The early years of your child's development are crucial, so it's important to pay attention to any aspects that can get in the way of the process, and as babies and toddlers tend to explore their surroundings by putting things in their mouths, it makes sense to take a closer look at their toys.
There are many toys on the market today that are made with safety in mind, but some have been recalled due to the choking hazards they posed.
This article will help you choose the right toy for your little one and protect him from potential dangers.
Toys that should not be given to children under 3 years old
- Small parts (metal, glass)
- Toys with small parts such as buttons, screws, magnets, etc. may cause choking if swallowed.
- Hard Plastic Parts - These toys can break and pose a risk of injury to young children.
- Soft rubber toys - These may contain small pieces of hard plastic that can get stuck in your throat.
Toys to be kept out of reach of toddlers:
- Sharp edges
- Choking hazard - Toys with sharp edges such as scissors, knives, forks, spoons, etc.
- Ropes and wires
- Toys containing batteries
Toys that need to be cleaned regularly
- plastic toys
- Wooden toys
- Dolls
- Plush animals
Choosing the right toy for your baby
When choosing a toy for your baby, consider the following factors:
Safety - Choose toys that are non-toxic and safe for your baby. Avoid toys with small parts, sharp edges and loose parts. If you are unsure whether a toy is safe, contact a pediatrician before giving it to your baby.
Fun - Choose fun and engaging toys for your baby. Playful activities must also include learning. Try using modeling clay, finger paint, or music boxes.
Age-appropriate - Make sure your baby's favorite toy is age-appropriate. Choose toys appropriate for your baby's age.
Chemicals to Avoid in Baby Toys
Many dangerous chemicals can lurk in baby toys. The most common are:
- Cadmium is a heavy metal that is often added to plastics to give them color and shine.
- Lead is another heavy metal that leaches into any liquid placed in a toy. This is especially serious if the toy is small enough that a child could choke on it.
- Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC , contains phthalates , endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to developmental disabilities, which can leach out of the plastic.
Warning against plastic
Plastic takes an average of 400 years to disintegrate and represents 70% of the waste present in the oceans. Plastic toys and PVC teethers contain phthalates , used to make the soft plastic, which are extremely toxic and can cause kidney, liver, and reproductive system damage.
Some hard plastic toys and childhood items contain bisphenol A ( BPA ), a substance that accumulates in the brain and can cause behavioral and memory problems. In fetuses and children under three years of age, the effect is more severe because the brain is still developing.
How to choose safely?
- Choose toys made from natural rubber, organic cotton, silicone, wool, raw, durable wood, or finished with natural oils, beeswax, or non-toxic paint.
- Avoid toys that contain toxic materials such as lead, phthalates, BPA, PVC, polyurethane foam, formaldehyde-based glue, or other chemicals known to be harmful to children's health.
- Avoid toys with small pieces of string, buttons or magnets that can penetrate clothing or skin.
Why choose sustainable toys for your child?
Sustainable toys are made from natural and renewable materials. They do not pollute the environment at any stage of their development and are designed to last, without sitting in landfills for centuries.
The best sustainable toy companies have a strong commitment to social responsibility and environmental stewardship. They use recycled or recyclable materials whenever possible and strive to reduce their impact on the planet by using energy-efficient manufacturing processes.
What types of toys should I choose for my young child?
It can be difficult to choose the perfect toy for your child, especially when they are just beginning to discover the world around them. Fortunately, we have prepared a list of the best toys for toddlers for you.
- Rag dolls - If you want to give your child a doll that is not harmful to his health, go for a rag doll. These dolls are usually handcrafted from recycled fabrics and other materials, making them environmentally friendly. Lilliputiens dolls and hand knitted dolls from Cuddle+Kind are great examples.
- BPA Free Dolls - Dolls are made of soft vinyl, which is both durable and flexible.
- Wooden Toys - Wooden toys are sturdy and durable. They can be used in the garden, on the beach or in the park. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, meaning they're great for all ages. Wooden toys are eco-friendly toys that last longer than plastic toys. They are also free of toxic chemicals. The Petilou range of toys from Toy Van is a must-have wooden toy for children under 2 years old.
- Natural rubber toys - made from the sap of natural rubber, taken directly from trees by digging into the bark, making them 100% natural, eco-friendly and compostable.
- Silicone Blocks - Silicone is durable, flexible, stain resistant, easy to clean, and able to withstand extreme temperatures without deteriorating. Reusable, it is truly eco-friendly from start to finish. Silicone improves the performance of the products we use every day while making the most of our natural resources.
- Stuffed animals - Stuffed animals are not only cute to cuddle, they are also wonderful companions for young children.
- Eco-Friendly Toys - Biodegradable green toys are made from wheat straw. It is an eco-friendly material and a smart, eco-friendly alternative to plastic. It is a premium food grade material that is completely BPA free and FDA approved. The impact of regular plastic on the environment is devastating, and plastic made from wheat straw is a great alternative.
PlanToys is a sustainable toy manufacturer using rubberwood as its primary material, a sustainable by-product of the latex industry's exploitation of trees used for natural rubber production once their productivity declines .
How to safely clean toys
Safely clean your children's toys with plant-derived products free of harsh chemicals, synthetic dyes and fragrances. Avoid soaking or immersing wooden toys in water; instead, clean them with a towel sprayed with warm water or white vinegar.
Check out our complete guide to toy cleaning for more details on methods and best practices.
