Guide to Purchasing Safer Toys for Kids

Nothing is worse as a parent than going out and spending money on a new toy for your child only to see it on the news recalled for a safety issue. Most parents have experienced this dreaded moment at some point along the way and lets face it isn't fun. Not only are you angry that you wasted your money and gave your child a potential harmful toy, but your kid is usually hopping mad your taking it away. As a parent you do have better options for your children's toys. Many companies are now making safer, more natural toys for your children to enjoy. Although it is near impossible with relatives and friends giving gifts to convert all your toys to natural non-toxic toys, it is beneficial to try and partially convert.

Wood
Purchasing wooden toys is an excellent place to start your conversion to safer toys. Look for toys finished with non-toxic paints and finishes like linseed, walnut oils or beeswax. Children typically love wooden toys and they are durable enough to last generations. So you can hand them down from child to child with little wear and tear. Some of the most time honored toys are after all made from wood. Of course you have your standard building blocks, but additionally they still make those benches with the pegs that you hammer in and then flip over to start again. Wooden puzzles are still very popular as well and they are made in a wide variety of difficulty levels for children of all ages. You can also purchase board games like chess an checkers in wooden variations now for older children. Many websites and catalogs accommodate the demand for natural wooden toys, so they are not hard to locate and purchase.

Fabric
Children love to pretend, because of that dolls are a natural part of their play routines. Using their imaginations and imitating life is a natural desire for them, which is why dolls are so popular. Many dolls are now made from organic cotton which is an excellent alternative to the conventional plastic dolls. Organic cotton dolls are made from untreated cotton, using non-toxic dyes. Many companies are now offering dolls and stuffed animals made from organic cotton and wool. As with wooden toys these selections can easily be found online or in catalogs.

Art
Crafting and making things is another time honored childhood pastime. Your alternatives for letting your child be creative are now greater than ever. Not only can you make your own clay for modeling, but many companies also sell beeswax that is used in the same capacity. Additionally, paint supplies can be purchased organically as well. Many companies sell organic paints as an alternative to the standard options. Consider purchasingorganicorganic or recycledr children.

Obviously making an all out conversion to safer more earth friendly toys is near impossible. However, every natural toy purchase is one less conventional toy purchased. Not only does this create a safer environment for your children, but it helps create a cleaner environment for the future.