Cover 📸 @rockabyemommy and photograph by @nicolegerulatPlay Fridge & Play Kitchen Made in USA, Milton & Goose
☾ Affiliate Disclosure: The Mood Guide celebrates women’s moods and versatility. Even though we may earn a commission from some of your purchases, we encourage you to shop with the right intention. Focusing your energy on what you feel confident and comfortable in is empowering! ♥︎

♥︎ Update Disclaimer: This post was initially created by me in 2021. I carefully reviewed and updated it in September/2023, adding fresh content and inspirations as much as removing discontinued or irrelevant products, according to our readers’ interactions, purchases, and preferences over the years. I hope you find it useful! 🌙

There are a lot of wood play kitchens in the market! You’ll find fun, modern, girly, colorful playsets easily. However, not many options are sustainable and non-toxic and it can be tricky to set things apart. So we made this post for parents who are trying to live a more natural life and lower their kids’ exposure to toxic chemicals. Therefore, in this post, you’ll find the best and really non-toxic wood play kitchens, fridges, stoves, play markets, cooking and dining accessories, and Montessori kitchen tools with water-based paints and dyes, low-VOC emissions, BPA/PVC-free plastic, non-toxic glues, and environmentally responsible wood according to current European and American standards.

We also have a post with the best sustainable and non-toxic play food following the same standards for the play kitchens! You’ll find the safest pantry staples, fruits, veggies, pizzas, sandwiches, charcuterie, breakfast food, and all the yummy, fun, and safe toys for your precious baby!


Non-Toxic Wooden Play Kitchens


Range Play Kitchen – Tender Leaf Toys

Range Play Kitchen - Tender Leaf Toys
Photo from Maisonette

Dimensions: 35.75″H, 11.75″L, 24″W. Counter Height: 20.5″

This is my second absolute favorite play kitchen of all play kitchens I’ve seen so far. And I’ve seen a lot! It’s made from FSC-certified wood and painted with non-toxic water-based dyes.

The sweet pastel colors are gender-neutral but fun and all the utensils from the picture are included. But they got me at the wicker baskets and the pink plates.

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

You get everything you see in the picture. 1 little oven, 4 hot plates, 4 turnable buttons, 4 knobs to hang the tools from, a sink, microwave three plates, three racks of herbs, 2 wooden storage jars, 2 wicker baskets, three cooking utensils, one potholder, and one tea towel.


La Fiamma Grand Kitchen – Tender Leaf Toys

La Fiamma Grand Kitchen  - Tender Leaf Toys
Photo from Maisonette

Dimensions: 30.51″ x 13.70″ x 36.61″

$499.99
Shop at

In the play kitchen game, Tender Leaf Toys is not playing around! Not only do they have the Range play kitchen, which is by far the favorite among our American readers. But now they over-delivered by launching this large play kitchen!

Looks like they heard all the mom’s and kids’ desires to design the La Fiamma Grand Kitchen. It is gender-neutral, absolutely aesthetic with neutral colors, and fun because all the accessories and foods are joyful and colorful. They won Christmas

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

You get everything you see in the picture. oven and grill with 4 clacking buttons, and double door storage unit under the sink. Complete with lots of accessories including a pizza oven with 5 wooden logs, pizza plate, two pizza bases, two felt toppings, egg, onion, cheese, mushroom, pineapple, pepperoni, tomato, parmesan and grater, frying pan, two wooden utensils in a pot, white bowl with 3 segmented lemons, 3 carrots in a planter, traditional Italian coffee pot, two cups, two decorated plates, 3 magnetic knives, salt and pepper grinders, muslin pot holder.


Made in USA Natural Wood Play Kitchen – Milton & Goose

Made in USA Natural Wood Play Kitchen
Photo from Maisonette
Dimensions: 31″ W x 13″ D x 36″ H. Counter top height: 22″
$729
Shop at

Milton & Goose is an American treasure and a sign of new times!

The mom-founded company has been offering “American-made, non-toxic, battery-free and heirloom-quality toys designed to last generations” since 2017. The play kitchens are crafted in sustainable Baltic birch and solid North American maple by Amish artisans in Pennsylvania. They only use water-based, low-VOC, and HAPs-free finishes.

This is the color natural, but they are also available in nontoxic white and grey, of course.

Includes

Extra-large oven with pull-down door; Sink; Faucet with two turning handles; Under-sink cabinet with shelf; Four burners with turning knobs; Center grill or cutting board for expanded play.


Minimalist Scandinavian Wooden Play Kitchen – Kid’s Concept

Minimalist Scandinavian Wooden Play Kitchen
Photo from Smallable
30 cm, Length : 55 cm, Height : 73 cm.
$199
Shop at

Kid’s Concept is a Swedish toy brand and they have this minimalist, neutral, Scandi aesthetic that is so easy on the eyes as you can tell from this wooden play kitchen. And they are hard to find in the USA. It is a full kitchen with a sink, oven, stovetop, plenty of storage area, pans, pots, utensils, and a sleek design. This Scandi play kitchen is also available in green.

The Bistro play kitchen is phthalate-free and made of MDF, poplar, and plywood. It is CE-marked and meets or exceeds the EN71-1, 2, 3 European safety standards. From Kid’s Concept website: “Therefore, we have chosen not to use chemicals such as flame retardants, dirt repellents, or mold protection on any of our products. All our toys are tested for flammability according to a standard called EN 71-2 to ensure that they meet the requirements”.

Includes

 The play kitchen, one pot, one saucepan, a salt &pepper shaker, and 3 cooking utensils.


Handcrafted Wood Play Kitchen, Mahogany – midmini

Handcrafted Wood Play Kitchen, Mahogany - midmini
Photo from Etsy
Dimensions: 31″ W x 13″ D x 36″ H. Countertop height: 22″
$555
Shop at

I’ve been eyeing this play kitchen for so long that I am completely obsessed with it! It’s my #1 favorite non toxic wood play kitchen because it checks all the boxes. First, it’s gorgeous and has a unique design. The second is the quality. And last, the philosophy and craftsmanship behind it.

This work of art is handmade in Latvia out of plywood, hardwood, and oak wood and complies with all strict European safety regulations. Also, it follows Montessori principles of independent play with sensory wood toys. So the knobs work, the wood is tactile, and all the doors open. And because it’s handcrafted by talented artisans, they are open to customizations!

Definitely, it’s not cheap but it’s an heirloom piece, completely nontoxic (they use Belgian plant-based paints for the colored ones and plant-based hard wax oil with 0% VOC to finish the Mahogany one. It is 100% organic and vegan-friendly). Besides, this play kitchen is built to outdo your kid’s childhood. Chances are your kids will fight for this play kitchen when they have their own children!

This is the color Mahogany (it’s just the color name, not real mahogany wood). They are also available in nontoxic natural, green, blue, peach, and pink, of course.

Includes

Oven, cupboard, hob, sink, water tap, shelf, hangers, knobs, and drawer.


Colorful Wooden Cherry Pie Play Kitchen

Colorful Wooden Cherry Pie Play Kitchen
Dimensions: 21.7″ x 12.6″ x 35.6″. Counter Height: 19.6″
$139.99
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This fun play kitchen has a slightly vintage countryside vibe and it’s such a unique piece for its colorful design.

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

The play kitchen and the utensils.


Janod Cooker Reverso Wooden Play Kitchen

Photo from Maisonette
Dimensions: 21.7″ x 12.6″ x 35.6″. Counter Height: 19.6″
$279.99
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Crate& Barrel hit the jackpot with this gift set! They combined 2 of the best toy brands: the French Janod and the Asian Plan Toys.

This double-sided kitchen is a fully functional kitchen on one side and a laundry area on the other side. Perfect for multiskilled kids who can cook and do laundry simultaneously!

The retro-inspired design and gender-neutral colors are a blessing for the adults as much as fun for the kids! My Parisian friends who have kids love this brand and here are more cute play kitchens from them.

Janod is a traditional toymaker from France, who has been on the market since 1970. According to The Tot website, this play kitchen is made from stainless steel, TSCA-compliant plywood, and MDF. It’s lead safe, BPA+BPS free, no known harmful Phthalates, low VOC, and PVC free.

Includes

Janod Cooker Reverso: Double-sided kitchen playset; features kitchen on one side and washing machine/pantry on the other; play cooking utensils included; pre-assembled; plywood, beechwood, mdf and stainless steel construction; ages 3 and up.


Dark Blue Wood Play Kitchen – Le Toy Van

Dark Blue Wood Play Kitchen - Le Toy Van
Photo from Dillard’s
Dimensions: 24.8″ L x 13.7″ W x 35.4″ H
$274
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Some parents prefer blue play kitchens for boys or to coordinate with the decor or just because it’s so beautiful! Like all the toys from Le Toy Van, the Oxford play kitchen is ethically made with sustainable material and the finish is non-toxic water-based paint! It’s an amazing toy to inspire imagination and open-end play. I also like full-play kitchens to teach kids some organizational skills! I see all those doors and storage and I think about the meal prep ingredients, the veggies

From the Le Toy Van website: “Our toys are made from high quality replanted woods, such as Rubberwood, plywood, and high-grade MDF. We use a combination of Indonesian Legal Wood & FSC Certified Wood across our range, all sourced from sustainably managed forests. Our paints as well as all the components of our toys (wood, fabric, etc) are rigorously tested at all stages of the design and production process to ensure they meet and exceed the mandatory safety regulation in each territory. Our products are crafted to the highest EU/US standards. We aim to have 100% plastic-free packaging for all our toys by 2023.”

Includes

Opening doors, turning knobs, a sink, a microwave, a window, a clock, play whisker, wood spoon, sallt & pepper shaker.


Mini Wood Play Kitchen – Tender Leaf Toys

Mini Wood Play Kitchen - Tender Leaf Toys
Photo from The Tot
Dimensions: 23.6″ x 18.5″ x 8.8”. Countertop height: 14″
Average $189
Shop at

I developed a major crush on this mini wooden play kitchen. Perfect for young toddlers, it’s made from FSC-certified wood and painted with non-toxic water-based dyes.

Be aware that this is a mini-play kitchen, so if you want something similar but bigger, you may like this one. It’s absolutely incredible.

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

Oven with tray; Open shelf with 2 hobs; Butler’s sink with double taps; Integral cupboard with doors; 1 solid wood white kettle; 2 cups and saucers; 3 cooking utensils and utensil holder; 1 gingham towel; 1 slicing baguette.


Outdoor/Indoor Double Sink Mud Kitchen – The Monarch Studio

Outdoor/Indoor Double Sink Mud Kitchen - The Monarch Studio
Photo from Maisonette
Dimensions: Height: 19″ Width: 38.5″ Depth: 18″
$770
Shop at

Growing up my mom didn’t let me play with mud. She used to say that I didn’t like to get dirty. I said that because she hated when I got dirty and I wanted to be perfect and please her. Kids! If you are nothing like my mom, and you want a non-toxic wooden mud kitchen handmade in the USA, the Monarch is built like a tank to be used even by your grandkids.

It has round edges, a groove lower storage shelf, and a pine back wall. It’s made from hand-sanded solid pine wood, with 2 coats of non-toxic weatherproof sealer, and food-grade Tung oil.

Includes

 2 removable stainless steel bins, 2 sets of hooks, shelf, and back panel.


Play Ovens & Portable Kitchenettes


Blue & Red Wooden Play Oven – Le Toy Van

Blue & Red Wooden Play Oven - Le Toy Van
Photo from Maisonette
$109.95
Shop at

This lovely vintage-inspired play oven comes with a set of utensils and is ready for hours of fun.

It’s available in pink as well.

From the Le Toy Van website: “Our toys are made from high-quality replanted woods, such as Rubberwood, plywood, and high-grade MDF. We use a combination of Indonesian Legal Wood & FSC Certified Wood across our range, all sourced from sustainably managed forests. Our paints as well as all the components of our toys (wood, fabric, etc) are rigorously tested at all stages of the design and production process to ensure they meet and exceed the mandatory safety regulation in each territory. Our products are crafted to the highest EU/US standards. We aim to have 100% plastic-free packaging for all our toys by 2023″

Includes

Stovetop with 4 “burners” and 4 knobs, oven with opening door,  pot, spoon, and spatula


Portable Sustainable Wood Play Kitchen – PlanToys

Portable Sustainable Wood Play Kitchen - PlanToys
Photo from Maisonette
Dimensions: 12.1″H x 7.17″W x 11.26″D
$94
Shop at

How inspiring is this wood stove? Fun, colorful, environmentally friendly, and safe to be around your little one.

From the PlanToys website: “All PlanToys are made from spray-free rubberwood trees that no longer produce latex and the wood is strengthened using a chemical-free kiln-drying process. The toys are assembled using a certified E-Zero formaldehyde-free glue and then colored using organic pigments and water-based dyes making them completely safe and durable for years to come.” Of course, it meets ASTM and EN71 safety standards.

Includes

 Two stove burners with turning knobs, an oven, a frying pan, a pot, and a spatula.


Sweet Portable Kitchenette in Wood – Tender Leaf Toys

Dimensions: 23.6″ x 18.5″ x 8.8”. Countertop height: 14″
$69.99
Shop at

This adorable portable kitchenette is the perfect gentle play kitchen for little space or a low budget! The design is outstanding, like everything from Tender Leaf Toys (I’m a big admirer of their work and I love their aesthetic). The toy is also a neat and sleek box, where the little ones can learn how to put things away as part of the game.

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

2 wooden utensils, a potholder, a pan to flip a pancake, strawberry and lemon slices, a mint leaf as well as a honey and chocolate pot. The sink is waterproof.


Foldable Minimalist Scandinavian Mini Wooden Play Kitchen – Kid’s Concept

Foldable Minimalist Scandinavian Mini Wooden Play Kitchen - Kid's Concept
Photo from Babyshop

$86
Shop at

Little room or a playhouse without a kitchen? This foldable play kitchen is big enough to entertain the little ones for hours and compact enough to fit in any corner.

The Mini Bistro play kitchen is phthalate-free and made of MDF, poplar, and plywood. It is CE-marked and meets or exceeds the EN71-1, 2, 3 European safety standards. From Kid’s Concept website: “Therefore, we have chosen not to use chemicals such as flame retardants, dirt repellents, or mold protection on any of our products. All our toys are tested for flammability according to a standard called EN 71-2 to ensure that they meet the requirements”.

Includes

 The mini foldable play kitchen, one pot, one saucepan, a salt &pepper shaker, and 2 cooking utensils.


PlanToys – Sustainable Wood Kitchen Stove

PlanToys - Sustainable Wood Kitchen Stove
Photo from The Tot
Dimensions: 12.99″ x 16.93″ x 24.02″
$109.99
Shop at

This wood stove may not be the most appealing visually, but it’s ethically made of renewable non-chemically treated organic rubberwood.

From the PlanToys website: “All PlanToys are made from spray-free rubberwood trees that no longer produce latex and the wood is strengthened using a chemical-free kiln-drying process. The toys are assembled using a certified E-Zero formaldehyde-free glue and then colored using organic pigments and water-based dyes making them completely safe and durable for years to come.” Of course, it meets ASTM and EN71 safety standards.

They have the entire matching play kitchen line, with a microwave, dishwasher, fridge, sink, and washing machine.

Includes

 Two stove burners, an oven, and a control panel


Wooden Play Fridges & Refrigerators


Gender Neutral Modern Wooden Play Fridge For Kids – Tender Leaf Toys

Gender Neutral Modern Wooden Play Fridge For Kids  - Tender Leaf Toys
Gender Neutral Modern Wooden Play Fridge For Kids  - Tender Leaf Toys
Photos from Maisonette

Dimensions: 39.76″H x 14.17″W x 13.39″D

$259.99
Shop at

For the little one in your life, it’s their own fridge “just like mommy’s”. But for mommy, it’s storage heaven (mess behind closed doors) dressed in a very aesthetic and gender-neutral design that won’t be an eye sore in your home.

As for the fridge functionalities and make-believe features, it’s 10/10. Let’s start with the functional ice cube (fake and included) dispenser. Push and voilá! Did you see the veggies drawer and the lovely fridge magnets? All the play food that you see in the picture (eggs, ice creams, ice cubes, the milk bottle, and magnets are included).

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

You get everything you see in the picture. 3 ice-cream cornets, 3 brown eggs on an egg stand, a bottle of milk, and two magnets.


Modern Wooden Play Refrigerator For Kids Made in USA – Milton & Goose

Modern Wooden Play Refrigerator For Kids Made in USA - Milton & Goose
Modern Wooden Play Refrigerator For Kids Made in USA - Milton & Goose
Photos from Maisonette

Dimensions: 33.5″ H x 17.5″ W x 13″ D

$469
Shop at

The Milton & Goose play fridge was the one and only non-toxic wood refrigerator on the American market before the launch of the Tender Leaf toy. I wasn’t in the creating room but I’d guess they took inspiration from this one.

This sturdy and made-to-last play fridge is a bestseller made in the USA and besides being stunning, has plenty of room for play food.

The mom-founded company has been offering “American-made, non-toxic, battery-free and heirloom-quality toys designed to last generations” since 2017. The play kitchens are crafted in sustainable Baltic birch and solid North American maple by Amish artisans in Pennsylvania. They only use water-based, low-VOC, and HAPs-free finishes.

This is the color white, but they are also available in nontoxic natural and grey, of course.

Includes

You get everything you see in the picture. The fr


Wood Pots, Pans, Cooking Tools & Dinnerware Toys


Recycled Wood Cookware Toy Set, Age 3+

Tender Leaf Toys

Recycled Wood Cookware Set, Age 3+

Sustainable and recycled wood, water-based paint

$34.99
Shop at
Includes: casserole pot, a frying pan, a baking dish, 2 wooden cooking utensils and a handy pair of tongs.

Blue Wooden Cookware Play Set, Age 2+

Le Toy Van

FSC Teawood, FSC Rubberwood, FSC Beechwood

FSC Teawood, FSC Rubberwood, FSC Beechwood

$34.95
Shop at
Includes: a pot, pan, a metal bowl with whisker, a grater, pepper and salt containers, cutting board and knife 

Wooden Play Pots, Pans & Utensils, Age 3+

Le Toy Van

Wooden Play Pots, Pans & Utensils, Age 3+

Sustainable rubberwood, water-based paint

$34.95
Shop at
Includes: Casserole pot with lid, wok, griddle pan and tong

Wooden Tableware Set, Age 2+

PlanToys

Made from sustainable rubberwood

$35
Shop at
Includes: A pair of plates, spoons, forks, knives, cups, and bowls

Wood Cooking Play Set, Age 2+

Cam Cam Copenhagen

FSC Certified Beech and Oak Wood

$34.95
Shop at
Includes: 1 frying pan, 1 spatula, 1 ladle

20 pc. Wooden Dinnerware Set, Age 3+

Kid’s Concept

Non-Toxic FSC Certified Schima Wood, Birch, MDF

$44
Shop at
Includes: 4 of each: cups, plates, knifes, forks, spoons

Wooden Market Stand Toy


Modern Pastel Wooden Play Fridge For Kids – Tender Leaf Toys

Modern Pastel Wooden Play Fridge For Kids  - Tender Leaf Toys

Dimensions: 22.44″ x 20.47″ x 32.68″

$169.99
Shop at

All the cooking gotta start somewhere and nothing better than a beautiful market stand to have some fun.

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

Market stall, little hanging hooks, a pretty printed tote bag


Gender Neutral Wooden Play Market Stand For Kids – Milton & Goose

Dimensions: 48″ H x 29.75″ W x 11.75″ D

$499
Shop at

This minimal chic market stand belongs in the most fabulous farmer’s markets aka play areas. They are available in natural or white and with different canopy colors to choose from.

The mom-founded company has been offering “American-made, non-toxic, battery-free and heirloom-quality toys designed to last generations” since 2017. The play kitchens are crafted in sustainable Baltic birch and solid North American maple by Amish artisans in Pennsylvania. They only use water-based, low-VOC, and HAPs-free finishes.

This is in white, but they are also available in nontoxic natural and grey, of course.

Includes

The full stand including the canopy.


Woodland Stores and Theatre – Tender Leaf Toys

Woodland Stores and Theatre - Tender Leaf Toys

Dimensions: 22.44″ x 20.47″ x 32.68″

$209.99
Shop at

We love versatile toys and this adorable set is on one side a cute store and a fun theater on the other side.

Designed by the celebrated British Tender Leaf Toys, it’s made with durable and sturdy rubberwood and painted with non-toxic water-based paint. Also, for every tree that becomes a toy, they plant another tree. Tender Leaf Toys received the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval, meaning all of their toy products meet the European, American, Australian, and New Zealand standard safety of toys according to EN71, ASTM, and AS/NZS ISO.

Includes

 Two glove puppets, one acorn blackboard, and a cute tote bag that becomes a strawberry when folded up


Related:

The Best & Safest Non-Toxic Play Food for Kids



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.”


And I know. Unfortunately, toys made of sustainable real wood using non-toxic painting and ethical production processes are more expensive than “less conscious” toys. And only very few people can afford this luxury, which should be a basic right actually. That doesn’t make anyone a bad parent. The system is not fair so I believe we must be kinder to ourselves. The USA has very basic restrictions for some toxic chemicals under the TSCA Title IV, so it’s not the end of the World to buy MDF products. There is a lot of other things one can do to live a more eco-friendly life and lower the kid’s exposure to toxic chemicals. Even if it’s not possible to change everything if you change just one habit or one type of product, it’s already more than doing nothing!

Stella
Related:
Natural Mood – Baby & Kids Shopping Guides

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2 Comments
  • Lauren
    October 25, 2021

    Are all the kitchens and play food toys on these pages free of bpa/pvc, lead, phthalates etc? I don’t see some of these items
    Called out when I go to their websites.

    • Stella m Soares
      October 30, 2021

      Hi Lauren, sorry I took so long to reply! According to the manufacturers, yes, they are! I take into consideration the info on the brand’s websites and cross-check it with the strict standards from European Union. But I hear you! For some websites, I have to dig deep into FAQ, type the exact toxic chemical I’m looking for to get the information. But if you have any doubts, please let me know which one so I can triple-check and you feel safe!