For those of you that don’t know, I have two boys: Thomas (T.J.) and Nathan. After T.J. was born, it was really important to me to clean up our home, starting with the items that I use directly on him. There were a few things that I tweaked after having Nathan, and of course I’m always learning. I recently started looking into safer alternatives to baby toys and decided to highlight some small shops that I found during my search.
These days you can find baby items ranging from plastic to wood so it’s important to know about some of these ingredients before buying. Plastic and vinyl could contain some pretty strong chemicals for anyone, especially babies. Some of these chemicals include phthalates, Bisphenol-a (BPA), and PVC. Even when you see “BPA free” on the label, look again. Check the recycling symbol on the package and if you see a number 7, it likely has BPA. You’ll also want to avoid traditional paint, since these could contain chemicals like lead and are going directly into your baby’s mouth.
So What Materials Should I Look For?
Look for items made from wood coated with 100% beeswax, 100% natural rubber, food-grade silicone and 100% organic cotton. To read my post about the importance of buying organic cotton, click here. When it comes to homemade teethers, I personally love to wet a bunch of 100% cotton washcloths, freeze them, and let them chew on that as long as they want. I find that it’s flexible, soft, and a little rough to provide relief.
In all aspects of my life I really believe that the simpler the better. The bright lights and noises can be so distracting to a growing mind. The simple cause and effect of a rattle or stacking blocks can arguably teach them more than a baby cell phone will. Not to mention how annoying it is when one of those toys stays on and decides to hide at the bottom of the box.
The following list are my small shop recommendations for safe baby toys and other baby goods. Show them (and your family!) some love and shop small for a loved one.
For Teething Babes:
Personalized Organic Wood & Silicone Teether Toy from Courage Craft Co.
Why I love it: It’s made with 100% organic maple wood treated with organic beeswax and 100% food-grade silicone. These can also be personalized and would make for a great gift. Check out the Courage Craft Co. shop for more organic teether options.
Boo the Bunny Natural Rubber Teething Toy from Rooba Baby
Why I love it: This teether is made from 100% natural rubber, complies with European standards (which tend to be stricter than ours!), and is free from PVC, BPA, and phthalates. Visit the Rooba Baby shop to see more details.
Organic Macrame Pacifier Clip from Crawling Wild
Why I love it: These are handmade in the United States with 100% organic cotton. The macrame pattern allows for teething relief and the fact that it’s cotton means easy cleaning. There are also a variety of vibrant colors to choose from, definitely something for everyone. Head over to Crawling Wild for more organic pacifier clip styles.
Organic Muslin Baby Bib from lido parker
Why I love it: These beautifully simple bibs are made from 2 layers of double 100% organic cotton muslin gauze. The shop has a bunch of colors, including tie dye, and these can be personalized! Another great gift option. To see all of the other options, visit the lido parker shop.
For Cuddlers:
Pebble Toys Organic Handmade Knit Stegosaurus from Lynn Michelle Design
Why I love it: These adorable knit animals are hand made from 100% organic cotton and are OEKO-TEX standard 100 certified, which ensures strict production quality “from the thread to the end product” (source). These can also be machine washed so your little one can enjoy them for years to come. Visit the Lynn Michelle Design shop for more knit toy options.
Organic Bamboo Cotton Swaddle from A Farm And Its Flowers
Why I love it: These swaddle blankets are made from 100% organic cotton and come in beautiful muted colors. These sweet blankets can be personalized and reviewers noted how soft these are for baby. Visit A Farm And Its Flowers for other organic swaddle options and cute personalized gifts.
Organic Cotton Footed Onesie from Sandstone Avenue
Why I love it: These onesies are made from 100% organic cotton and is Global Organic Textile Standard certified to ensure that it is both socially and environmentally responsible. They also come in beautiful colors like terracotta and everglade. Check out the Sandstone Avenue shop for more organic cotton items and other goods.
Organic Swaddle Set with Knotted Hat from Blumberry Co.
Why I love it: This swaddle set is made from 100% organic cotton that is GOTS certified. You can purchase this beautiful swaddle by itself or in a set with the hat and teether. This makes a great safe and natural gift for baby. Visit Blumberry Co shop for more organic swaddle options and baby accessories.
For Busy Hands:
Organic Personalized Baby Blocks from Bannor Toys
Why I love it: These blocks are handmade using natural wood and finished using 100% organic beeswax and flax seed oil. These help teach fine motor skills and cause/effect. Visit the Bannor Toys shop for more organic and handmade wood toys.
Organic Alligator Crinkle Stuffed Toy from ecoleeko
Why I love it: This is handmade with organic cotton and bamboo fleece. It’s also stuffed with organic cotton and buckwheat hulls. This little guy provides a lot of sensory play for your little guy or gal. Visit the ecoleeko shop for more organic and eco-friendly handmade baby toys.
Organic Wooden Rattle from By Tiny Moon
Why I love it: These rattles are made from 100% organic beech wood and can be personalized. A great highlight about beech wood is that it’s naturally antibacterial so you can feel better about letting your little one chomp on it. Visit the By Tiny Moon shop for more sweet and simple organic baby goods.
6 Piece Wooden Baby Puzzle Set from Twist Pals
Why I love it: This set of natural wood Montessori-style toys are finished using organic olive oil and beeswax. They’re simple enough to allow for imaginative play and introduce your baby to concepts like “in” and “out”. They also come in a cotton storage bag to keep them all in one place. Check out Twist Pals shop for more organic baby items including teethers and toys.
Final Thoughts
Remember to read the labels and know the ingredients even with baby toys. There are so many safe options for your little one. Just remember to look for items made from 100% organic cotton, 100% rubber, food grade silicone, and wood coated with natural materials like 100% beeswax. Ditch traditional dyes and paints to avoid additional chemicals. Lastly, shop small whenever you can to support businesses who really rely on the products they create and sell!
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