What to Look for in Soft Play Equipment: A Safety Buying Guide
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Quick answer: When buying soft play equipment, check six things: foam that is firm enough to climb on but cushions a fall, a durable cover that suits how you'll clean it, closures that children can't easily open, rounded corners and no hard parts, a weight that adults can move but toddlers can't topple, and clear safety information, including the standard it was tested to and fire information for venues. Then match the height to the youngest child who'll use it.
Whether it's a first ball pit for a baby or a set of foam pieces for a nursery room, the question we hear most at Soft Play Market is "how do I know it's safe?". This guide covers the physical features to check before you buy and what to ask the seller. If you're weighing up budget options, our guide to cheap vs quality soft play looks at where the money goes; for the standards themselves, see soft play safety standards in the UK.
How firm should soft play foam be?
Foam needs to do two jobs: hold its shape when a child climbs or stands on it, and cushion a fall. Very soft foam squashes under a toddler's weight, so steps and slides feel wobbly and children lose their footing. Very hard foam holds its shape but doesn't cushion much. Good soft play foam springs back quickly when you press it with your hand and doesn't bottom out when an adult kneels on it.
Ask whether the foam is high-density, and check that each piece has an even fill with no hollow corners. Cheaper pieces often sag at the edges within months.
Which cover material is safest and easiest to clean?
| Cover type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| PVC / artificial leather | Nurseries, venues, homes with food nearby | Can feel cool; avoid harsh cleaners that crack it |
| Bouclé, corduroy, velvet | Living rooms and playrooms | Needs vacuuming and spot-cleaning; check if covers are removable |
| Soft jersey | Baby ball pits | Softer and warmer, but marks show; wash covers to the label |
Whatever the material, look at the stitching. Seams should be tight and even, with no loose threads that a baby could pull or chew. Our guide to cleaning products for soft play covers how to look after each type.
Are zips or velcro safer on soft play covers?
Both are fine if they're hidden or hard for a small child to open. Zips should sit on the underside or back of a piece, ideally with a covered pull. Velcro should be strong and positioned so it doesn't come apart during play. The main risk is a child opening a cover and getting to the foam inside, which can be bitten off. Check zips and velcro each time you clean.
What should you check on corners and edges?
- Rounded or chamfered corners on blocks, steps and slides.
- No hard parts on the surface: no plastic trims, metal fittings, screws or rivets a child can touch.
- No gaps where pieces join that could trap fingers or feet. Pieces should sit flush.
- Slide surfaces smooth, with a gentle angle for under-3s.
How heavy should soft play pieces be?
Heavy enough that a toddler can't topple a piece onto themselves, light enough that an adult can move it for cleaning and rearranging. Tall, narrow pieces are more likely to tip than low, wide ones. In a nursery or venue, pieces staff can lift alone make daily cleaning realistic. Non-slip bases help pieces stay put on hard floors.
What safety information should the seller provide?
- The standard it was tested to. For home and nursery foam pieces and ball pits, that's normally EN 71 (toys).
- Age range. Match it to the youngest child using it.
- Materials: foam type, cover material, and whether the cover is removable.
- Fire information, if you're buying for a venue or nursery. Ask what's available for the foam and covers, and pass it to whoever does your fire risk assessment.
- Care and inspection instructions.
For ball pits, also check the ball size. We recommend 7cm balls for babies and never smaller than 6cm for under-3s. Our balls are made in the EU, contain no PVC, BPA or phthalates and are EN 71 tested.
What does good soft play equipment cost?
As a guide from our range: foam ball pits start at around £120 with balls included, a small five-block footbridge and slide set is about £199, and bundles combining a castle, slide, steps and ball pit run from about £240 to £600. A complete starter bundle for a larger room or venue is about £1,236. Browse all soft play sets to compare. Delivery in the UK is free, and returns are accepted within 30 days.
Is second-hand soft play safe?
It can be, but check covers for splits, foam for sagging and zips for damage, and clean everything thoroughly before use. Avoid pieces with no information about what they are or where they came from.
What height of soft play is safe for a toddler?
Low enough that a fall lands on cushioned floor from a short height. For under-3s, floor-level pieces with steps and short slides are ideal.
Do I need foam mats under soft play?
On hard floors, yes, they're worth having. They cushion falls off the edge of the equipment and stop pieces sliding.