Eco-Friendly Toys for Babies and Toddlers
As parents, we want the best for our little ones, and that includes the toys they play with. But with so many plastic toys on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose safe and eco-friendly options for our babies and toddlers. Fortunately, there are many sustainable and non-toxic toys available that are not only good for the environment but also promote healthy development and imagination. In this blog post, we've rounded up the best eco-friendly toys for babies and toddlers that you can feel good about bringing into your home.
Traditional plastic toys may contain harmful chemicals like phthalates and BPA, which can leach into a child's body and cause developmental issues, hormone imbalances, and even cancer. In addition, plastic toys are often made from non-renewable resources and are not biodegradable, which leads to environmental pollution.
Eco-friendly toys, on the other hand, are made from natural, sustainable materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and wood. These materials are safer for children to play with as they do not contain any harmful chemicals. Additionally, eco-friendly toys are often more durable and long-lasting than traditional plastic toys, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Furthermore, many eco-friendly toy manufacturers prioritize sustainability and ethical production practices, making them a better choice for the environment and society as a whole.
After learning about the benefits of eco-friendly toys, you might be wondering which toys to choose for your little ones. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of the top 7 eco-friendly toys for babies and toddlers.
1. Wooden toys: Wooden toys are durable and long-lasting, and they don't contain harmful chemicals or plastics.
Tips: when you choose wooden toys for your baby, try to find quality wooden toys which have ASTM / SOR or CE Certified, avoid toys with sharp sides or corners, and avoid buying any colorful painting style.
2. Organic cotton stuffed animals: Stuffed animals made from organic cotton are soft, cuddly, and safe for babies to snuggle with.
Tips: Best choose a neutral color or natural colored organic cotton soft fabric toys which have CE Certified or EN71 tested, if the soft toys with music box or any electronic device inside need an extra 3C certificate.
3. Natural rubber teethers: Natural rubber teethers are a great alternative to plastic teethers, which may contain harmful chemicals like BPA.
Tips: read professional articles at The 8 Best Baby Teethers & The 4 Best Baby Teether Toys
4. Recycled plastic toys: If you prefer plastic toys, look for toys made from recycled plastic to reduce waste.
Tips: get more information about recycled plastic toys at EarthHero
5. Bamboo toys: Bamboo is a fast-growing, sustainable material that can be used to make toys that are durable and safe for babies.
Tips: Bamboo itself is a renewable resource and biodegradable, it's important to be cautious about purchasing bamboo toys that have been painted or glued. These additional materials can contain harmful chemicals such as lead and formaldehyde, which can be dangerous for children.
6. Cloth books: Cloth books are a great way to introduce babies to reading and they are often made with eco-friendly materials like organic cotton.
Tips: Avoid buying cheap cloth books for babies, don’t pick up cloth books with RED, DARK GREEN & DARK NAVY color fabric in it.
7. Handmade toys: Handmade toys are often made with natural, eco-friendly materials and can be personalized for your little one.
Tips: Most handmade toys are not mass production process and they may have no quality control or CE/EN71 certificate testing for products.
By choosing eco-friendly toys, you can provide your child with safe and sustainable playthings that will promote their development and protect the environment.
Choosing eco-friendly toys for babies and toddlers is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the health and safety of our children. The potential dangers of traditional plastic toys, such as toxic chemicals and choking hazards, can be avoided by opting for eco-friendly alternatives. The top eco-friendly toys listed above offer a variety of safe and sustainable options for parents to consider. By choosing these toys, parents can promote a healthy and eco-conscious lifestyle for their children. We encourage all parents to make the switch to eco-friendly toys for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.