3 Tips: Choose Safer Toys

3 Tips: Choose Safer Toys

1. Keep PVC and polycarbonate plastic out of the toy box.

PVC (vinyl) is the soft, flexible plastic commonly found in bath toys, dolls, inflatables, and squeezy toys. Toys labeled “phthalate-free PVC” may still contain harmful or untested chemicals. BPA-containing polycarbonate is a clear hard plastic also found in toys. Look for toys labeled “BPA-free,” choose safer plastics, or go with natural materials.

2. Avoid polyurethane foam stuffed toys.

Instead look for toys filled with polyester, down, wool or cotton. These materials are less likely to contain flame retardants or offgas.

3. Pick plastic-free toys when possible made from materials such as solid wood, cloth, paper, or wool.

Ideas for plastic-free playthings include games and puzzles from cardboard or wood, fabric dolls, paper dolls, wooden rattles and wool figurines. Nature and natural materials can be the best educational toys. Consider the yellow represented in plastic toys, in contrast to the range of yellows in autumn leaves. Let nature be your toy box!