Sustainable toys for babies and children - what to look out for when buying them?
Sustainable toys for babies and children - what to look out for when buying them?
When it comes to toys for babies and children, we parents are spoiled for choice. The shelves in toy stores are crammed to the ceiling with colorful plastic toys, leaving little ones unsure where to look first. They're usually completely overwhelmed and want everything. But when buying toys, meaningfulness and, above all, sustainability should also play a role. In this article, we'll give you a few tips on what to consider when buying toys for children and why sustainable toys are the better choice.
On our blog you will also find tips for sustainable Easter gifts, Tips for staying motivated while hiking with a toddler , many ideas for simple micro-adventures in nature and 8 game ideas for rainy weather with children .
Why sustainable toys are the better choice.
Sustainability plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives, whether it's food, clothing, or children's toys. By choosing sustainable toys, we not only benefit the planet but also our health. Consumer protection organizations continue to find dangerous plasticizers, hardeners (Bisphenol A), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and solvents in children's toys during toy tests. Sustainable toys, on the other hand, are safe for children and the environment.
Wood is preferable to plastic
Most toys are made of plastic and contain polycarbonate. Tiny microplastic particles can be released unnoticed through contact with saliva and thus enter the mouth and bloodstream of young children. Toys that smell strange or chemical should definitely be left in the store.
Therefore, it's best to play it safe and only buy certified plastic toys, or even better, toys made from eco-friendly materials like natural wood. Eco-friendly toys are not only significantly better for the environment, but their warm, pleasant feel also provides children with a wonderful play experience.
How can I recognize sustainable toys?
Toys are increasingly being made from materials containing harmful substances and are not subject to quality control. Unfortunately, such harmful toys can also be found from some brand-name manufacturers. To be on the safe side, look for the GS mark ("tested safety") when buying toys. Toys with this mark have been tested for harmful substances and safety by an independent body.
Many sustainable toys are also awarded the "Blue Angel" eco-label for toys. This includes toys made from textiles, wood, plastic, leather, paper, rubber, and metal. GOTS, FSC, and WFTO labels also help identify fairly produced toys.
Support Small Business - Even sustainable toys without a label can be good toys.
Even toys from small, local businesses can be sustainable. Ideally, sustainable toys for children are produced locally, adhering to the strictest guidelines. Smaller companies can't always afford every certification for economic reasons. However, this doesn't mean these toys are inferior to the sustainable toys from large corporations.
When buying a sustainable toy, make sure it's ideally not made of plastic, has a neutral smell, and is of high quality. Research the company thoroughly before buying and trust your instincts.
We prefer to buy many things like clothes, toys, and baby equipment from small businesses and haven't been disappointed yet. After all, what could be more sustainable than a toy that hasn't traveled halfway around the world, consumed vast amounts of raw materials, and is made from renewable resources? Plus, you're more likely to find unique toys and little treasures that not everyone has at small, sustainable businesses.
Quality over quantity - children don't need much!
How many toys did you have as a child, and what was your favorite? I personally didn't have many, but I wasn't unhappy about it at all. Children love free play and learn the most by immersing themselves in their own imaginative worlds. They create themed worlds and engage with what they need for their development at that particular time. A few old cardboard boxes become a dream castle, or branches in the forest become an enchanted robber's den. Free play, and especially playing outdoors, not only promotes development but also supports children's health.
Good toys should fulfill multiple functions.
Pre-designed toys with pre-defined characters, predetermined building sets, and closed play landscapes leave no room for creativity and merely fulfill their intended functions. Sound chips and LED lighting stifle children's creativity from the outset. Such toys are definitely not educationally valuable. Good, sustainable toys for children, on the other hand, fulfill multiple functions and allow room for creativity. Simple building blocks, for example, can not only be used to build houses and roads, but can also serve as tools in combination with other toys.
Here are our sustainable little things for children
Feel free to check out our shop. Use the code "EASTER" to get 10% off your order.
I hope this post can inspire you to place a little value on sustainability when buying toys and in general.