Recent toy recalls by trusted manufacturers of some of the brands most loved by our children has put fear in the hearts of most parents this holiday season.  The long and growing list of toys found with lead paint, loose magnets small enough to swallow and other hazards (see US Consumer Product Safety Commission Toy Recall list) makes us wonder if in spite of our diligence to clean out known dangers from our children's toybox, tomorrow we'll hear of a new announcement related to something our child is playing with today.

How Can We Offer Safe Toys To Our Children?

Fortunately there are natural alternatives to the plastic, often toxic, mass produced toys on the market today.  The toys of our parents were not the toys of today.  Simple, hand sewn dolls and bears stuffed with natural fibers, unpainted wooden blocks, rope toys, wooden trucks and trains were the norm.  But with two career families stressed by long commute times and no end of extra curricular activities like sports practices and just trying to keep the house clean and groceries in the refrigerator, it has become impractical for most of us to find the time to make our own gifts.  But what should we look for in natural toys to ensure they are safe for our children?

Organic Cotton

Cotton is one of the world’s most pesticide intensive crops and cotton farming takes a heavy toll on the environment.  According to Simplelife, cotton is heavily sprayed 8-10 times a season in extreme cases with chemicals so toxic they gradually render fields barren.  To create the finished goods, fabrics are often colored with toxic dyes and finished with formaldehyde.  Many children have experienced allergic reactions to clothing or toys due to the harmful dyes, pesticides and other toxins inherent in the production process for conventionally manufactured clothing and fabrics for toys. 

The National Organic Standards Board definition of organic agriculture is “an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.  It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain and enhance ecological harmony.”  While organic agriculture practices cannot ensure that products are completely free of residues, methods are used to minimize pollution from air, soil and water.

What does this mean to you and your children?  A baby in particular explores her world with her mouth.  A cloth bunny or teething ring that has been manufactured in a way that is toxin free is both intuitively safer as well as much less likely to cause an allergic reaction or potential longer term side effects.

Natural Wood

According to Greenpeace, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic is widely used in children’s toys but is one of the most toxic substances found on our planet.  “PVC contaminates humans and the environment throughout its lifecycle:  during its production, use and disposal.”  Greenpeace has been a driving force in working with toy manufacturers to eliminate PVC and toxic additives from their products.  Meanwhile if your child is chewing on a PVC plastic toy he is definitely ingesting toxic chemicals. 

Natural wood is a terrific alternative to plastic toys.  Unpainted wooden baby toys are a great teething alternative, and for colored toys look for non-toxic dyes.  Many wooden toys offer great opportunities for creative play.  While they may not have the lights and sounds of their plastic counterparts, there are a myriad of puzzles, stacking toys, cars, arts and crafts, blocks, trains and more that can truly stimulate a child’s imagination.

Natural Toy Resources

Many parents are turning to on-line retailers like Atlantis Natural (www.atlantisnatural.com) for natural and organic alternatives to mass produced toxic toys for the holiday season.  Atlantis Natural is a woman owned, family run business established in 2002 in Miami, Florida with an additional warehouse location in Leetsdale, Pennsylvania.  Their goal is to provide families with high-quality organic and natural products and information to support raising their children in a safer, non-toxic environment.  Their areas of specialty include breastfeeding supplies, swaddling for sleep, safe and natural toys, organic food, organic cotton children's clothing, natural supplements, safe skin and dental care, safe food preparation as well as environmental protection from electro magnetic frequencies, air and water toxins. They are passionate about finding healthier, safer alternatives for their customers.

Atlantis Natural admits that since the toy recall began, they have seen their sales double. They do have a wide range of cute items to choose from at enticing prices, including organic cotton stuffed toys and dolls, natural wood toys and holiday gifts.  One of the more popular lines they carry are stuffed fruits, vegetables and animals from the California based company Under The Nile.  Under The Nile carries both National Organic Program U.S. Government organic certification, as well as Demeter certification, the highest biodynamic guidelines in the world.  Atlantis Natural Business Director Diane Moura confirms, "We search carefully for product lines that meet our tough requirements both for natural and organic qualifications, fair trade and responsive customer service.  We set high standards for ourselves with our customers and must ensure that our suppliers reflect that."

A quick review of their customer feedback indicates a reliable, established company who truly cares about its customers.

Organic and natural toys may be found at Atlantis Natural