Eco-Friendly Toys For Your Child's Playroom

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Commercials and advertisements full of bright, colorful toys are likely to draw your child to them. Unfortunately, many of these toys are made of toxic materials that could harm your child over time. Make an eco-friendly playroom with sustainable toys for your child and enjoy sustaining the planet while keeping your child healthy.

Sustainable Climbing Structures

Large climbing blocks, small slides, and indoor swings can help your child healthily use their energy while indoors. When selecting indoor climbing structures for your child, make sure they are made with sustainable material. Opt for a natural rope swing, wooden climbing blocks, or a wooden slide. One fun option is to use eco-friendly climbing rocks and attach them to the wall. This can help your child safely develop reasoning and climbing skills.

Non-toxic Play Mats

Playmats are a great way to add color and texture to a playroom while giving your children a comfortable surface to play with. Many playmats are made of PVC, which is a highly toxic foam that can leach chemicals into your child's body. Opt for non-toxic play mats for your child's playroom instead. Some options include mats that are made from natural foam materials, cloth, or other sustainable materials. Look for organic options that are dyed with natural colors to keep your playroom as sustainable as possible.

Felt Play Food

Children naturally love to pretend to prepare, cooking, serving, and eating food. Play food and toy kitchens are a great way to encourage your child to use their imagination and become interested in trying new foods. Some play foods are made with plastic that is then painted. Unfortunately, these paints could have unsafe levels of chemicals or lead. Felt play food is a great alternative to plastic. Felt play food uses natural felt that is sturdily sewn together and stuffed with cotton. Using felt play food can add sensory play to your child's games as well as encourage them to explore.

Wooden Blocks, Cars and Race Tracks with Natural Stains

Wooden blocks, cars, and race tracks can keep your child occupied for hours as they build, knockdown, and race their creations. Wooden blocks are a popular option as they are incredibly sturdy and can last for years. The most important thing to look for when selecting wooden toys is their finish. Many toys are painted with toxic paints and finished with epoxies. Instead, look for wooden toys that are painted with organic or natural paints or natural stains. These stains will bring out the natural grains of the wood and keep your child free from chemicals. As a finish, make sure these toys are protected with natural wax rather than epoxy or spray-painted lacquer.

Natural Rubber or Wool Play Balls

Playing a game of catch can help your child develop hand-eye coordination as well as fine and gross motor skills. These skills can help younger children prepare for handwriting and scissor cutting in kindergarten. Many balls are made of plastic or commercialized rubber, which aren't the safest options. Balls made from 100 percent natural rubber or wool balls are just as fun to play with as their counterparts. Your children will love bouncing or tossing these balls with each other or you in their playroom, and you will love that they are playing ball with sustainable options.

Fabric or Metal Storage Bins

When it comes to organizing your child's toys, don't place your sustainable toys into plastic storage tubs. Make sure that their organization bins are eco-friendly as well to keep as many chemicals out of the playroom as possible. Wire storage bins made from metal, fabric storage bins, and wooden bookshelves are safer options when it comes to storage. These options are also often much sturdier than their plastic counterparts, which can help them last for years. As a bonus, these organizational tools can add beauty and class to your child's playroom.

Your child will spend the next several years growing and developing their minds and bodies. Toys can be helpful as they learn to explore and learn about the world around them. Don't be tempted to buy cheap toys that are made of unsustainable materials. Instead, opt for some of these eco-friendly options and make your child's playroom and the earth a better place.