When we were getting ready to have a baby, I wanted our home to be as natural and safe as possible. I did a lot of research, and discovered that there are a lot of options when it comes to safe and natural toys. In a world saturated with mass-produced plastic toys, the quest for toys made from sustainable, non-toxic materials can be challenging, but rewarding. Fortunately, over the years, more natural toys have become available.
** Always do your research on products, as companies can make changes and information can become outdated.
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Some safe brands include:
Here are some steps to help you find the best safe, natural toys for your child!
Research
Research brands and companies that specialize in eco-friendly, natural toys. Look for those that prioritize sustainability, use non-toxic materials, and have transparent manufacturing processes.
Materials
Pay attention to the materials used in the toys. There are an abundance of toys made from plastic. The most toxic are PVC (#3-vinyl) and polycarbonate (#7 made with bisphenol A). Keep in mind that babies are putting things in their mouth all the time, so this is an especially important time to avoid chemicals.
Look for toys made from alternative natural materials such as wood, organic cotton, bamboo, or recycled materials. These materials are not only safer for children but also more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Certifications
Check for certifications that indicate the safety and environmental standards of the toys. Look for labels such as ASTM International, EN71, and CPSIA, which ensure compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, certifications like Organic Content Standard (OCS) or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) for textiles guarantee that the materials used are organic and free from harmful chemicals.
Avoid Toxic Chemicals
Be wary of toys containing harmful chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, lead, and formaldehyde. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues and should be avoided, especially in children’s toys. Look for toys that are labeled as BPA-free, phthalate-free, and lead-free to minimize exposure to toxins.
Durability
Choose toys that are well-made and durable to withstand rough play and last for years. High-quality natural materials like solid wood tend to be more durable than plastic and are less likely to break or wear out quickly. Investing in durable toys not only reduces waste, but also ensures that your child can enjoy them for a long time.
Age Appropriateness
Consider your child’s age and developmental stage when selecting toys. Choose toys that are suitable for your child’s age range and interests to promote engagement and learning. Avoid toys with small parts or sharp edges that could pose choking hazards, especially for younger children.
Versatility
Look for toys that encourage open-ended play and creativity. Versatile toys like building blocks, wooden puzzles, and play sets allow children to use their imagination and explore different ways of playing. These toys promote cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and social interaction.
Support Local and Handmade
Explore local artisans and small businesses that specialize in handmade or locally sourced toys. Supporting local craftsmanship not only promotes sustainability but also ensures unique, one-of-a-kind toys that are made with care and attention to detail. If you aren’t able to find locally made products, look for ones that are made in the US.
Do be careful that these homemade toys are up to safety standards.
Owl Maple Teether – made in Middlebury, VT
Check for Recalls
Before making a purchase, check for any recalls or safety alerts related to the toy. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website provides up-to-date information on product recalls and safety standards for children’s toys.
Janod Green Market Shopping Cart
Ask for Recommendations
Reach out to other parents, caregivers, or childcare professionals for recommendations on safe and natural toys. Personal experiences and insights can help you discover hidden gems and trusted brands that prioritize safety and sustainability.
Consider Your Whole Home
In addition to finding safe toys, think about your whole home and all the products you use, from clothing to gear, chemical free cleaning products, and more.
By following these steps and being mindful of materials, certifications, and safety standards, you can find the best safe and natural toys that promote your child’s health, development, and eco-conscious values. Investing in high-quality, sustainable toys not only benefits your child but also contributes to a healthier planet for future generations.
Toys that baby baby-safe are so important! Babies love putting stuff in their mouths so I certainly wouldn’t want anything toxic for them to play with.
It’s especially important to be picky on what you let your child teethe on! The Owl Maple Teether works wonders!!
I love so many of these toys. My kids had some of the natural toys and they held up the best.
Using natural children’s toys not only helps to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals found in plastic toys, but also promotes a connection to nature and sustainability from a young age. These toys are not only safer for children to play with, but also provide a more eco-friendly option that supports the well-being of our planet.
It’s great that there are a wider range of toys available on the market. I’ve been buying more eco-friendly, non-toxic toys myself for my nephews where available. They do seem to last longer. I also rehome my kids own toys that they no longer want.
I am loving all of these natural toys for the kiddos! They are awesome looking and love that they are safe for the kids to use too. I avoid toys from other countries….. I remember when the toys from china in the early 2000’s were laced with lead. Not what you wnat your baby or toddlers to be touching and putting into their mouths.
These are some great toys and a few of them I purchased for my grandkids. I love that they are all natural toys and are safe for the kids to enjoy.
Love that you’ve shared all the safe toy brands for kids! I’m sharing it with my niece who is due in three months!
These are great toys, it is so important to find toys that are safe for younger children, because they put everything in their mouth. I love that they are natural, and I will keep these in mind what I have grandkids.
With so much attention on reducing our environmental footprint, it’s wonderful to see a guide dedicated to eco-friendly and safe toys for our little ones. I’ve been trying to make more conscious choices in every aspect of our lives, and your post has added several brands to my list that I hadn’t heard of before.
so glad to see there are so many safe toys for kids today.. when i was a child myself, played with so many wooden and clay toys which were definitely way safer than others that became popular later
Be careful with wood toys as well. Some brands use paint that has lead in it. This isn’t good for kids.
Safety is always a top priority when it comes to kids’ toys in our house. It’s great that you made a roundup of these natural toys for children.
I love wood toys with natural dyes. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Some great options right here. I wish I read a blog like this when my kid was little. So important because kids touch everything and put everything in their mouths, it’s always best to go all natural.
I agree – when my children were little I was always on the look out for more natural toys. I loved buying the wooden tea sets and stackers and we also had a Sophie Giraffe too.
Thank you for all the research you did on safe and natural children’s toys. I have a few birthday parties coming up for young children and I see several items that interest me.
Thank you for the tips. I have 2 kids and they love toys. Lately, I’ve been looking for ways to make eco-friendly choices, so this post is timely.
I do opt for eco friendly when I can, so much nicer than pastic toys and they last a lot longer and can be passed down as well
Natural toys are so important! I have not seen that finger paint before – it’s great to know of natural ones.
This is such an amazing guide, thank you so much…I had no idea about the materials, I am mind-blown! Great info.
Preparing for parenthood led me on a quest for safe and natural toys, ensuring our home was as healthy as possible for our baby. Researching options amidst the sea of plastic toys proved both challenging and rewarding. Thankfully, as awareness grows, more sustainable and non-toxic choices are becoming available. Remember, it’s crucial to stay informed and keep researching, as product information can change over time.
I really love this. I think it’s about time we got back to buying toys that don’t have microchips and processors in them!
This is such a helpful guide. We don’t think too much about the materials of toys, just what is in fashion. There are great ideas.
It’s so tricky nowadays to know what materials and chemicals are being used where from clothing, food, cosmetics, to toys and furniture. Thank you for raising awareness on it and sharing these non-toxic sage alternatives.
I love that there has been a shift to using more eco friendly toys by companies over recent years. I normally check for the age suggestions before buying a toy just to be sure.
These natural toys are amazing! I think the finger paints look especially fun! These are perfect for conscious parents and happy kids!
Such good tips for new parents. Kids put their toys all the time in their mouth and these tips are super useful;