5 Nontoxic Play Couches That Are Better Than The Nugget

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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. Because play couches are crafted with foam, they’re often made of polyurethane which is flammable and contains harmful chemicals or VOCs. More recently, however, there are a new number of brands using retardant-free environmentally friendly foam—and they’ve got the third-party certifications to prove it.

We’ve rounded up five play couches below that we consider a notch (or several) above the Nugget, 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. Time to get creative! 🤸

1. Brentwood Home

Best For | Sustainable play
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.

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A woman leans over the back of a green play cushion and reaches for a blue cushion in a boy's arms

2. Figgy

Best For | Waterproof lining
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam, OEKO-TEX certified fabric
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 outside fabric is OEKO-TEX certified, 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.

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A girl runs through blue cushions stacked into a house shape

a boy climbs on a gray play cushion set into a triangle

3. Kozy Couch

Best For | Additional accessories
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam
Price | $269+

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…

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A girl lies under a propped up mint green play cushion

Two girls play on a light pink play couch shaped into a sofa

4. Roo & You

Best For | Buildable sets
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR-US certified foam, OEKO-TEX certified velveteen
Price | $220+ USD

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 $75 CAD.

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A baby sits in a multi-colored play couch

5. Stylized Nest

Best For | Outdoor & gifted play couches
Nontoxic Materials | CertiPUR certified Canadian foam
Price | $180+

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. As a bonus, Stylized Nest offers outdoor-friendly sets, thanks to the waterproof canvas fabric that can withstand everyday temperatures and 500+ hours of UV protection. Whatever your child dreams of, they can build it indoors or outdoors.

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