Wooden Toys:
Make Play Time Sustainable

Natural wood toys are a healthy choice for your baby. Not only are they often, non-toxic, but they are attractive, durable and can be passed down for generations.

You will, however, want to make sure your baby's toys are finished with non-toxic sealers and paints, such as water or a milk-based paint. Pastel Toys (pictured above) are made with water-based paint. Or if you want to be 100 percent sure, you can buy them unfinished and paint or seal them yourself.

A toy's finish should not have a strong smell. Babies under three should not have toys finished with mineral oil, linseed oil or plant-based oil.

Also avoid toys made from pressed wood. They are made with an adhesive containing urea-formaldehyde (UF) that irritate your baby's gateways (skin, eyes, throat) and make him nauseous. Pressed wood toys don't look as well made and are bumpy and unfinished at the edges.

Eco-Friendly Toy Options

If you are concerned about the environmental effects of using natural wood baby toys, some manufacturers are making toys from Forest Stewardship Council FSC-certified wood and recycled wood to promote preserving our forests.

One green manufacturer, Plan Toys, uses recycled, organic rubberwood trees, formaldehyde free glue and water based dyes and inks for its toys. You can find pull toys, early learning toys and ride ons made by Plan Toys at retailers such as Amazon. Of course they also have wooden options for toddlers and older children.

Amazon also has a wide selection of toys that ranges from wooden rocking horses to wooden play kitchens and accessories. If you are not sure about all of the materials, always ask for clarification from the toy manufacturer.

The online toy store, Oompa. specializes in European toys and focuses on toy safety. They also disclose materials and the country in which the toy was assembled.

Wooden Toy Product Reviews:

Product Reviews of Plan Toys
Product Profile of Pastel Toys
Product Profile of Imagiplay Toys
Product Profile of Maple Landmark Toys

More Toy Articles:

6 Tips for Choosing Safe Toys
Educational Toys and Games
Choosing Organic Baby Toys
10 Green Gifts Under $20