May 17, 2008 – 6:11 pm
In all actuality, toys are considered to be an integral part of your child’s development and growth. They inspire freedom of thought, engage young minds, and stimulate and create imagination. Wooden toys have proven to be a wonderful choice for those parents that are looking for an alternative to plastic.
Wooden toys are battery and pesticide free and they are phthalate which not only benefits the environment but are also a much healthier option for your little one. Wooden toys create a demand within the market for products that are sustainable and they also keep batteries and plastic out of the landfills. Because of their durable nature, they can also be reused and passed down from one generation to the next. The simple wooden toys engage a child’s creativity and imagination unlike the toys that are battery operated which takes the imagination out of play.
Many manufacturers that produce wooden toys uphold the absolute highest safety standard and they provide an excellent educational toy for your children to enjoy. However, unfortunately, not all of the wood toys are going to have the benefits that were discussed above. Particle board, pressed wood and plywood can put off gas carcinogenic formaldehyde from the glue that is holding it together. Some common culprits are puzzle pieces. The best option would be unfinished solid wood that has been oiled with walnut, linseed or beeswax. Certified sustainable hardwood or recycled wood, harvested with out a clear cut is a very good choice.
Make sure that you steer clear of mineral oil when you have children that are under three and citrus oil because it can irritate the delicate respiratory tract that the child has. Lead and azo dyes within the painted toys also need to be avoided. All of these dyes can contain heavy metals and chlorine bleach. In relationship to purchasing plastic toys, sourcing natural wooden toys can be a little more challenging and a little more expensive. However, after you have given them a try, you could find them to be well worth all of the extra effort for the environment and most of all, your child.
Now that you know how much safer and healthier wooden toys are for your child in relationship to plastic toys, you will be able to make better choices selecting your child’s toys when you are out shopping with your child. However, remember that there are still guidelines you should follow.
One Response to “The Wooden Toy Wonder”
i can just agree with you about the useness of wooden toys. we also selling some in europe. the point is that children learning much by using wooden toys, because they can play by their own and use their fantasy. Moreover the quality is always approved by the producer.
By Katharina on May 19, 2008