Choosing Safe Baby Toys

Have a look at the US Consumer Product Safety Commission’s list of recalled toys and it’s more than enough to make any parent’s head spin.

In our home we’ve decided to pass on conventional toy makers, cheap plastics, and toxic liquids. A mom’s life is busy enough without the added worry about seemingly safe baby toys in our homes. I’ve grown tired of the news reports about lead paint, BPA’s and countless toxic products threatening our children’s health, although I’m thankful for the information.  These days, it can seem quite a challenge to find safe baby toys.

This is in large part because many conventional toys are made of plastic and it is becoming increasingly well known that certain plastics can be unsafe. According to CHECnet.org “phthalates are added to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to make it soft and flexible. Some phthalates have been linked to cancer, kidney and liver damage, harm to developing reproductive organs, and premature breast development in baby girls. Inhaling these chemicals can also worsen asthma in children.” PVC itself is also dangerous. The manufacturing and disposal of this substance creates dioxins, one of the most toxic man-made substances known.

Cloth toys can also be potentially hazardous if the cotton they are made with has been grown with pesticides and artificial fertilizers. Nearly half of the most commonly used pesticides used to grow cotton have been labeled “probable” carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Due the small size and vulnerability of babies and small children and their propensity to “mouth” or cuddle everything, it is so important that the baby toys be as safe as possible.

If you’re ready to pack up the plastic toys and “return to maker”, consider these alternatives to find some safe baby toys:

• Wooden toys are natural materials and they are much more durable than their plastic counterparts, creating less waste and less need to constantly replace broken toys. Try to find wood can has been harvested from sustainable forests. Also, since quality wooden toys cost more than plastic in most cases, you can save money by picking them up second hand at thrift stores and yard sales.
• Bamboo Toys. A grass that grows to maturity in only four years, this is an excellent option for the environment as well. (clothing is great too!)
• Organic Cotton Toys are a great option for babies. Check out the fun “vegetable” teethers at Grass Roots.

One thing that I love about all of these ideas for safe baby toys is that many of the makers create toys that are so original and endearing. They captivate my daughters attention with their simplistic designs and allow her imagination to grow.

Tagged as: Natural Toys, Non-Toxic Family