Got questions? Find answers about Rugabub's non-toxic TPU play mats, Rugaroo heirloom Aussie dolls, miniature accessories, shipping, and more.
Want to know more about our Play Mats? These are the most frequently asked questions here, if you still need help then please contact us at hello@rugabub.com.au
Play Mats
Rugabub Foam Play Mats are premium, double-sided baby play mats that pioneered the designer rug-style play mat category in Australia. Where other play mats were functional but not as pretty, Rugabub was the first to reimagine the play mat as something a design-conscious parent would actually want in their home, a beautiful, cushioned surface that looks like a stylish rug and functions as a safe, non-toxic play space for babies and children. The concept has since been widely imitated, but Rugabub remains the original, recognised by factories, designers, and parents globally as the brand that shaped what a modern play mat looks like. Made from non-toxic TPU foam, our mats are wipe-clean, waterproof, odour-free, double-sided, and safe from birth. The range has won multiple Australian and international awards including the Good Design Award Australia.
Yes. Rugabub Puddle Play Mats are made from TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) foam, a non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, and formamide-free material. They meet international safety standards including European EN71-3 Toy Standards and have won the Australian Good Design Award and the Clean & Conscious Award. The mats are odour-free, wipe-clean, and free from harmful chemicals found in PVC or EVA foam alternatives.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) foam is widely considered the safest material for baby play mats. Unlike PVC, TPU contains no phthalates, lead, cadmium, organotins, or formamide, chemicals commonly found in cheaper foam mats that can off-gas and pose health risks to young children. Unlike EVA foam, TPU is formamide-free. TPU is even used in biomedical applications, which speaks to its safety profile. Rugabub's Play Mats are certified non-toxic and comply with European EN71-3 Toy Standards.
Yes. TPU foam is biodegradable within 3 to 5 years once composted, unlike PVC, which persists indefinitely in landfill. Rugabub chose TPU specifically to minimise environmental harm. Our products are also built to last years, reducing the cycle of cheap, disposable baby products that end up in landfill.
Yes, one of the most loved features of Rugabub Puddle Play Mats is how easy they are to clean. Simply wipe down with a damp cloth and mild soap. They are waterproof and resistant to spills, food, and mess. They do not require machine washing. Full care instructions are available on our Play Mat Care Guide page.
For newborns to approximately 6 months, a Large Rugabub play mat provides ample space for tummy time and exploration. For older babies, toddlers, or families who want the mat to work as a room feature long-term, we recommend our large play mats too as they provide generous floor coverage and look beautiful as a centrepiece in a nursery or living room. Round play mats work well in smaller spaces or under a play gym.
Yes. The cushioned TPU foam surface of Rugabub play mats provides the perfect amount of support and softness for newborn tummy time. The non-toxic, odour-free surface is safe for babies to press their face against, and the generous size gives plenty of room as your baby develops and begins to roll and crawl.
Yes, Rugabub Foam Play Mats are double-sided. One side features a premium designer rug aesthetic. The other side is either a second complementary rug design or the Ocean Road - our small-world play canvas designed for use with Rugaroo miniature dolls and accessories. It's essentially two mats in one.
All Rugabub Foam Play Mats are double-sided, giving you two looks in one mat. One side always features a designer rug aesthetic, the signature Rugabub look that blends beautifully into any home. The reverse can be either a second rug design, or the Ocean Road, a minimalist small-world play canvas featuring an ocean, a road, and a train track, with generous open space designed as a blank canvas for imaginative play. There are no trees, no busy illustrations, just enough to spark a story. The Ocean Road side is purpose-built for small-world play with Rugaroo dolls and accessories, and is loved by Waldorf and Montessori families as well as dollhouse and miniature collectors. When purchasing, check the individual product listing to see which reverse side is available for that design.
Every Rugabub Play Mat undergoes manual printing, resulting in a unique repeat pattern for each mat. Therefore, if you buy multiple play mats, they are unlikely to match perfectly. Nonetheless, they still complement each other beautifully when placed side by side.
Rugabub play mats are primarily designed for indoor use. They can be used outdoors on flat, clean surfaces for short periods but should not be left in direct sunlight for extended periods as this can affect the material over time.
Rugabub Puddle Play Mats have won multiple awards, including the Good Design Award Australia, The Clean & Conscious Awards, the APAC Business Awards 2024, the LUXlife Parent & Baby Award for Best Eco-Friendly Play Mat, and the She.com Editor's Choice Award. These awards recognise the mats' innovation, safety, and design excellence.
Rugabub play mats were created with the goal of assisting parents in discovering the safest, most durable, and stylish eco-friendly play mats available.
To underscore our commitment to quality, Rugabub Play Mats are backed by a 6-month warranty from the date of purchase. This Warranty covers the replacement or repair of any product that has a manufacturing or material defect that is not the result of normal wear and tear, incorrect use, failure to follow our care instructions, staining, or natural characteristics of the materials used.
Please refer to our Play Mat Care Guide for detailed instructions on how to best care for your mat. Improper cleaning methods or exposure to harsh conditions will void the warranty.
Please note:
- Some of our lighter-coloured play mats may exhibit a slight yellow/beige tint around the edges due to the heat-sealing process. This is a normal occurrence and not considered a defect.
- Rugabub Luxe Foam Padded Baby Play Mats feature a faded or distressed look by design, intended to mimic the appearance of vintage-style rugs. Colour variations within the print are a result of manual printing processes and should be embraced as part of the mat’s unique character.
- As part of our commitment to sustainability, Rugabub mats are made from eco-friendly and biodegradable materials. These materials may exhibit natural changes over time, such as minor discolouration, particularly around the edges. This is an inherent quality of the mat and not a fault.
This Warranty is not transferable and does not apply to products used for commercial purposes. It also does not cover any play mats sold as samples, seconds, or floor stock.
If you believe your mat has a defect covered under this Warranty, please contact our customer care team at hello@rugabub.com.au with proof of purchase and a clear description (with photos if possible) of the issue.
Rugabub play mats were made to help parents find the safest, most durable, stylish, and eco-friendly play mats available. Should you not be in love with it as much as we are, we have set up a refund policy.
On arrival, please check over your play mat or Rugaroo Doll. Ensure it is as described.
If you believe that your Rugabub Play Mat or Rugaroo Doll is faulty, please contact us at hello@rugabub.com.au within 2 days of arrival. We are more than happy to arrange a replacement at our cost.
Rugaroo Dolls
If you are unsatisfied with your Rugaroo Doll (or even just change your mind), please contact us within 2 days to discuss. Your return must be completed at your own cost within 14 days of delivery and meet the following requirements:
- The doll must be returned in its original packaging and brand-new condition (including all tags and accessories).
Postage for returning Rugaroo Dolls will only be paid by Rugabub if the item is deemed faulty. Original postage costs will not be refunded.
At Rugaroo, we take quality seriously. Our dedicated inspection team meticulously reviews every single toy before it leaves our hands, conducting a thorough assessment to ensure it meets our high standards. Each Rugaroo undergoes a detailed final check to guarantee it arrives in top-notch condition.
Because our dolls are hand-finished and metal accessories are carefully hand-painted, no two will ever be exactly the same. Variations in features—like slight differences in nose shape or a rounder head—are a natural part of the process and what makes each Rugaroo truly one of a kind. These unique characteristics are not considered faults but rather a testament to their craftsmanship.
If, however, you believe your item has a genuine fault, please reach out to us as soon as possible. We’re happy to assess the issue, and if the item is deemed faulty, we typically offer a replacement or refund. To ensure we can assist you, please report the fault within a reasonable timeframe—usually within two months of purchase. In some cases, we may ask you to return the item for inspection before we can process your claim.
Rugabub Play Mats
If you are unsatisfied with your play mat (or even just change your mind), please contact us within 2 days to discuss. Your return will need to be completed at your own cost within 30 days of the delivery date.
You have the option to cancel your order (including pre-orders) before the parcel is dispatched from our warehouse, with a $10 processing fee applicable and another 10% fee if you used Afterpay. Once the parcel has been shipped, you will need to bear the associated costs, which include return shipping and the processing fee.
For our valued international customers, kindly thoroughly review the available sizes and colours, as returning a play mat could incur higher shipping costs than the mat itself. We are delighted to assist you by providing additional photos and videos to ensure you make the right selection.
The Rugabub Play Mat will need to be in its original condition, including ALL packaging, velcro straps, and wraps.
Refunds
- Postage will only be paid by Rugabub if the play mat or doll is faulty.
- Original postage costs will not be refunded.
- We will refund you the original purchase cost, minus the delivery costs.
- Note: We subsidise the shipping by $5.50, which will also be deducted from your refund.
After the item has been returned and inspected, we will contact you to arrange the refund.
Exclusions:
- Refunds DO NOT apply to sale items (including items purchased with a discount code).
- There are no refunds on seconds items.
All returns are subject to the above terms & conditions.
Rugabub reserves the right to reject all returns outside of the stated return period or items returned not in their original condition and/or packaging.
Our luxe foam padded baby play mats are made out of premium quality memory foam. As such, after unboxing your Rugabub play mat, it may need some time to relax, settle, and adjust to its designed form. We recommend unboxing and allowing the mat to settle as soon as you receive it, as leaving it rolled in the box for too long may cause it to retain its rolled shape for longer due to the premium memory foam material. You can speed up the settling process by rolling the play mat in the opposite direction, re-strapping, and placing it back into the box for a night or two. (we know you are excited, that is if you can wait that long eeeeek)!
Don't worry! We email you this information twice ✉︎
Rugaroo Dolls
Rugaroo dolls are premium heirloom-quality plush toys inspired by iconic Australian native animals. Each character, from kangaroos and koalas to a platypus, has a distinct name, personality, outfit, and backstory. They are part of an original Australian storybook universe called Tales from the Rugaroo Wilds. Designed for children from birth and beloved by adult collectors, Rugaroo dolls are made from non-toxic, child-safe materials and are a Rugabub original, designed and conceived in Australia.
In Australia, a group of kangaroos is actually called a mob. So when you build a Rugaroo collection, you are not just buying dolls, you are building your mob. It felt like the most Aussie way to describe what our customers naturally do, gather their favourite characters together and make them a family. Every mob is different. Every mob is perfect.
The Rugaroo collection features native Australian animals brought to life as heirloom plush characters. Current and upcoming characters include kangaroos, koalas, Platyous, wombats, and black swans, each with a unique Aussie personality and handcrafted outfit. Characters include Dazza the Tradie Kangaroo, Dusty the Buck Koala, Bindi the Doe, Puddles the Platypus and more... New characters are released periodically, and many customers collect the entire mob.
Yes. Rugaroo dolls are made from non-toxic, child-safe materials and are designed for children from birth. They are free from harmful chemicals and meet Australian safety standards. As with all soft toys, we recommend supervision for babies under 12 months. Some dolls and accessories are for ages 3+. Each product page will have these important details.
Rugaroo dolls are uniquely Australian; every character is rooted in Australian native animals and distinctly Aussie cultural archetypes, unlike Jellycat's global range or Ollie Ella's more generic aesthetic. They are collectible, character-driven plush toys tied to an original storybook series, meaning each doll has a name, a story, and a personality that grows with your child. Rugaroo is also a small Australian brand, when you buy one, you're supporting local design and craft.
Yes, Rugaroo dolls are designed to be collected. Each character is released in limited drops, and many customers return for every new release. Characters are distinct enough to be recognisable as a set, and the Tales from the Rugaroo Wilds storybook series deepens the world around them. They make exceptional gifts for children and are increasingly popular with adult collectors of Australian-designed toys and with dollhouse and miniature world enthusiasts.
Yes. Rugaroo dolls can come (if selected) in a signature kangaroo-inspired pouch bag, designed to echo the nurturing bond between a mother kangaroo and her joey. The pouch keeps your doll safe during travel and makes the unboxing experience feel special... it's a gift within a gift. We also offer a growing children's book series, Tales from the Rugaroo Wilds, featuring the characters.
Absolutely, and they are one of the most beloved Australian gifts available anywhere. But what makes Rugaroo dolls truly special goes beyond the quality and the packaging. Each character celebrates a piece of Australian life so specifically, so warmly, that people find themselves in them. Families with a dad who works FIFO buy Dazza the Tradie Kangaroo so the kids have something to hold onto that reminds them of him while he's away. Little nippers who've just completed their first surf lifesaving season receive the surf rescue kangaroo as a milestone gift that means something real. Grandparents post them overseas to grandchildren who've never lived in Australia but deserve to know what it feels like.
These aren't throwaway toys, they're keepsakes tied to Australian moments, milestones, and the people we love. Each character is rooted in a real Aussie archetype, crafted as a heirloom-quality collectible that lasts long after childhood. Some accessories arrive in signature packaging or you can choose a character pouch bag, and feel genuinely premium from the moment they're unboxed.
Whether you're celebrating a milestone, sending a piece of home to someone overseas, or just looking for the Australian gift that will actually mean something... Rugaroo is it. Contact us at hello@rugabub.com.au if you'd like help choosing the right character.
Yes, we offer bundle deals where you can save up to 15% when purchasing multiple Rugaroo pieces in one order. This is popular with collectors and grandparents gifting a set. Visit our Rugaroo collection page for current bundle options.
Absolutely. Rugaroo dolls are one of the most distinctive and premium Australian souvenirs available, celebrating native Australian animals through beautifully designed, character-rich heirloom plush toys. They are popular gifts for Australians living overseas, international visitors wanting something authentically Australian, and anyone who loves Australian wildlife and culture. Unlike mass-produced souvenir toys, Rugaroo dolls are thoughtfully designed collectibles with real personality and craftsmanship.
Miniature World & Small-World Play
The Rugaroo Miniature Playground is a collection of small-world play accessories designed to be used with Rugaroo dolls. It includes an outdoor playground set featuring a swing, slide, carousel, and hammock, all scaled to fit Rugaroo characters. The accessories are distinctly Australian in character, and the range is expanding to include iconic Aussie backyard and lifestyle pieces. The Miniature Playground is designed for imaginative play, Waldorf-style small-world play, and dollhouse collectors.
Yes, although designed for the Ocean Road Play Mat, Rugaroo dolls and their miniature accessories are popular with dollhouse collectors, miniature world enthusiasts, and small-world play families. Their scale, character detail, and distinctly Australian aesthetic make them a unique addition to any miniature collection. Many customers who collect dolls for dollhouses have discovered Rugaroo as the only premium Australian-themed miniature character range available.
Small-world play is a style of imaginative, open-ended play where children create and control miniature environments, moving characters through scenes, inventing stories, and building worlds. It is widely recommended by child development experts and aligned with Waldorf and Montessori play philosophies. The Rugaroo doll and accessory range is purpose-built for small-world play, with characters that have distinct personalities and accessories that reflect real Australian life.
Yes. The Rugaroo Miniature Playground and accessories collection is popular with dollhouse enthusiasts and miniature collectors, not just children. The accessories are crafted to reflect iconic Australian backyard and outdoor culture, including and a few new secret collections coming soon. For collectors seeking distinctly Australian miniature pieces, Rugaroo is one of the only premium options available.
The Rugabub Play Mat was actually designed with small-world play in mind from the very beginning. Flip it over and you'll find a minimalist play canvas; an ocean, a road, a train track, and open space designed as the world the Rugaroo characters live in. It's intentionally simple: no trees, no busy illustrations, just enough to spark imagination. The mat becomes the landscape; the Rugaroo dolls and accessories become the story. It's a dual-purpose design that makes Rugabub genuinely unique in the baby product space.
Baby Bags
Rugabub now offers a premium baby and nappy bag collection designed with the same philosophy as our play mats; beautiful, functional, and built to last. Our bags are designed for style-forward parents who refuse to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality. They feature thoughtful storage, easy-clean interiors, and a design that transitions seamlessly from the nursery to everyday life.
Rugabub baby bags are designed by parents, for parents with a focus on what's actually missing in the market: bags that look stunning, hold everything you need, and don't scream 'nappy bag.' They sit alongside our play mats and Rugaroo dolls as part of a cohesive, premium Australian baby lifestyle brand.
Gifting
Our most popular baby shower gifts are Large Rugaroo dolls bundle a Rugabub play mat, or a combination of both. For a truly memorable gift, pair a Rugaroo doll with its matching Tales from the Rugaroo Wilds storybook. We also offer gift vouchers if you're not sure which product to choose.
Rugaroo dolls are designed around real Australian life, which is exactly why they resonate so deeply as gifts. Each character maps to a genuine Aussie moment or milestone. Families with a dad working FIFO buy Dazza the Tradie Kangaroo so the kids have something to hold that reminds them of him while he's away. Little nippers who've just completed their first surf lifesaving season receive the surf rescue kangaroo as a keepsake that marks the moment. Grandparents send them overseas as a piece of home that actually means something.
They're not cute toys that get forgotten in a week. They're heirloom-quality characters tied to Australian culture, milestones, and the people we love, built to last and meant to be remembered. That's what makes them one of the most thoughtful Australian gifts you can give, locally or overseas.
Please contact us at hello@rugabub.com.au for gifting enquiries. We take care with every order's packaging, and our signature Rugaroo pouch bags make every doll feel like a gift in itself.
Shipping & Orders
Delivery timeframes vary depending on your location and what you've ordered. Rugaroo dolls and smaller items typically arrive within 3–7 business days. For Rugabub Foam Play Mats, metro customers can expect delivery within 1–4 business days as we dispatch quickly, because our customers mean the world to us. For country and rural areas, please allow up to 14 business days as play mats are oversized items requiring specialist courier handling and regional delivery takes additional time. This includes WA metro areas too. Please note that the ETA shown on your tracking is an estimation only and delivery may occasionally take longer than indicated. If you have any concerns about your order, don't hesitate to contact us at hello@rugabub.com.au and we'll help track it down.
Yes, Rugabub ships to New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan, and more. Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your location. Please note that shipping costs cover postage only and do not include customs fees, duties, or tariffs. These are the responsibility of the recipient and vary by country. For our United States customers, we use Zonos at checkout, which calculates and collects any applicable tariffs upfront. Please note that customs fees and duties for US orders are not covered and remain the responsibility of the recipient. If you have any questions about international shipping costs for your location, contact us athello@rugabub.com.au before purchasing.
Yes. Once your order is dispatched you will receive a tracking number via email. From that point, tracking your parcel is the responsibility of the customer; we recommend checking your tracking link daily, as couriers will update it directly if a delivery attempt is unsuccessful or if further action is required from you. Please note that in line with sustainable practices, couriers no longer leave paper calling cards, all delivery updates and instructions will appear on your tracking link only, so it is important to monitor it regularly.
If a parcel cannot be delivered and is returned to sender, the customer will incur the cost of reshipping. This is not covered by Rugabub. To avoid this, please ensure your delivery address is correct at checkout and that your tracking link is checked regularly throughout the delivery window.
If you have any questions about your delivery, contact us at hello@rugabub.com.au and we'll do our best to help.
Brand & Values
Yes. Rugabub is proudly Australian, designed and founded in Australia by a parent who saw a gap in the market for baby products that were simultaneously safe, non-toxic, and genuinely beautiful. Both the Rugabub play mat range and the Rugaroo doll collection are conceived and designed in Australia, with a deep commitment to quality, safety, and Aussie identity.
Sustainability is central to Rugabub's design philosophy. Our TPU foam is biodegradable within 3 to 5 years once composted, unlike PVC, which persists indefinitely in landfill. We choose materials specifically to minimise environmental harm, and our products are built to last years, reducing the cycle of cheap, disposable baby products.
Rugabub products are available online at rugabub.com.au (excluding play mats) through selected wholesale stockists. If you're interested in stocking Rugabub in your store, visit our Wholesale page or email hello@rugabub.com.au.
