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BANG FOR THE BITE
If 10,000 parent Biters switched from plastic to fair trade organic toys, $4.6 million would go to supporting safer work practices and earth-friendly production.
COCKTAIL FACT
The Teletubbies have been accused of promoting homosexuality, the drug ecstasy and poor speech development.
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home › tip library › Baby Week - Safe Baby Toys
Has baby got a playdate with phthalates?
The Bite
Just about every toy you set out somehow ends up in your baby’s mouth (Biters-in-training!). Many soft plastic and vinyl tyke toys are laden with harmful toxins like phthalates and PVC, which can be broken down and ingested through teething. Keep baby healthy and entertained with toxin-free eco-toys.The Benefits
- Start ‘em off in good health. There are currently no restrictions on phthalates in children’s toys. So keep chems that can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs and reproductive systems out of their little fingers.
- Keep yourself healthy. Low doses of Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical widely used in plastic food containers, baby bottles and toys could be a contributing factor to the development of breast cancer .
- Toys made from organic and sustainably-harvested materials rather than fossil fuel-based PVC or other plastics are better for the Earth.
Personally Speaking
Heather has already picked out about 15 organic rattles for our youngest Biter: her brand-spankin'-new nephew, Quinn, who was born last night in San Diego.
Wanna Try?
Many national retailers have pulled teethers containing phthalates off their shelves and now only work with companies that produce phthalate-free teethers. Check labels carefully if you are shopping there. Otherwise, here are our fave green companies offering eco- and health-friendly toys:- TaraLuna Baby Buddy Toy - this fair-trade cuddle buddy is made from organic cotton ($10).
- Organic Gift Shop Rollie Animals - toddler appropriate; made from natural wood and finished with food-grade oil ($7).
- Under the Nile Veggie Bunch - veggie-shaped toys stuffed with organic cotton ($26).
- Peace Baby Block Set - made from sustainably-forested pine ($28).
- If only we could still be this easily amused - find simple toys around the house. Wooden spoons, boxes and canning rings all make fun stacking toys and noisemakers.
Jul 11,2006
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Toy Story
Um, when I was a kid, according to me mom, my favorite toys were canning rings.
And if you think about it, they are pretty great toys:
Bang them together? Make a lot of noise.
Chew on them? They taste sort of metalic and make for good teething rings (OK, so I don't know if the metal is so healthy, but I turned out OK).
Throw them on the ground? Make a lot of noise.
Sadly, not many people these days are canners, so there are woefully few canning rings around. But the bigger point is this:
Toys are amazing. Toys can be educational.
But boxes can be toys. Do we really all need all this STUFF?
-Heather... off to try REALLY hard not to go completely broke buying toys for my brand-new, day-old nephew...
Biter Comments...
Congratulations Heather, on becoming a first time Aunt. I am sure you will be teaching your new baby,nephew, Quinn Gabriel many interesting facts, about how he can help make this world a better place to live. A new generation is what makes life interesting and challenging. Blessings to you and Quinn!!
From Your Aunt Linda
For years I swore that one day I'd give a two year old a bunch of empty boxes for his/her birthday, because every single toddler I've ever known has played with the boxes first. Last year I finally did exactly that, and they were the little girl's favorite toys for weeks! (Of course I know the parents pretty well, or I wouldn't have dared. And I got her a little dress too.)
Kids of all ages love boxes. Mine build castles.
Another great way to encourage play and recycling, a tickle trunk ( an old trunk or suit case filled with old clothing, hats, boots, bridesmaid dresses and suit jackets)My kids love having friends over to dress up. It also makes a great gift for nieces and nephews.
I can't believe it! My son loved canning rings, too! Thanks for the tip. Anyone know of good sources for older babies?
World Wide Child has some nice eco friendly toys for tots! http://www.worldwidechild.com/
I bought my newborn a couple sets of their handpainted animal sets. These are lovely. I can't wait till she is big enough to play with them. NO PLASTIC TOYS FOR US!
If you love baby clothes, you have to check out this adorable red poncho that we offering at www.sagebabynyc.com and the link is: http://www.sagebabynyc.com/organic-baby-clothes-kee-ka-p/kk-875385000600.
What better way to escape the cold winter months, but focus on the mild days of Spring.. At sage baby, the organic baby store, we are already thinking about Spring fashions..
Here is an idea to get you in the Spring mindset..
* Both chic and eco-friendly, our red poncho is made from 100% certified-organic cotton fleece and the gentlest dyes. So cuddly warm, it is perfect for those crisp, early spring days. Sizes available: 12-24 months, 2T and 4T. Manufactured by Kee-Ka. Retail: $50
I am so outraged by the presence of BPA in baby bottles and toys. I have always avoided plastic toys with my children for the aesthetics, quality, and health concers. Thus, I started a blog reviewing eco friendly toys and eco issues involving children.
http://www.ecochildsplay.com
Does anyone know where I can find bamboo or wooden bowls for infants and toddlers with dividers (instead of plastic bowls with dividers)? If so, please let me know.
If the use of health and safety materials, personally create a toy. Well, this is the world's best toys This will give the children left a good memory.
My kids likes to play with toys, and I love to buy them from DisneyShopping and ToysRUs stores at couponalbum.com..
PHOTO ALBUMS
Posted by: Jill | July 11, 2006 at 08:20 AM