Choosing toys for your kids can be a little more complicated than just taking them to a toy store and having him/her point out what toys they would like. There are a bunch of things to look out for, ranging from choking hazards, to synthetic chemicals, to heavy metals that could be in the toys. The best way to avoid all of these harmful components and ensure you get the safest toys for your child is to simply go green.
Carefully crafted by hand using organic materials, eco-friendly toys can keep your kids safe from any immediate danger and also help to keep their health intact. Therefore, you will not go wrong with eco-friendly toys. Here are a few tips on how to go about selecting eco-friendly toys that will put your child’s health and the environment first.
#1 – Always Read Labels
Everything you need to know about a toy to determine its level of safety is in the label. What material is the toy made of? Does it pose any direct danger to the user? Is the toy BPA free or not? Always take a minute to carefully read all the information on a toy’s label before making a purchase. Toys that are considered safe are those that are toxic free and feature labels such as phthalate-free, PVC-free, BPA, free, and so on. An alternative to plastic toys could be a natural wood toy like the one above.
#2 – Stick with Trusted Brands
Just like all store-bought items, toys come from a variety of brands. Each toy brand has its own uniqueness. Some companies are famous for producing educational toys. Others brands have carved a niche for themselves in making toys that offer endless fun, and there are those known for being responsible and transparent by putting safety first. So, before you go toy shopping, do some research to find out what the market is saying about different brands. The way to go is trusted brands, which have a reputation for offering toys that are both safe and fun.
A few trusted Brands that you can consider include BeginAgain, HABA and Green Toys.
#3 – Go for Open-Ended Toys
Open-ended toys like Construction Sets are always a great option to go for because they offer a variety of play options, encourage imaginative play, and help grow your child’s creativity. What’s more, open-ended toys can last through different stages and ages of your child’s life. Therefore, make sure to keep an eye out for fun and safe open-ended toys during your trips to the toyshop.
If you are thinking of Legos but are worried about the plastic, you can consider Triqo which uses fully recyclable polypropylene in only two shapes (square and triangle) for endless creative possibilities.
#4 – Avoid Batteries and Plastics
When it comes to ensuring the safety of your child, plastics and batteries are top on the list of things to avoid. Plastics may contain high levels of harmful chemicals such as lead and phthalates while batteries can either be swallowed or leak out life-threatening toxins. So, to be on the safe side, stay clear of toys made of plastic and those that run on batteries. However, if you must get these kinds of toys, go for re-chargeable batteries and safer plastics (e.g. those labeled PVC or BPA free, and those with the numbers 2, 4, or 5 in the recycling symbol, 3 and 6 are to be avoided).
While sticking to the dos’ and don’ts listed above when toy shopping, it’s also important to go for quality toys. Although a little costly, high quality eco-friendly toys last longer and have a strong build that prevents premature breakage, which can pose another set of problems to children
