green toys

Green Toys

Natural toy shops are to be found in many towns, and focus on dolls, games and toys made from natural materials. Basically, you don’t have to press buttons to make toys ‘do things’, instead encouraging creative play without batteries (which are choking hazards too).

Of course, no toys should be left alone with children. But look for brands that carry proper safety kitemarks, to ensure they have no parts that can be swallowed, and are treated with nontoxic paints, and also made sustainably.

Materials Used in Natural Toys

  • Wood: Often sourced from sustainable forests, wooden toys such as blocks or puzzles encourage tactile exploration. They are durable and can withstand rough play, making them perfect companions for energetic kids.
  • Organic Cotton: This soft fabric is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. Organic cotton toys, like stuffed animals or dolls, provide a safe and gentle option for little ones. The natural fibres feel good against the skin and are less likely to cause allergies.
  • Non-toxic Paints: Many natural toys are finished with non-toxic paints or natural oils. This ensures that even when toys go in little mouths, they don’t pose any health risks. It’s essential to check that the paints are certified safe for children.

Benefits of Natural Toys

Natural toys offer numerous advantages beyond just being eco-friendly. Here’s what makes them a fantastic choice:

  1. Better for the Environment: Natural materials often come from renewable sources, reducing the environmental footprint. When these toys reach the end of their life, they can usually break down more easily than plastic toys.
  2. Safer for Children: With fewer harmful chemicals and toxins, natural safe toys minimise the risk of allergies and other health issues. Parents can feel confident knowing their children are safe while they play.
  3. Promoting Imaginative Play: Natural toys are usually less flashy than plastic ones, encouraging children to use their imagination. When kids play with simple, natural toys, they invent stories and scenarios, developing problem-solving skills and creativity.

Understanding Toy Safety Kitemarks

Toy safety kitemarks signify that a product meets specific safety standards set forth by recognised organisations. These marks serve as a badge of honour, reassuring parents that the toys have been rigorously tested for safety. Here’s how to identify compliant toys:

  • Look for symbols: Common kitemarks include the CE mark, which indicates the toy meets European safety standards, and the EN71 mark, which specifically relates to toy safety in the EU.
  • Check packaging: Responsible manufacturers often print kitemarks directly on the packaging. If you see these symbols, it’s a good sign that the toy is safe for your child.
  • Read reviews: Parents often share their experiences with different products. Look for toys that have received positive feedback regarding safety and durability.

Age Appropriateness in Toy Selection

When choosing natural safe toys for children, age appropriateness is crucial. Different age groups have different needs and abilities. What works for a toddler might not be suitable for a preschooler or an older child.

  • Small Parts: Always check for small parts that could pose choking hazards. Toys for children under three years old should be free of any small pieces.
  • Materials Matter: Younger children often explore toys by mouthing them. Choose natural toys made from safe materials like organic cotton, rubberwood, or other non-toxic substances.
  • Durability: Kids can be rough with toys, especially toddlers. Look for sturdy natural toys that can withstand some wear and tear without breaking apart.
  • Age Labels: Trust the age recommendations on toys. They are put there for a reason, to prevent accidents that could arise from misunderstandings of a child’s abilities.
  • Supervision: Always supervise playtime for younger kids. Even the safest toys need adult oversight to avoid mishaps.

Recommended Age Ranges for Natural Toys

Selecting the right natural toys for various age groups can enhance safety and enjoyment. Here are specific recommendations:

  • Infants (0-12 months):
    • Soft cloth toys made from organic materials.
    • Rubber teething toys that can safely soothe sore gums.
  • Toddlers (1-3 years):
    • Wooden shape sorters help with motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
    • Stacking rings made from natural wood or rubber, great for exploration.
  • Preschoolers (4-5 years):
    • Simple puzzles with large wooden pieces, fostering problem-solving.
    • Creative playsets made from eco-friendly materials that encourage imaginative scenarios.
  • Early School Age (6-8 years):
    • Building blocks crafted from non-toxic wood that inspire creativity and engineering skills.
    • Art supplies like natural crayons or paints allow for creative expression.

Creating a Safe Play Environment

Setting up a safe play area at home can make all the difference. It doesn’t take much, but some thoughtful steps can greatly reduce risks. Here are some tips to consider:

  • Clear the Play Space: Keep the area free of clutter. Remove any hard or sharp objects that could cause injury.
  • Use Soft Surfaces: Consider using rugs or foam mats. These can cushion falls and make playtime more comfortable.
  • Age-Appropriate Toys: Ensure toys match your child’s age and abilities. This helps prevent accidents that can occur when children use toys that are too advanced.
  • Regular Inspections: Check toys regularly for wear and tear. Natural safe toys like wooden or rubberwood options can last long but still need your attention. Look for splinters or loose pieces.
  • Set Boundaries: Define where playtime happens. Make it clear that some areas are off-limits, especially near stairs, dangerous objects, or fragile items.
  • Adequate Supervision: Always keep an eye on your children while they play, especially when they are using new toys. Interaction with them can also foster safer play practices.

Teaching Children About Safe Play

Educating children on safe play is crucial. Kids often don’t realise the potential dangers toys might present. Here are some effective ways to instil safe toy use:

  • Discuss Safety Rules: Have a chat about safe play habits. Use simple language and clear examples. For instance, explain that running with toys can be dangerous.
  • Demonstrate Proper Use: Show them how to use their natural safe toys correctly. For example, if they are using building blocks, explain how to build a stable structure and why it’s important.
  • Encourage Questions: Create an open environment where children feel comfortable asking about play safety. This helps them understand risks better.
  • Make Learning Fun: Turn safety lessons into a game. Use role-play scenarios or storytelling to illustrate the importance of being cautious.
  • Lead by Example: Kids learn through observation. Show them how to treat toys and their play area with respect.

Natural Toys (made from reclaimed rubberwood)

mentari toys

Mentari Toys is a quality brand of children’s toys, made from reclaimed rubberwood in Indonesia. Rubberwood is basically the reclaimed wood leftover, from making latex. And for every tree grown for the rubber industry, these Indonesian workers plant another one.

mentari toys

Wooden toys are designed to last for generations, and help to stimulate a child’s imagination and cognitive/motor skills. The range (which includes age guides per product) includes:

Stacking Dinosaurs will give all children hours of fun, not just those who live near the Jurassic Coast! They will have hours of funning trying to balance Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Brontosaurus, Iguanodon and Pterodactyl, before stacking them away in their own cotton drawstring bag for next time. Coloured with non-toxic water stain.

mentari toys

There are lots more fun items to play with including stacking toys (in both bird and ocean designs).

mentari toys

‘Plastic Toys’ (made from recycled milk jugs)

green toys

The days of plastic toys are gradually coming to an end. Not just for environmental reasons, but parents are now more savvy, in knowing that such toys can offgas chemicals, which are hormone disruptors, and often choking hazards.

green toys

Green Toys (also sold at Green Tulip) is a US brand, but with good safety caveats, and a best-seller over the pond. It basically recreates all the usual favourites (plastic ducks, boats and toys along with ‘buckets and spades’) but makes them out of old milk jugs, rather than support the new plastic (oil) industry. Everything’s packed in cardboard, printed with eco inks.

green toys

This company is quality. It doesn’t cut corners (so no glues or screws) and the toys surpass standards for safety and environment. The site has age guides and safety info by product.  The tool set (for girls or boys) includes a tool box, two screwdrivers, a hammer, saw, wrench, pliers, two 2-hole connectors, two nails, two bolts and two nuts.

green toys

Plastic-free ‘Dinosaur Masks!

clockwork soldier toys

Triceratops Mask lets your child be a dinosaur for the day, even if they live nowhere near the Jurassic Coast. Walk and roar with the pre-cut pieces to fold along the creased lines (includes instruction kit). The mask has a moving ‘jaw’ to eat you up (some dinosaurs could chomp you in two bites!) and is reversible, so has two colour options to choose from. For ages 7 to 107!

Where to Recycle Plastic Toys

You and your community can get together and order a TerraCycle toy recycling box,  to send all plastic toys off to made into other things, and get them out of your town once and for all. This box accepts all plastic toys, jigsaw puzzles, action figures, soft toys, board games and plastic building sets, blocks and kitchen sets.

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