozy spot for reading, lounging, playing, and even sleeping. With a focus on safety, comfort, and sustainability, both you and your little ones will benefit from this high-quality, versatile, and stylish playroom addition!
Toki Mats Review | “Our first product from Toki Mats and so impressed! The quality is amazing — the cover is so soft and love that it’s organic cotton. My toddler loves it so much!” – Leela M. (See all reviews)
Featured image is from Roo & You
