Babies explore the world by putting everything in their mouths! So, it’s important to know what is in their toys. Many chemicals are hidden in cheap, mass-produced toys, so when shopping for baby toys, your best bet is to choose organic!
Look for these Canadian Certified Organic Logos while shopping:
Source: Certified Organic, (2012), Seitenwerkstatt, D. (2021)
The simpler the ingredient list, the better. Organic materials like wool and cotton are less harmful to individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and friendlier to those who suffer from eczema as well.
Wooden toys and non-toxic dyed toys are other options to look out for!
Baby Joy is a great place to shop for GOTS-certified organic cotton toys, wooden toys, and other non-toxic goodies made in Canada.
If shopping organic isn’t an option for you, here’s a list of ingredients to avoid in your baby toys:
Lead, Cadmium, PVC and Phthalates, Bisphenols (BPA + BPS), Flame Retardant Chemicals and Formaldehyde.
These chemicals are highly toxic and dangerous to children and adults alike. Currently, the permitted levels of Lead in Canadian products are: maximum 90 mg/kg, and Cadmium: maximum 130 mg/kg.
So, it’s best to do your own research and make it a habit to investigate the ingredients list!
Visit our section on: Child care, Housekeeping and Personal hygiene for more healthy solutions.
Healthy alternatives
Opt for toys made from wood and good-quality fabrics.
You’ll find a number of references and toys at Babyjoy.ca, Dilly Dally Kids, Sustain Ecostore, Tender Leaf Toys, Treeclub Kids, and Vert Imaginaire.
DIY Care for Toys
To prevent toys from collecting dust and bacteria, depending on the material: put them in the freezer for 24 hours, wash with hot water and a healthy laundry soap, or place them in the dishwasher or the tumble dryer (on high heat) for 30 minutes.
Here are a few tutorial ideas for making your toys and teddies/ dolls.
Avoid the following chemicals in regular products
- BPA: endocrine disruptor
- Glues: may contain solvents that are toxic to humans (1,1,1-trichloroethane, benzene, petroleum distillates, toluene, xylene, etc.)
- Dyes: possible carcinogens, skin sensitizers, photosensitizers and mutagens
- Plastic: may contain hydrocarbons, phthalates and bisphenol A, which are endocrine disruptors
References:
Buy Safe Organic Natural Baby Toys – Baby Joy Canada. (n.d.). Retrieved December 9, 2021, from: https://babyjoy.ca/collections/toys?gclid=CjwKCAiAv_KMBhAzEiwAs-rX1Cjit1OEWWJencMYgstK9dy2ifdeY2ptvUqy49lfh-OWbqxgocfwNRoCKbUQAvD_BwE
Canada, H. (2004, May 19). Lead Information Package—Some Commonly Asked Questions About Lead and Human Health https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/environmental-contaminants/lead/lead-information-package-some-commonly-asked-questions-about-lead-human-health.html
Certified Organic. (2012, October 19). The Organic Council of Ontario.https://www.organiccouncil.ca/organics/organic-certification/
Seitenwerkstatt, D. (n.d.). The Standard—Worldwide leading for organic textile production—GOTS. Retrieved December 9, 2021, from https://global-standard.org/the-standard