What’s Best for Your Baby’s Health – Wooden or Artificial?

As parents, caregivers, or guardians, we all want to make the best choices for our little ones. When it comes to toys, it’s no different. A question that often arises is: What’s better for your baby’s health — wooden or artificial toys? Both have their advantages and potential drawbacks, but making an informed decision is essential when it comes to the safety, development, and overall well-being of your child.

In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of both wooden and artificial toys, looking at how they can impact your baby’s health. We will also offer practical advice to help you choose the best toys for your baby’s age, interests, and safety.

Wooden Toys: Classic, Safe, and Eco-Friendly

The Pros of Wooden Toys

1. Natural Materials
   Wooden toys are made from natural materials, making them biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. No harmful plastics, no microplastics — just good old-fashioned timber.

• Sustainability: Wood is a renewable resource, and many brands now use sustainable sources (e.g., FSC-certified wood) to reduce environmental impact.
• Non-Toxic: When painted, wooden toys usually use water-based paints or natural dyes, which are safe for babies who might chew or suck on them.

2. Durability
   Wooden toys tend to last longer than plastic ones. They are more robust and can be passed down through generations.

• Long Lifespan: Wood does not break easily like plastic. Even when they do get scuffed, they often look more charming with age.
• Less Frequent Replacement: Due to their durability, parents won’t have to replace them as frequently, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.

3. Sensory Development
   Wooden toys can be great for your baby’s sensory development. Their texture, weight, and the sound they produce when shaken or tapped are often more natural and satisfying.

• Tactile Stimulation: Babies learn about the world through touch. Wooden toys often provide a different tactile experience than plastic ones, offering a more natural feel.
• Sound and Texture: Wooden toys can have a nice, soft sound when they roll or knock together, which is often more pleasant than the clanging of metal or squeaking of plastic.

The Cons of Wooden Toys

1. Choking Hazards
   While wooden toys are usually larger and safer, there are still risks with certain small pieces. If the toy is not designed properly, small parts might present a choking hazard.

• Check for Size: Always check the toy’s size and shape to ensure it’s age-appropriate. A good rule of thumb is that a toy should not fit through the hole of a toilet paper roll (which is about 1.75 inches in diameter).

2. Heavier Weight
   Wooden toys can be a little heavier than their plastic counterparts. For a baby just learning to grasp or hold objects, the weight might be challenging.

• Potential for Clumsiness: Wooden blocks or figures may be harder to hold for babies who are not yet strong enough, which could lead to frustration.

3. Price
   Wooden toys, especially those made from high-quality, sustainable wood, can be more expensive than plastic toys. The price might not always be feasible for every family.

• Higher Initial Cost: Though they last longer, the initial cost of high-quality wooden toys can add up.

Artificial Toys: Colourful, Fun, and Budget-Friendly

The Pros of Artificial Toys

1. Variety and Fun
   Artificial toys come in all shapes, sizes, and colours, which can make them more visually stimulating for babies. Bright colours, fun shapes, and interactive features often make artificial toys a hit with young ones.

• Appealing Designs: Artificial toys can be designed with more intricate details, like moving parts, sounds, and lights, which can captivate a baby’s attention.
• Interactive Features: Many artificial toys offer interactive elements such as buttons to press, lights to flash, or sounds to hear. These features can encourage babies to explore cause-and-effect relationships.

2. Lightweight
   Plastic and synthetic toys are often much lighter than wooden toys, which is great for babies who are just learning to handle objects.

• Easy to Grasp: Lightweight toys are easier for babies to hold, carry, and play with, especially during the early stages when hand-eye coordination is developing.

3. Affordable and Accessible
   Artificial toys are generally cheaper than wooden toys and can be found easily in most stores. They also tend to come in more variety, making it easier to find something that suits your baby’s needs or preferences.

• Low-Cost Options: You can easily purchase artificial toys in bulk, which might be a more budget-friendly option for families.

The Cons of Artificial Toys

1. Chemical Exposure
   Many artificial toys are made from plastic, which can contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, and PVC. These substances can be harmful if ingested or if the baby comes into contact with them for extended periods.

• Look for Certifications: When buying artificial toys, always check for certifications such as BPA-free, PVC-free, or lead-free to ensure the toy is safe for babies.

2. Environmental Impact
   Plastic toys contribute to plastic pollution and can take hundreds of years to break down. Additionally, they are often not recyclable.

• Non-Biodegradable: Plastic toys are often made from materials that don’t decompose and can end up in landfills or the ocean, contributing to environmental degradation.

3. Durability Issues
   While artificial toys are lightweight, they can also be less durable than wooden toys. Plastic toys can break more easily, especially when dropped or mishandled.

• Easily Broken: Toys with small parts or moving elements can wear out quickly, especially if not made with high-quality materials.

Tips for Parents: How to Choose the Right Toy for Your Baby

So, when should you choose wooden toys over artificial ones, and vice versa? Here’s a guide to help you make an informed choice based on your baby’s age, safety, and developmental needs.

1. For Newborns and Infants (0-6 months)

• Choose soft, sensory toys: Focus on toys that engage their senses without the risk of injury, like soft fabric toys or teething rings.
• Wooden toys: Look for smooth-edged, non-toxic wooden toys like rattles or teething rings that don’t have small removable parts.

2. For Toddlers (6-12 months)

• Introduce interactive toys: By now, babies are starting to grasp objects and engage in more interactive play.
• Wooden toys: Opt for larger wooden toys, such as blocks, shapes, and stacking rings that encourage coordination.
• Artificial toys: Toys with lights or sounds can entertain and engage them, but be cautious about plastic components.

3. For Older Babies (12+ months)

• Balance toys: By this age, babies are mobile, and they benefit from toys that help with balance, coordination, and cognitive development.
• Wooden toys: Choose more complex toys, like building blocks or push toys.
• Artificial toys: If choosing artificial toys, ensure they are BPA-free, lead-free, and safe for chewing.

Safe Toy Certifications and What to Look For

When shopping for toys, safety is the number one priority. Look for certifications such as:

• CE Mark: This indicates the toy complies with European safety standards.
• ASTM F963: A standard for US safety.
• BPA-Free, PVC-Free, Lead-Free: These labels ensure the toy doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.

Choosing Certified Toys:

• Always choose certified toys, especially those that are intended for babies or young children who are likely to chew or put them in their mouths.

Final Thoughts: Wooden vs Artificial – Which is Better?

Both wooden and artificial toys have their place in a baby’s toy chest, depending on their age, developmental stage, and the type of play they engage in. Here’s a quick comparison to help guide your decisions:

In conclusion, the right choice of toys depends on your baby’s needs and safety concerns. For environmentally-conscious parents, wooden toys are an excellent choice, especially if they are sustainably sourced and certified safe. For budget-conscious or more diverse play needs, artificial toys offer a great option, but always look for non-toxic, safe materials.

Sources:

• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Healthy Child, Healthy World