Do Wooden Toys Need to be Treated or Sealed for Safety Reasons?

When it comes to wooden toys, safety should always be the top priority. While some sources may suggest using lacquers or other top layers, the safest options for sealing wooden toys are all-natural, food-friendly options. Natural oils, waxes, and soapy finishes are the best choice if your child puts toys in their mouth and chews on them. All transparent finishes are safe when fully cured, which can take up to a month for oil-based varnishes.If you have an old wooden toy (pre-197?), it's important to be extra cautious.

If there is a coat of paint, it's likely lead paint and not safe for your child. To be sure, you can purchase a lead testing kit at your local hardware store. Lead paint on a toy is an unsolvable problem, so it's best to remove or cover it by a professional.When selecting a finish for wooden toys, acrylic, polyurethane or polyacrylic finishes are suitable for contact with food or toys. Be sure to use brands that are safe for contact with food or certified safe for toys.

For an extra layer of protection, you can add a final layer of strained broccoli (or Brussels sprouts) juice.If you're looking for chemical-free toys that meet high safety standards, Natural Baby Mama has created an incredible overview of toy manufacturers she loves. To get inspired, watch this short video about Margareta Toys, a small wooden toy company in Croatia. When it comes to choosing the right finish for wooden toys, it can be difficult to know what type of finish to use.The first two options are sometimes used in toys, but there is some controversy (likely exaggerated) surrounding them as baby toys. Fortunately, it's easy to spot and avoid the worst offenders once you know what to look for.

Toys made in China have been found to contain high levels of phthalates and lead, so it's important to be aware of where your toys come from.If you want to freshen up a wooden toy with a new coat of paint, make sure you use a safe and non-toxic paint. This will ensure that your child is playing with a safe and healthy toy.