Infant Toys that Appeal to The Senses

You probably go through great lengths to find the right infant toys.

You make sure they are age-appropriate, have bright stimulating colors, and of course they have to be designed to instill the attributes of genius.

All she wants to do is:

a. put her toys in her mouth and

b. play with mommy and daddy and their toys (the remote, the telephone, the computer).

I know she'll grow out of these phases, as she does I'll be taking a more simple approach to future toy purchases.

Two questions you may want to ask yourself before your next toy purchase are:

• Are the baby toys safe?
  
  
• Do the baby toys inspire creativity or create clutter?

Are the Baby Toys Safe?

• Infant toys made of plastic often contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
  
  PVC has been linked to cancer and other health problems. Most baby bottles, pacifiers and teethers also contain PVC. So look for PVC-free labels on plastic infant toys and bath toys.

  Raising Baby Green says the following companies have removed PVC from their toys: Brio, Primetime Playthings, Sassy, Little Tikes, Lego, Early Start, Tiny Love.

  Always double check with the manufacturer of a toy to be certain. Most toys have the manufacturer's 800 number on the packaging.

• Avoid phthalates.
  
  They are added to PVC to make plastic soft and pliable. Phthalates are also carcinogenic (cause cancer) and have been linked to infertility.

• Paints on infant toys should be non-toxic and lead-free.
  
  Toys painted with milk-based, oil based and beeswax paints are becoming more readily available.

• Make sure your baby's wooden toys are made without toxic glues, paints and sealers.

  A nostalgic toy is hardly worth the extra exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and preservatives. Generally, an eco-conscious toy manufacturer will let you know in the sales info and packaging.

• Watch for the hidden hazards of plush toys.
  
  You may already be investigating plush toys for button noses and whiskers that could come off, but also consider the materials they are made of.

  Unless the manufacturers indicate otherwise, your child's furry friends are probably made from synthetic fibers derived from petrochemicals.

  The dyes used to color the fabrics can also be toxic. These toys continue to off-gas even after washing.

  The insides are generally polyeurathane, which is highly absorbent to any pesticides, flame retardants used to manufacture the toy.

  Yes, these chemicals are the industry norm according to a study done by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC).

  A sewn toy could always tear or be punctured so be mindful of the guts. Pill or grain-sized stuffings are potential choking hazards.

  Fortunately the selection of non-toxic, safe toys is growing. You can find beautifully crafted, organic toys and wooden toys online. Many parents, fed up with the latest recalls of led-tainted toys are looking to European toys as an alternative.

• Become familiar with the organizations that regulate toy safety in your country and stay on top of toy recall lists.

  The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is responsible for monitoring toy safety in the US. The CPSC and the Toy Industry Association works with manufacturers, retailers and importers to set standards.

  According to Toy Info.org less than 1% of the 3 billion U.S. toys sold each year are recalled. However, even the toy industry encourages parents to read labels and monitor playtime to ensure absolute safety.

  ToyInfo.org lists toys that have been recalled in the US this year.

  In Europe, children's toys have a CE mark, which means the manufacturer has complied with European safety standards

Baby Toy Articles:

Educational Toys and Games
Get tips on how to sift through the clutter and choose toys that encourage creativity.

Wooden Toys
All wooden toys are not created equal. This article includes tips on selecting natural and non-toxic toys for your baby.

Choosing Organic Baby Toys
This article points you to some resources for choosing organic toys for your baby.

Under The Nile Organic Fruit Basket Teethers:
This article features a product review of Under The Nile organic plush toy teethers.

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