As parents, we want to always give our kids the best. Since kids spend a large amount of their time surrounded by playthings and toys, it is only natural to buy the best toys for them. Does it mean you buy the fanciest, most expensive, most colorful or most musical of them all? Actually, no. It means that you choose toys for toddlers that are safe while being entertaining.
Here is more on buying eco-friendly and green toys for toddlers and preschoolers.
Buy Plastic Toys Free of PVC, Lead and VOCs
Plastic toys are often favored by parents of toddlers and preschoolers since they’re durable, easy-to-keep clean and usually inexpensive. However, plastic toys, even by reputable brands, can come loaded with PVC and lead or VOCs in the paint. To know which toys are actually safe for your child and for the planet, keep a watch on the U.S government’s recall database at CPSC.gov and also, check out resources that promote safe toys for children such as SafeKids.org, HealthyToys.org and EcoCenter.org.
Wooden Toys for Toddlers are Fun and Green
Toys made of natural or recycled wood are earth-friendly and kid-appropriate. Babies and toddlers who love to gum everything are safer with toys made with natural wood. Choose toys made of sustainable wood and you can be sure that not only will your toddlers be safe with the toys, the toys will also be safe with your little one! This Organic Rubberwood Block Set from Plan Toys will truly make a toddler’s day while being safe and durable as well.
Organic Cloth and Plush Toddler Toys
While cloth or plush toys and dolls are probably the most durable, even these can contain toxic dyes and chemicals. Choose toys made of organic cotton, hemp and wool which are ideal for small hands and imaginative minds. miYim:Simply Organic has a good collection of certified organic cotton cloth toys for babies and toddlers. Under the Nile is another cool option for certified natural, organic plush toddler and infant toys. Check out this really sweet toolset made of organic cotton in a natural wood toolbox from Under the Nile. There are many other certified eco-friendly plush toy brands and while they maybe a tad more expensive than regular plush toys, they’ll definitely be worth the money in the long run.
Battery-Free Natural Toys for Toddlers
Toys that are free of batteries are great for kids since they encourage them to push, pull or move the toys around themselves. Batteries are filled with toxic metal and the non-rechargeable ones are going to end up filling up landfills. On the other hand, non-battery toys, such as the ones by Sprig Toys, are ideal for both indoor and outdoor play, encourage eye-hand coordination and nurture the imagination as well.
Choosing the best toys for your toddler can never be easy, but picking toys that are safe for the planet will make your task simpler. So whether you want toys that encourage imaginative play or are simply looking for a cuddly bedtime buddy, you can find whatever you need from the range of organic, natural and earth-friendly toys in the market.
Photo Credit: Art by Steve Johnson
