3 Aspects that Make Wooden Toys Safe for Children
Toys are a critical part of a child's physical and cognitive development. Wooden toys have made a name for themselves as one of the safest options in the industry. However, with a plethora of wooden toy brands to choose from, it can be difficult for parents to establish what is safe and not. Despite the confusion, knowing what to look out for allows parents to buy safe wooden toys for their kids. This article provides more information in this regard.
Type of Timber -- Contrary to popular belief, not all wood is good wood, at least when it comes to wooden toys. Unfortunately, most parents do not look at the packaging for information regarding the type of wood used to make toys. Therefore, it often leads to costly accidents that would have been avoided by conducting due diligence. For instance, you should avoid any toys made from engineered wood because of its susceptibility to splintering, which poses a significant danger to children's delicate skin, especially since kids love putting stuff in their mouths. Similarly, stay away from toys made from maple, cypress, birch, or any other wood classified as contact sensitizers since the oils are likely to irritate a child's sensitive skin. The safest wooden toys are made from solid, low-toxic timber.
Construction -- The wooden toy you buy for your child must be age-appropriate. Typically, wooden toys fall into different age categories. The classification is based on a toy's construction, including size, strength, and joinery. For example, if a toy is small enough to go through a child's windpipe, it is considered unsafe for kids under 36 months. Similarly, children under 36 months need strong wooden toys that can withstand rough handling. On the other hand, more delicate toys are safe for children over 36 months because the kids are less likely to mishandle them. Lastly, safe wooden toys must have internal rather than external joinery. Besides, avoid any toys with exterior nails or screws.
Type of Finish -- Just because a wooden toy is sanded to a smooth finish does not mean that it is safe for your child. Sanding alone is not enough because all it does is eliminate the rough edges. However, tiny particles, such as dust or pebbles, can stick to the surface as a child plays with the toy, turning it into a dangerous object. Therefore, you should only buy wooden toys painted using non-toxic and lead-free paint. Additionally, only buy toys sealed with food-grade sealers since they are safe for ingestion.
To learn more, contact a resource that offers wholesale wooden toys.
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