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Wooden Toys are perfect for pre-schoolers, toddlers and babies. They are a safe way to encourage imagination, hand-eye coordination and motor skills through play. Toys finished with non-toxic stains, varnishes and paint become beautifully bright and are safe for even the smallest babies.
Toys for preschoolers should be durable, sturdy and devoid of harmful chemicals. They should be able to withstand endless hours of play, without exposing sharp edges, or releasing any small parts.
Recently, there has been much debate about toxic toys being imported from China, leading to mass product recalls by well established retailers in the US and the UK. For instance, in June 2007 there was found to be ‘excess levels of lead affecting surface paint on specific vehicles' in the ‘Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway Set', and the product had to be recalled (Trading Standard). Similarly, in November 2007, Mattel, the manufacturer of Hot Wheels cars and Barbie dolls, had to recall nearly a million products that were contaminated by lead.
In China it is legal to use lead in the production of plastic. The lead makes the plastic more flexible and allows plastic products to return to original shape. Shockingly, this method is still used to make some children's toys. Britain imports over £500m worth of toys made in China, and Chinese exports now equate to 90% of the toys sold in the European Union.
The advantage of buying non-toxic wooden toys is that they are 100% safe. They are made from natural, sustainable raw materials, and are free from harmful toxic substances like phthalates and lead, which are often employed in the manufacture of plastics.
A fantastic range of indoor and outdoor wooden toys is available from Spirit of Nature, a mail order company specializing in natural products for Mother and child. These toys are made from European pine and maple from managed Bavarian Forests, and are decorated with high quality non-toxic paint and water-soluble dyes. These wooden toys are perfectly safe for baby, toddler and child, and are designed to withstand endless hours of fun.
Check out non-toxic wooden toys at Spirit of Nature!