Safe Bath/Water Toys for Fun Play

Independent testing shows that toys sold on the shelves across America contain toxins such as lead, BPA, cadmium, PVC, phthalates and formaldehyde. I previously discussed the dangers of these toxins, as well as how they are ending up in our children’s toys, in my article, Clean Toys, Green Toys and Toys Made Close to Home.

When it comes to bath toys, it’s important to make sure that they are free from chemicals and heavy metals, as these toys in particular often end up in children’s mouths, or with children trying to drink bath water from them (as much as we try to deter them from doing so!); thus the reason why I would like to share some of my children’s favorite bath toys with you.

FAVORITE BATH TOYS

GBaby by Geomag

These can be used both in and out of the bath. Though they are marketed for ages 10 months and up, they are not just for babies. My almost 4 year old loves to play with them, as does my almost 2 year old daughter.

Because they are magnetic, they stick to the tub, which the kids love.  According to Geomag’s website, they are manufactured in Switzerland and adhere to the European Safety standards, which are stricter than America’s. The animal shapes are made from rubber and the magnetic pieces are incased in a hard plastic.

You can find these on Amazon. You can also locate a store that sells them here: Store Locator.

Green Toys Tugboat

These boats are made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and external coatings. They are packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. They make other toys that will work in the bath as well, such as their stacking cups.

You can find Green Toys just about anywhere these days. You can start by going to their website, purchasing the boats from Amazon, or, if you live on Long Island like many of our readers, you can find a wide variety of their toys at Healthy Alternatives.

The Busy Boat by North Star Toys

Another one of my children’s favorite bath toys. “North Star Toys are made from sustainably-managed wood or wood scraps from local cabinet makers. The 32-year-old company assembles all of its toys in New Mexico, USA, which runs on 100% renewable energy. Toys are finished with a food-grade mineral oil and paints are certified lead-free and nontoxic” (The Independent). Their lumber comes from the US, and their parts follow the federal and voluntary guidelines governing small parts, sharp points, and chemical make-up. Their toy finishes are safe, as the toys are simply coated with a non-toxic, food grade mineral oil which meets or exceeds requirements by the USFDA, US Pharmacopeia, US Dept. of Agriculture and is certified Kosher and Pareve (North Star Toys).

You can order the Busy Boat direct from the North Star Toys website. On a side note, the toy makers themselves are wonderful people who truly care about each and every toy they make and the children that will be playing with them. They take care in the packaging of each toy, sending a thank you note and wrapping it special. In this day in age, that says a lot!

The Original Rubber Ducks by Rich Frog

Manufactured in Spain, these ducks are made from natural latex, harvested from renewable rubber trees and the paint is non-toxic and chemical free. There are a variety of ducks in different shapes and sizes. You can order them direct from their website, or from a  variety of online stores, including on Amazon. They are also sold in select stores around the country, including Healthy Alternatives.

Sprig Scuba Search

Made in Mexico, “Sprig toys are made of Sprigwood, a durable child safe bio composite material made from recycled wood and reclaimed plastic”(Amazon). You can visit their website or find their toys on Amazon.

Natural Bath Fizzles – A Craft for the Bath

I found these at Pure Play Kids. For ages 3 and older, this is a great way to get kids involved with creating their own bath ‘toy.’ My kids enjoy watching bath fizzles fizzle! This kit contains everything you need, including  the safe and natural ingredients of bath fizz and filling heart-shaped molds. (The ingredients – safflower oil, citrus oils, witch hazel and baking soda – are so safe that mixing be hand is recommended!).

If you have any green bath toys that you love, please share a link in the comment area!