Safe Toys for Healthy Kids

In my epic journey to create a green home, my kids' toy collection has been the focus of my attention. I saw that our toy collection had not only become cluttered and overflowing, but it also contained quite a bit of plastic. In my research on detoxifying the home, I came across lots of articles warning against putting plastic in the hands of my children-- many plastic toys contain a host of harmful chemicals like phthalates and bisephenol-A, which have been linked to cancer, premature development, infertility, impaired immune system, and other problems. There are also millions of toys, made in China, continuously being recalled due to high levels of lead, which causes even bigger problems in our children. Because children are young and still developing, they are highly susceptible to the negative effects of these chemicals.

I definitely don't want to risk harming my children, so what is the alternative? Natural toy choices might include those made from solid wood with a non-toxic finish, or toys made of organic cotton, wool, or hemp. We can choose to buy pricey toys from good companies like Nova Natural Toys, we can find non-toxic toys at the thrift store, or we can learn to make our own toys. A toy stove like this one I made is easy to make with pieces of wood and non-toxic paint and sealer. I even made the cookies out of non-toxic clay. The pots and pans are stainless steel from the thrift store, and the food in the pans are pieces from the wooden Melissa and Doug Cutting Food Box.

Here is a useful "Shopping for Toys Checklist" from Healthy Child Healthy World:
* Can something we already have be used as a toy? An empty box or set of stainless steel bowls can provide hours of happy play.
* Is the toy re-useable? Can it be added-to, creating new interest? For example, doll houses and building sets get repeated use, and adding one small accessory at a time can bring much joy.
* Will it last for several generations? Again, the doll house or building set are welcome hand-me-downs.
* Read labels carefully, looking for assurances that paints and finishes are non-toxic.
* Is this an antique or imported toy, which might be finished with toxic leaded paint?
* When in doubt, smell it! Toxic softeners in plastics can give them that "new smell." Strong fragrances and perfumes can provoke allergies or asthma.
* Did it harm the environment or people to produce this toy? For example, is it made of PVC plastic?
* How is the toy packaged? A huge box and lots of plastic wrap for a very small toy is unnecessary waste.
* Can we get this toy, or something like it, made locally, avoiding the pollution and fuel waste of shipping?

Sometimes I think my kids really don't need all the toys I find for them, even the natural ones. Paper and pens, water, dried beans, and books are the "toys" that seem to hold their attention the best. What kinds of creative toys do you think will entertain your kids while keeping them safe from chemicals?


Related posts/links:
Creating a Healthier Home
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Is It In Us
Healthy Toys.org
Lead Free Toy List
Finding Non-Toxic Toys
Blog post at Urban Mama with lots of comments and ideas