~ 5 min read

How to Choose Safe Toys for Infants

Learn essential tips for selecting safe, age-appropriate toys for infants, with a focus on material safety and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.

Selecting safe toys for your infant is crucial for their development and well-being. This guide will help you make informed choices, with a special focus on material safety and reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances.

The Importance of Material Safety

Infants explore their world primarily through their mouths, making the safety of toy materials paramount. Exposure to harmful chemicals during this critical developmental stage can have long-lasting effects [1].

Key Considerations for Material Safety:

  1. Choose natural materials: Opt for toys made from wood, organic cotton, wool, or food-grade silicone.
  2. Avoid PVC and phthalates: These can leach harmful chemicals [2].
  3. Look for non-toxic paints and dyes: Ensure all colorants used are safe if ingested.
  4. Check for BPA-free labels: Especially important for plastic toys.

Safe Materials for Infant Toys

  1. Wood: Untreated, sustainably sourced wood is an excellent choice.
  2. Organic fabrics: Cotton, wool, and hemp are safe and durable options.
  3. Food-grade silicone: Safe for chewing and easy to clean.
  4. Natural rubber: A good alternative for teething toys.

For safe teething toy options, visit our guide to the best teething toys.

Choosing Safe Play Mats for Children

Play mats, being larger items, can be a significant source of harmful chemicals, particularly formamide and ammonia. A recent study has highlighted these risks:

  1. Avoid foam mats: Research has shown that foam mats, including those made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), and cross-linked polyethylene (XPE), can emit high levels of formamide and ammonia. Formamide has been classified as a Class 1B reproductive toxicant to children by the European Union (EU) Chemicals Agency [3].

  2. Be aware of long-term emissions: Testing revealed that formamide emissions from foam mats can remain significantly higher than EU emission limits (20 μg/m3) for extended periods, potentially becoming a permanent indoor contaminant throughout the product's lifecycle.

  3. Consider exposure risks: Children aged 0.5-6 years may be exposed to concerning levels of these chemicals, with those aged 0.5-2 years at higher risk for dermal exposure.

  4. Choose alternative materials: Opt for play mats made of natural materials like cotton or wool, or consider silicone mats which are easy to clean and don't off-gas.

  5. Look for handmade options: These may reduce the risk of synthetic material residue from factory machines.

Explore our recommendations for safe, natural play mats.

Benefits of Handmade Toys

Handmade toys offer several advantages:

  1. Material control: Artisans often use natural, high-quality materials.
  2. Reduced chemical exposure: Less likely to contain residues from industrial processes.
  3. Uniqueness: Each toy is one-of-a-kind, adding character to your child's collection.
  4. Support for small businesses: Often ethically produced and environmentally friendly.

Age-Appropriate Toy Selection

Choose toys suitable for your infant's developmental stage:

  1. 0-3 months: High-contrast patterns, soft rattles, unbreakable mirrors
  2. 3-6 months: Teething toys, soft blocks, crinkle toys
  3. 6-9 months: Stacking cups, board books, large beads or rings
  4. 9-12 months: Shape sorters, push-and-pull toys, simple puzzles

Safety Checklist for Infant Toys

  1. Size: Ensure toys and their parts are larger than your child's mouth to prevent choking.
  2. Durability: Check that toys won't break into small pieces with use.
  3. Cleanliness: Choose toys that are easy to clean and sanitize.
  4. Strings and cords: Avoid toys with long strings or cords that could pose a strangulation hazard.
  5. Sharp edges: Ensure there are no sharp points or edges.
  6. Battery compartments: These should be secure and inaccessible to infants.

Certifications to Look For

  1. ASTM F963: The standard consumer safety specification for toy safety in the US [4].
  2. EN 71: The European standard for toy safety.
  3. GOTS: For organic textile certification.

Maintaining Toy Safety

  1. Regular inspections: Check toys frequently for wear and damage.
  2. Proper cleaning: Clean toys regularly according to their material.
  3. Storage: Store toys in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.

When to Replace Toys

Replace toys if you notice:

  • Cracks or breaks
  • Peeling paint
  • Exposed stuffing
  • Any signs of mold or mildew

Remember, the safest toys are those used under adult supervision. Always monitor your infant during playtime to ensure their safety and enjoyment.

#InfantSafety #ToySafety #BabyProducts #ChildDevelopment #NaturalToys

Note: This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance on your infant's care and safety.

Sources

  1. Braun, J. M., Lanphear, B. P., Calafat, A. M., Deria, S., Khoury, J., Howe, C. J., & Venners, S. A. (2014). Early-life bisphenol a exposure and child body mass index: a prospective cohort study. Environmental health perspectives, 122(11), 1239–1245. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408258

  2. Ejaredar, M., Nyanza, E. C., Ten Eycke, K., & Dewey, D. (2015). Phthalate exposure and childrens neurodevelopment: A systematic review. Environmental research, 142, 51–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2015.06.014

  3. Dang, M., Li, M., Li, J., Liu, R., Guo, Y., & Hou, K. (2023). Emissions of Formamide and Ammonia from Foam Mats: Online Measurement Based on Dopant-Assisted Photoionization TOFMS and Assessment of Their Exposure for Children. Environmental science & technology, 57(14), 5646–5654. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.2c08857

  4. ASTM International. (2021). ASTM F963-17, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety. https://www.astm.org/f0963-17.html