Picking and choosing toys for your baby can be a fun task for the whole family. With lots of brands and options to choose from, one can, however, feel a little confused when making a selection. Unfortunately, most of the commercial baby toys that we come across may be made from materials that can be toxic for your little one as well as the environment.
Many parents might struggle to find the right kind of toys that are safe for their baby and are also sustainable and biodegradable at the same time. Thus, today we will explore some of the best kinds of eco-friendly baby toys out there.
Why You Should Not Buy Plastic Toys
The majority of the toys available in the market nowadays are made from plastic which can cause many health problems for your child and harm to the environment. Here are some of the reasons why you should not opt for plastic toys:
- Made from toxins and chemicals like phthalates, lead, BPA, etc.
- Harmful for the growth and development of children
- Can cause allergic reactions or breathing problems
- Are not responsibly sourced
- Not sustainable or biodegradable, thus contributing to landfills
Wooden Toys - A Classic Eco-Friendly Baby Toy
Wooden toys are one of the best and most popular choices when it comes to baby toys that have been used for many centuries. Not only are they safe for your little one to play with, they are also classic and long-lasting. The majority of wooden toys are manufactured using sustainable materials such as bamboo wood.
Moreover, FSC-certified wood is also used, which essentially means that the wood used to make the toys is sourced from trees in a more responsible and safer manner. One of the great features of using wooden toys is that they are biodegradable. Thus they do not contribute towards land pollution.
Eco-Friendly Organic Cotton Baby Toys
Another eco-friendly alternative to commercial toys is organic cotton toys. Many companies have started manufacturing greener toys using 100% organic cotton. They are soft and perfect toys for your baby to hug or cuddle. Moreover, they are hypo-allergic and free from any harmful chemicals such as dyes and pesticides. Similar to wooden toys, they are also biodegradable and thus do not end up in landfills.
Natural Rubber Toys
Toys made from rubber are a suitable swap for plastic toys which do not increase your carbon footprint. These versatile rubber toys are made using the sap of rubber trees and sourced responsibly thus, no harm comes to the tree. Sustainable and biodegradable, they are one of the safest options when it comes to your children as well as the environment. Since no harmful chemicals or toxins are used in manufacturing, they are okay for your baby to play with or even chew.
Recycled Plastic Toys
For parents who prefer toys that are plastic but safe for the baby and the environment at the same time, recycled plastic toys might be the choice. Like commercial plastic toys, recycled plastic toys are also durable and versatile.
They greatly reduce the adverse effects towards your baby’s well-being and that of the environment. Thus you get the benefit of plastic toys without the harmful consequences.
Plant-Based Plastic Baby Toys
Another excellent alternative for plastic toys is using plant-based plastic toys instead. These toys are made from plant-based sources like potatoes and sugarcane, or even corn. Plant-based plastic toys are greener as compared to traditional plastic toys as they do not contain harmful ingredients like lead, PVC, and formaldehyde. And, not to forget, they are long-lasting and biodegradable as well.
Eco-Friendly Recycled & Upcycled Baby Toys
A creative solution for the landfill problem, recycling and upcycling are practices that are encouraged and appreciated. They make use of by-products and waste materials that would end up contributing to land pollution and increasing carbon footprint.
Recycled or upcycled toys may include stuffed toys that are created from things like cardboard boxes and leftover fabrics. They are a great way to instill eco-friendly values in your children from a young age.
Silicone Toys
Last on the list, we have baby toys made from silicone. These toys are made from silica, a natural material derived from sand, and are a safer option as compared to plastic. They are free from harsh chemicals and are completely biodegradable. Attractive and easy to clean, they are a good investment to make for most parents who strive to be conscious of the environment.
In a nutshell, we can indeed say that eco-friendly baby toys are the best alternatives to traditional plastic toys to provide a healthy environment for your children. Not only do they ensure your child stays healthy, but they also ensure the environment is cared for. Thus, by making conscious choices, you can do what’s best for your family and the environment.