I recently saw a 7 month-old baby who won me over with his toothless grin and at the same time reminded me how challenging it is being a first-time mom. Specifically, worrying about every little thing your baby puts in his mouth! Seeing his mother cringe as he grabbed a toy off the floor at a local play space and promptly started gumming it brought back memories of how I used to feel when my son did the same thing. But, that’s what babies do, which is why it’s comforting to know that you can at least ensure that the toys your child plays with at home are safe. Here are 10 great baby playthings that aren’t just non-toxic and environmentally-friendly, but lots of fun, too!
Sprig Cone Stacker. (Pictured above.) Made from recycled sprigwood–a mix of recycled wood and reclaimed plastic that’s safe for babies–this toy features successively smaller pieces in an ascending rainbow of colors for your little one to stack. Each piece also fits to the next by matching a hidden shape on the inside, providing an extra challenge for children as they grow. $14; amazon.com.
Jungle Bowling Set. (Pictured at left.) Made from organic cotton and all-natural dyes, this plush bowling set is a toy baby can safely play and snuggle with. Your little one’s attention will be drawn to the animal faces at the top of the pins and the bull’s-eye targets at the bottom. If baby doesn’t get the hang of bowling right away, she’ll still enjoy using the set to learn about different animals. $50; giggle.com.
Hape Mini Block and Roll. This set of eight learning blocks–made from natural wood and non-toxic paint–features four different shapes and a variety of colors. This is a toy children will grow into, eventually building towers and pulling the included cart along wherever they go. $21; yoyo.com.
Green Sprouts Natural Wooden Tree Rattle. This all-natural rattle is made without coatings, stains or paints, making it a simple and classic choice. Its straightforward design features four rings that can be shaken to baby’s content and the no-splinter finish is safe for little mouths. $15; mbeans.com.
Things That Go Wooden Book. (Pictured at left.) This is a unique take on the standard children’s board book: it’s made from sustainably-forested wood that can also stand up to teething infants. The book has eight wooden pages, each featuring a silk-screened illustration made from non-toxic paint and depicting a favorite form of transportation, from boats to baby carriages. $11; amazon.com.
Monkey Blanket Friend. Anything in Giggle’s signature orange color wins little ones over, and this organic cotton mini-blanket is no exception. Part stuffed-animal, part lovey, it will be carried around long after your little one’s gumming phase is over. $18; giggle.com.
My Natural Good Earth Fairy. This whimsical, fairy-themed rag doll is made from natural cotton and linen infused with colorful plant and mineral dyes. Choose between blonde or brunette hair, which your child will love tugging on. The filling is made from recycled material, as is the reusable cardboard gift box it comes in. $26; miyim.
Manhattan Toy Natural Skwish. (Pictured at left.) A winner of the Parenting Choice Classic Award, this “twisted web of rods, strings, and beads” is made from rubberwood and features a water-based, non-toxic finish. Its seemingly complicated structure is actually perfect for infants to grasp, and children of all ages are fascinated by stretching the toy then watching it collapse back to its original shape. $16; manhattantoy.com.
Sophie The Giraffe Teether. There’s a good chance you’re already familiar with this Parisian classic, which has become a favorite of babies around the city. But it’s more than just a recent fad. Made from natural rubber and food paint, this squeaky teething toy is non-toxic and eco-friendly and has been gummed by generations of French infants.
$20; amazon.com.
Green Toys Tugboat. (Pictured at left.) Your baby will love floating this colorful tugboat made from recycled milk containers around the tub. The handy grip and pour spout can be used to dump water on themselves, their toys, or mommy and daddy for some giggles. $15; greentoys.com.
Special Note: Another great resource for eco-friendly toys is Jade’s ToyBox. Founded by New York City mom Angelique LeDoux, this online toy store offers a curated collection of educational and environmentally responsible products for children, from newborn to 6 years old. Check it out at jadestoybox.com
