Is Unfinished Wood Safe for Babies?

When it comes to wooden toys, there are a few things to consider when it comes to safety. Firstly, not all types of wood are suitable for babies and toddlers who are breastfeeding, such as walnut. Secondly, not all types of paint and finishes are safe for wooden toys. Especially for children's mouths, most paints and finishes should be avoided.

In the case of teething toys, etc. Fortunately, there are ways to color wood in a “toy-safe” way. Many carpenters prefer to show off the natural beauty of wood by leaving it unfinished. Sanding the toy until it is smooth, gently over sharp edges and corners is one way to do this.

Some charities, for example, can only accept unfinished toys (more on that later). One of the most common manufacturing materials among the different types of wood safe for toys is beech. It is an incredibly durable material that is also an environmentally friendly option since it's an easily renewable resource that avoids the obstacles of endangered danger. European beech is easily accessible and offers the additional benefits of being an odourless material free of chemical irritants.

Better yet, beech is an incredibly easy material to clean, since a damp cloth eliminates germs and accumulated dirt, ensuring that playful puppies are highly protected from any visible and hidden danger. When it comes to finishes, be very careful with the brands of oils you use, making sure that they are safe for contact with food or that they are certified safe for toys. Linseed oil with manganese dryers would not be considered safe for toys. Rust-Oleum even has a line of paints suitable for toys, at least in the UK (although I've also seen some on Amazon).

However, those who make wooden toys may need to consider the safety of the handmade items they distribute and the materials used in them, especially when doing charity or missionary work outside their home country. Of all the topics discussed over the years, few are as mired in confusion as that of safe finishes for toys. Real Milk Company's food-grade walnut and carnauba wax is one option that can be used in many small projects such as toys and decorative items, but it is the least durable of natural oils. Hardwoods are always one of the safest bets when it comes to wooden toys.

If you've ever made a wooden toy just to scratch your head wondering what type of finish you should use, you know that it can be a difficult path to travel. There's a reason why traditional wooden toys have been around for centuries, outliving every other toy fad. Wooden teething toys can be a lifesaver when it comes to defeating the mannequin and pacifying the pacifier.