Natural Baby Toys

Children are very sensory in nature.

So it comes as no surprise to observe that the primary way that babies learn about their surroundings and the how the world operates is by exploring with their hands and mouths.

Such behaviors teach them about physics, cause and effect, taste, texture, sound, and shape among many others.

This way of experiencing the world is important for their development, so it is no wonder that parents are encouraged to give their babies and older children toys to help them grow mentally, foster creativity, and of course, to be entertained by them.

With some much technology available today, you'll find no shortage of toys that blink, move, talk and sing. While these toys can be great fun and provide stimulation for your child. It's important to remember the benefit of simple toys that encourage creativity.

Some parents are choosing to explore a more natural style of play by selecting natural products like natural wooden toys and those made from other natural or organic sources, such as bamboo, cotton, and wool.

Natural Baby Toys - Wood or Bamboo

Eco friendly toys such as those made from wood or bamboo are much more durable than their plastic counterparts. Wood can be harvested from sustainable forests and bamboo is a grass that grows to maturity in only four years, so both options are better for the planet too. When shopping for natural toys, be sure to look for those that have been painted with natural, plant based dyes.

Quality natural wooden toys do tend to cost more than plastic in most cases, so some people try and save money by picking them up second hand at thrift stores and yard sales.

Re-using or re-purposing items is a great eco-friendly principle but be extra vigilant regarding toys. You want to be certain that the toy is in great shape with no wear-and-tear that could cause a small piece to come loose and become a choking hazard.

Organic Natural Baby Toys

Organic natural baby toys and dolls made from organic fabrics are great toys. Organic fabrics are chemical free so if you have the skills, you can sew or knit them into toys yourself.

There are many patterns available online for cloth dolls and doll clothes as well as faux food for little play kitchens that you can knit yourself. Just pick up some organic cotton or organic wool and you can create a family heirloom that is sure to entertain.

Luckily it's no longer hard work to locate natural toys. You'll find them at some mainstream stores as well as at many online retailers. Depending on what you buy, natural toys might cost a bit more, but the piece of mind in knowing that your baby is playing with a toy that is made with nontoxic materials is well worth it.

Why the Recent Increased Interest in Natural Toys?

This recent surge in natural toys for children can be linked in part to concerns in recent years about conventional toys that are made of plastic. It is becoming increasingly well known that certain plastics can be unsafe.

According to CHECnet.org "phthalates are added to PVC (polyvinyl chloride) to make it soft and flexible.

Some phthalates have been linked to cancer, kidney and liver damage, harm to developing reproductive organs, and premature breast development in baby girls. Inhaling these chemicals can also worsen asthma in children."

To find out more about phthalates and your baby's skin, click here.

PVC itself is also dangerous. The manufacturing and disposal of this substance creates dioxins, one of the most toxic man-made substances known.

In addition to plastics, cloth toys can also be potentially hazardous if the cotton they are made with has been grown with pesticides and artificial fertilizers.

Nearly half of the most commonly used pesticides used to grow cotton have been labeled "probable" carcinogens by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Due to the fragility of babies and small children and their tendency to "mouth" or cuddle everything, it's best not to expose them to harsh chemicals that could pose a serious health risk. Natural baby toys are much better alternative for both our children and the environment.

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