Unfortunately, there are many toxic chemicals used in toys for babies and children.  Included are phthalates, cadmium, chlorine, and arsenic. Soft squeeze toys and bath toys are often made from poly vinyl chloride (PVC) with added phthalates that off-gas.  In order to make toys more flame regardant, durable, flexible, or rigid, manufacturers add chemicals to the fabric, paint and plastic materials. Babies are exposed to these chemicals when they put the toys in their mouths. They can also be exposed from breathing the air around the toys.

Five Tips for Choosing Safe, Non-toxic Toys The term safe toys used to mean your child had no chance of choking on them. However there are other factors to consider. Infant toys made of plastic often contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC has been linked to cancer and other health problems. Most baby bottles, pacifiers and teethers also contain PVC.  Look for "PVC-free" labels on plastic infant toys and bath toys. Avoid phthalates. They are added to PVC to make plastic soft and pliable. Phthalates are also carcinogenic and have been linked to infertility. Paints on infant toys should be non-toxic and lead-free. Toys painted with milk-based, oil based and beeswax paints are ideal. Make sure your baby's wooden toys are made without toxic glues, paints and sealers. A nostalgic toy is hardly worth the extra exposure to carcinogenic chemicals and preservatives. Generally, an eco-conscious toy manufacturer will let you know in the sales info and packaging. Watch for the hidden hazards of plush toys. You may already be investigating plush toys for button noses and whiskers that could come off, but also consider the materials they are made of. Unless the manufacturers indicate otherwise, your child's furry friends are probably made from synthetic fibers derived from petrochemicals. The dyes used to color the fabrics can also be toxic. These toys continue to off-gas even after washing. The insides are generally polyeurathane, which is highly absorbent to any pesticides, flame retardants used to manufacture the toy. Yes, these chemicals are the industry norm according to a study done by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). A sewn toy could always tear or be punctured so be mindful of the guts. Pill or grain-sized stuffings are potential choking hazards.

Alternatives to Toxic Toys The safest toys are made of unfinished solid wood, preferably certified sustainably-produced hardwood. These certified woods permit forest regeneration and ensure preservation of old-growth and endangered trees. If the wood used in the toy is finished, it should be a natural oil finish, such as beeswax, linseed or walnut oil. The paint or coatings on metal or wood toys can possibly contain lead. Choose solid wood over plywood or particleboard, since these pressed woods can contain formaldehyde and have toxic glues that off-gas. Since most stuffed animals and soft fabric toys are made with synthetic materials that are treated with various chemicals to make them stain resistant or fire retardant, buy stuffed animals and fabric teethers that are made of all natural, untreated fibers, preferably certified organic cotton with non-toxic dyes. Be cautious about other products that are likely to be made of vinyl (PVC) such as baby books, bibs, diaper covers, and rain gear.  Avoid magnetic toys where the magnets can be swallowed and cause serious injuries.