Toys these days are normally made from plastic. Plastic toys can be great as they come in different brightly coloured shapes and can be formed into all kinds of things. However, they don’t seem to have the attraction and quality of traditional wooden toys. Years ago most toys were made from wood and while technology has moved on, some argue that you can’t beat the feel and durability of wooden toys.
Wooden toys are safe, encourage great imagination and are a great investment as they last a very long time. They are safe from harmful chemicals that children can be especially sensitive to whilst their bodies are still developing. Plastic toys can contain phthalates, BPA or PVC and small children tend to chew on toys. These chemicals can suppress hormone regulation and have health concerns in puberty. They are also linked to obesity and increased risk of cancers. By purchasing natural wooden toys, you can feel reassured that they will not contain any of these potentially harmful chemicals.
Solid wood toys are the best as pressed or composite wood may contain adhesives with harmful chemicals in them too. Unpainted wood toys are also preferable so you know there is no risk of any levels of lead or other toxins in the paint or coating. There are bans in place for harmful substances in children’s toys but why take the risk.
Wooden toys inspire imagination and the great thing about them is that they require no batteries or electricity. They are the kind of lovely, traditional toy that children can find lots of different uses for, developing new games, interacting and engaging in role play. These are very important activities in the learning, growth and development of a child. Wooden toys may not be flashy but their texture is beautiful and children appreciate this. Imagine how much better a wooden train set felt compared to a plastic one?
Outside play can also be transformed with wooden play equipment. For Wood Climbing Frames, visit http://www.niclimbingframes.com/climbing-frames. Wooden equipment is long lasting and incredibly durable and will withstand lots of punishment and abuse. Plastic toys will break, offering a disposable, throw away experience. Wood on the other hand can last for generations and the toys become family heirlooms.
So many electronic toys around today can cause sensory overload in children (and their parents). Buttons that cause excessive bleeping, crashing, loud music or repetitive phrases are pressed over and over again until you feel the need to whip it away and stick it in the back of a cupboard. They come with complicated instructions, require building or have levels that are just too hard for your child to complete, leaving them grumpy and upset. Ever had this problem with a wooden puzzle or set of blocks? Wooden toys are basic, easy to play with straight away and encourage the kind of open imagination play that is crucial for cognitive development.