The Tot
– Non Toxic Toys For Baby IN THIS ARTICLE –
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Babies around 1 year old will put everything and anything in their mouths all day long. No wonder, some parents, aunties, grandmas, and dear friends worry about the toxic chemicals the little ones are exposed to. And there is so much going on around the 12th month! Some babies are walking, while other babies are crawling or climbing! By the time they reach the 1-year-old milestone, babies are eating full meals and can say a few words. Each baby develops their motor and learning skills at different paces, but regardless of that, they show more and more of its personality traces! So, in this post, you’ll find a thorough selection of child-friendly toys for baby boys and girls from 6 to 18 months. Only good gifts and non-toxic toys for 1-year old, no matter what they are into!
And for non-toxic, gentle I mean water-based paints and dyes, low-VOC emissions, BPA/PVC-free plastic, no known harmful phthalates, non-toxic glues, and environmentally responsible wood according to current European and American standards. That way we can help parents who are trying to lower their kids’ exposure to toxic chemicals or live a more natural life.
Related:
Natural Mood: Baby Buying Guide
You’ll notice that most nontoxic toys sold in the US are from European brands. Why? Because the European Union has more strict standards for toy safety. They understand that kids are prone to put anything in their mouths, therefore, should not be exposed to chemicals known to be toxic. The Scandinavian countries have even more specific and strict standards. You can read more details about which standards I take into consideration at the end of this post. Also, in general, non-toxic toys are more expensive than “regular” toys. Fortunately, American customers are becoming more demanding of child-friendly toys, therefore more companies will have to keep up. So in this post, you’ll find non-toxic toys for 1-year-old girls and boys in every price range!
Educational Toys: Learning, Development, Montessori, Coordination, Motor Skills, Blocks, Puzzles For 1-Year-Olds
German Wood Rainbow Stacking Toy 6 pieces, by Grimm’s
12 months + | Sustainable Wood, Water-Based Paint | Made in Germany
$21
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Grimm’s stacking rainbow is likely the most famous wooden rainbow toy on Instagram! It’s a sturdy high-quality German toy and the pieces are large, so it’s appropriate for babies around 12 months. Also, how beautiful does it look on the shelf? This set is in pastel color, but it’s available in traditional rainbow colors as well.
And Grimm’s products are not super easy to find in the USA because everything is made in Germany, following a philosophy that’s focused on quality and slow manufacturing over mass production. The Natural Baby Company is a reliable website with a substantial inventory of the marvelous Grimm’s toys.
Pastel Natural Stacking Tower, by Raduga Grez
Sustainably sourced solid lime wood, Water-based paint, Lacquer-free | 6.7″ x 4.7″ x 4.7″
$44
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Stacking towers are classic baby toys, but the one from Raduga Grez levels up a notch. Their pastel rainbow stacker is handmade of sustainable wood by 3rd generation artisans. Also, they are hand-painted with water-based dyes, and this combination results in a rustic and adorable toy. Each piece is slightly unique because the manufacturing process aims at keeping some natural aspect from the real wood as if the child was actually playing in the wilderness, but with safety. It’s available in Earthy Pastel Rainbow Colors as well.
If you are looking for a polished toy that looks like plastic, this is not the better option.
More stacking toys
Pastel Stacking Rings
Plan Toys
$15
At
Pink Wood Stacking Rings
Sabo
$64
At
Natural Wood Stacking Rings
Wooden Story
$45
At
Counting Wood Book, by Le Toy Van
Sustainable wood, Water-Based Paint | 3.5″ W x 1.22″ D x 3.5″ H
$20
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Baby-proof, colorful, fun, educative, and nontoxic wood book with numbers from 1 to 10 and cute themes. This book is very tactile and sized for small hands.
Woodland Animals Wooden Sorting Box, by Kid’s Concept
Rubber Wood, Plywood, Water-Based Paint
$28
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My niece always hated sorting boxes! She would try to fit the shapes once, or twice, then lose patience, open the lid, and call it a day! Unlike Maya, most babies love playing with the shapes peekaboo over and over again, which is great for hand-eye coordination.
Maybe she didn’t like it because she had boring geometric shapes to play with! Perhaps a gentle owl, bear, mice, and fox would have been more inspiring.
More sorter toys
Minimal Geometric Sorting Toy
Plan Toys
$25
At
Geometric Sorting Toy
Plan Toys
$53
At
Pull Along Sorting Snail Toy
Bajo
$63
At
Fun Toys: Plush, Cars, Airplanes, Dolls, and Teddy Bears For 1-Year-Old Babies
Bunny Soft Plush Toy, O.B. Designs
15.7″ L | Meets EN71 1,2,3, ASTM, and ASNZ toy standards for children under 36 months
$28.95
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Babies love their plushy best friends, right? They will eat together, play pretends, and walk around together. Kids start learning how to care for others (even if it’s a stuffed toy) and in return, they are soft and comforting. Always a good gift! This plushy puppy has beans at the bottom, so it sits alone and it’s available in several colors.
Plastic-Free Canvas Swing for Baby and Toddler, Solvej
Hemp canvas and sustainably sourced solid timber from New Zealand
$240
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This amazing swing is completely plastic-free, non-toxic, child-friendly, and is designed for kids up to 88 lbs! Also, it’s made of organically grown canvas, and sustainably sourced timbers from the Matai tree, a native of New Zealand, the ropes are yachting braid and finished with non-toxic oils. Finally, it’s weatherproof, so you can leave it outside, but it’s so beautiful that will look great in any room of the house! It’s available in several colors.
Large Premium BPA + BPS Free Ball Pit with 400 Balls, Balu Organics
Sustainably sourced and renewable rattan | Natural water-based finishes
$299 (large)
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A baby sinking into a pit of harmful plastic balls is a nightmare for many parents. And I’m not aware of another non-toxic ball pit as amazing as the ones from Balu Organics. The pits are made from soy-based foam with a 100% organic cotton outer. The balls are chemical-free and crush-proof, made from BPA-free LPDE plastic. All the toys in this post are fun, safe, and non-toxic, but I guess this ball pit is really one of a kind in the realm of fail-proof nontoxic toys for babies.
This ball pit is available in different sizes and colors. The large pit has an approximate circumference of 108″, 34.6″ D (edge to edge) x 16.9″ H (base to top) and comes with 400 balls. The balls come in 4 sets of 100 balls and you can choose from different colors for each set.
Organic Plush Boy Doll, Apple Park
?100% Organic Cotton |? OEKO-TEX 100 | Filling is made of naturally hypoallergenic and non-GMO corn fiber
$44
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Who can resist this stylish boy made of 100% organic cotton? The hipster outfit is on point and from the Vans-inspired shoes to the slouchy beanie, all the fabrics are OEKO-TEX certified safe for hundreds of toxic chemicals. To top it off, even the packaging is eco-friendly, made from 100% recycled paper that’s printed with soy ink.
Sustainable Rattan Doll Crib, Poppie Toys
Sustainably sourced and renewable rattan | Natural water-based finishes
$117
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The rattan toys from Poppie Toys are an Instagram sensation for fair reasons. It’s a sturdy, high-quality, durable toy, made of sustainably sourced and renewable rattan. So, it’s also sustainable. To top it off, it’s handmade and finished with natural water-based coats. The mattress is 100%piped cotton and fits 15″dolls. Of course, safe under American and strict European standards for toxic elements. It’s lead safe, BPA + BPS Free, No Known Harmful Phthalates, Low VOC, pesticide and herbicide-free, etc.
Non-Toxic Black Doll, by EcoBaby Dolls
100% natural rubber, including the stuffing | Free from harmful phthalates, BPA, PVC, and BPS | Biodegradable | Handmade
$65.99
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This sweet baby doll is actually your baby’s best friend! Developed by a conscious mom, the EcoBaby dolls are safe for babies and for the environment, because well, our kids will be living on this Earth when they have their kids and so on. This is the beautiful baby black doll Brooke and they also have a beautiful white doll Cora and 2 bigger dolls.
Hand-Knit Dolls, Cuddle+Kind
Hand-knit in Peru with premium cotton yarn | Hypoallergenic polyester filling
from $57
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Cuddle+Kind dolls are feel-food toys. They are available in several cute animals, magical creatures, and 2 different sizes. Also, they are hand-loomed by talented Peruvian artisans, creating a positive impact on the families involved. In the US, for each doll sold, 10 meals are provided for kids in need.
Organic Knit Patterned Bunnies
OEKO-TEX Organic cotton knit
$25
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Every child goes through phases with their favorite plush toys. This adorable bunny is made of OEKO-TEX-certified organic cotton knit.
Sensory: Musical Instruments, Acoustic, Soothing Non-Toxic Toys
Fun With Sounds Acoustic Discovery Blocks, by Haba
Solid beech wood & colored with a non-toxic water-based stain | Made in Germany
$34.99
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This is not a new toy and it’s a double award winner because it’s so fun and interesting. Each cube has a different acoustic effect, so the little ones can create their own sounds and develop their early musicality playing.
Mini Wooden Drummer, Kid’s Concept
FSC-certified beech and plywood., Non-Toxic Paints
$22
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The drum is for music, but it’s also great for motor development and hand-eye coordination. It’s available in blue as well.
Wooden Audio Sensory Tray, by Tender Leaf Toys
Rubber Wood, Plywood, Water-Based Paint
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Stimulate your toddler’s senses with this Audio Sensory Tray, which includes four solid wood shapes and each one makes a different sound. Presented on a shape sorter tray, the four pieces encourage color and shape recognition through
Natural Rubber Non-Toxic Teether & Baby Toys, by Oli & Carol
100% natural rubber; hand painted with safe, natural food graded dyes
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The fruits and veggies teethers from Oli & Carol are a wonderful, fun, and colorful non-toxic toy for babies. It’s great for grabbing, to soothe during teething (you can put it in the fridge), and to get the little one familiar with fruits.
Besides, they are so beautiful that they double as decor, so the little one will play with them as play food and in the play kitchen way past the teething phase. These eco-friendly toys have no holes, so they are great to go in the bathtub and not grow hidden mold on the inside.
Child Firendy Motor Skill Toys: Walking, Mobility, Climbing
Birch Wood Pickler Triangle Climber Made in USA, Lily & River
Frame and rungs are made from FSC-certified Birch hardwood | Weight limit: 90 lbs | Made in the USA
from $369.65
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Safe for babies from 6 months of age, the Lily & River wood climber is a wonderful toy to help with the little ones’ motor skills. Also, it will remain interesting for many years, because they can create so many different plays. You can buy the foldable triangle with only the rock wall or the ladder or both. It’s available in different colors.
Multipurpose Wood Climber, Table & Bench For Babies, by Wiwiurka
FSC European Birch Plywood, Pine Wood, Non-Toxic Paints, Handmade
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All the toys/furniture from Wiwiurka are fantastic. They have climbers, swings, rockers, balance boards, slides, and entire playsets I wish I had had when I was a child. This bench/table/climber set, however, is perfect for 1-year-old babies because it combines social skills and mobility training.
Also, it’s a safe and sturdy wood toy that will be interesting for a few years to come, it’s a beautiful piece of furniture, and serves multiple purposes like having meals, drawing, watching cartoons, and climbing, of course.
Non Toxic Balance Toys: Ride On, Bikes, Rockers
Scandinavian Mammoth Rocking Horse, by Kid’s Concept
Up to 110 lbs | CE Marked & Tested according to EN71
$50
Shop at
This rocking mammoth is the most adorable rocking toy you’ll find! It’s fun, unexpected, gender-neutral, and non-toxic, of course. It is recommended for babies over 18 months, but as I mentioned, it depends on your baby’s development!
Twister First Ride-On, by Baghera
BPA + BPS Free Heavy Plastic | Complies With European Safety Standards
Shop at
Baghera is a high-end renowned manufacturer of retro-inspired metal cars for children. The designer office is in Paris and they create the most exquisite, and safe, ride-on, pedal, and push toys. For the little ones who are still learning the art of balance, they have the Twister. It’s this enchanting multi-directional ride-on made of BPA + BPS-free heavy plastic. Besides being durable, this vintage-inspired ride-on is anatomic and lightweight to encourage many adventures!
Running Rabbit Ride On, by Tender Leaf Toys
Rubber Wood & Plywood, Non-Toxic Dyes
Shop at
What better company to help with balance and have fun with than this lovely gentle rabbit?
Pegasus Wood Rocker For Babies, by PlanToys
Sustainable Rubber Wood, Non-Toxic Dyes
Shop at
As soon as babies can seat, they will enjoy the movement of a rocker and will start developing a sense of balance.
You, on the other hand, will have another witness of your baby’s growth as you watch him reach the handle, seat by himself at the saddle, reach the footrests, stand on it…
High Seas Boat Rocker For Baby Boy & Girl, by Hape
Wood, PA, Non-Toxic Dyes
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If you don’t wanna take chances or risk having or little one on a regular rocker, this adventurous rocking boat is as safe as it can get!
Sustainable & Non-Toxic standards considered for this post
Each country or economic bloc has its own standards for sustainability, safety, and toxicity. And because they can go from strict to almost nonexistent we are considering brands that market their products as compliant with at least one of the standards below.
FSC-certified wood
From the fsc.org website : “The Forest Stewardship Council sets standards for responsible forest management. A voluntary program, FSC uses the power of the marketplace to protect forests for future generations.
FSC certification ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. “
TSCA Title IV
⚠️ Because there is not a large consensus whether the formaldehyde emissions under the TSCA Title IV is really safe and nontoxic, we are only featuring MDF/plywood as alternatives to real wood.
From the epa.gov website : “The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act of 2010 established emission standards for formaldehyde from composite wood products and directed EPA to finalize a rule on implementing and enforcing a number of provisions covering composite wood products. After March 22, 2019, composite wood products must be labeled as TSCA Title VI compliant. These products include: hardwood plywood, medium-density fiberboard, and particleboard, as well as household and other finished goods containing these products.
The final rule also established a third-party certification program for laboratory testing and oversight of formaldehyde emissions from manufactured and/or imported composite wood products.”
CE Marking
From the europa. eu website : “CE marking indicates that a product has been assessed by the manufacturer and deemed to meet EU safety, health and environmental protection requirements. It is required for products manufactured anywhere in the world that are then marketed in the EU.”
EN-71
EN-71 is the CE standard for toy safety. The EN-71 covers 12 toy-related safety issues, from mechanical properties to flammability. The disposition EN-71-3 covers the migration of toxic elements, and that’s why toys compliant with the CE marks and the EN-71 disposition are considered non-toxic. From the standard.eu : “This document specifies requirements and test methods for the migration of aluminum, antimony, arsenic, barium, boron, cadmium, Chromium (III), Chromium (VI), cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, selenium, strontium, tin, organic tin and zinc from toy materials and from parts of toys. Packaging materials are not considered to be part of the toy unless they have intended play value.”
Sources: standard.eu, sgs.com, eur-lex.europa.eu[ /underline]
Nordic Swan Ecolabel
From the nordic-ecolabel.org website : “The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is the official ecolabel of the Nordic Countries. The Nordic Swan Ecolabel works to reduce the environmental impact from production and consumption of goods – and to make it easy for consumers and professional buyers to choose the environmentally best goods and services.
Sets strict environmental requirements in all relevant phases of a product’s life cycle;
Sets strict requirements for chemicals used in eco-labeled products;
Tightens requirements for goods and services continue to create sustainable development;
Certifies and verifies that all requirements are met before a product is approved.”
