One way children love exploring their environment is by placing objects, such as toys in their mouths. In the 19th century, plain wood was used to make children's toys but after World War II, the manufacturing industry began making toys out of plastic because it was by far cheaper than wood and was affordable for all families. As wooden toy making declined, more innovative ways to make toys out of plastic were created as well as a host of health issues associated with them. Chemicals found in the plastic like bisphenol A and phthalates can mimic estrogen and alter the normal way genes work.
Though there are those scientists believe that chemicals found in toys are at low levels and cause no long term harmful effects, many others are not convinced that these chemicals even in small levels are harmless. Some chemical names are so long they shorten them! PVC, Polyvinyl Chloride is one of many chemicals used in the making of certain plastic toys.
So what is the difference between the safety of wooden toys and plastic made toys? What is better, plastic or wood? Wood is natural, there are no chemicals in wood! It is wise to keep in mind; however, that if you're searching for wooden toys for your children to play with, look for toys which are unpainted or if looking for something more colorful (my nieces and nephews love colorful wooden blocks), than look for a wooden toy company that uses non-toxic paint finishes. There are several out there worth mentioning here. When researching wooden toys that would be both safe and non-toxic but appealing as well, Woodmouse stood out. Homemade with a purpose. The owner, Amber Dusick decided she wanted her children to have safe toys to play with, so she took her inspirations and creative designs from paper to finished wooden toys for them to play with. Natural Pod, Green Pea, and Eco Toys are but a few of the online stores that create safe, non-toxic wooden toys for children.