Wooden Toys

Wooden Toys - Your Complete Guide

There is something truly magical about the sight of a well-crafted wooden toy, and for this reason these types of toys have never gone out of fashion and remain popular with boys and girls all over the world.

With a long history of affection for wooden toys, Australian parents are only too happy to invest in a new generation of wooden blocks, baby walkers, and more!

Are wooden educational toys safe for babies ?

Absolutely, yes. Wooden educational toys are incredibly safe for kids in several ways. Because they are made from natural materials, they are free from chemicals like BPA and PVC, which are commonly found in plastics.

These chemicals have been linked to harmful effects in both foetuses and children, but there are no BPA, PVC or phthalates in wooden educational toys for you to worry about!

Furthermore, My Happy Helpers independently tests all of its childrens' wooden toys for lead particles to ensure they are safe for even your littlest babes.

Secondly, wooden toys do not pose a choking hazard. When buying plastic toys, many will often come with small parts that can chip or break away easily.

This is especially true when it comes to cheaply-made plastic toys, which can splinter and leave sharp edges.

On the other hand, wooden toys for kids are well-made and very rarely come with pieces that are easily broken, making them a much safer toy for your little one. 

How do I clean wooden baby toys?

Unlike plastic toys, wooden baby toys possess naturally antibacterial qualities. The porous surface of wood means that moisture and bacteria are absorbed and will eventually die, unlike plastic surfaces where they can multiply.

That said, when you consider the amount of rigorous play that they experience, it’s perfectly natural for your kid’s wooden toy sets to get dirty. Luckily, cleaning them is easy!

1. Firstly, do a spot clean and remove any obvious substances. Mix some dish soap with warm water, and gently rub off any stuck-on food, playdough or other mystery substances. Do not submerge these toys in the water fully as the wood can warp.
   
   
2. Next, you’ll want to sanitise your toys. Diluted white vinegar is a natural and safe method of sanitisation - simply wipe each toy with a clean cloth dipped in the solution.
   
   
3. Finally, leave your wooden toys on the drying rack to air dry completely before handing them to your little one to continue playing. Easy!

Why are wooden toys for kids better than plastic ones?

When deciding between plastic toys or wooden toys for kids, many parents will consider questions like: “Which toy will my child get the most use out of?”, “Will wooden toys mentally stimulate my little one?”, “Will a wooden toy last longer than a plastic one?”.

There’s a reason that Montessori schools prioritise and recommend wooden educational toys. Although plastic toys come with flashing lights and sound effects, numerous studies have shown that children’s spatial, literary, numerical awareness and problem-solving skills are improved when playing with toys made of wood.

Because wooden toys come in the form of building blocks and puzzles, they encourage free thinking and creative solutions. These simple and basic shapes allow children to explore their uses and encourage them to engage their imagination through pretend play.

Through playing with wooden educational toys, kids will develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, cognitive flexibility and spatial awareness. 

Secondly, wooden toys for toddlers are incredibly durable! Anyone with kids knows that their toys are subject to an immense amount of wear and tear - being chewed on, flung out of high chairs and knocked against hard surfaces.

Even the most durable plastic toy has the potential to break off, malfunction or shatter with sharp edges. However, because they are made from natural and durable materials, wooden toys have been proven to withstand even the roughest of treatments and last for generations. 

Are wooden toys better for the environment?

Did you know that in Australia, we generate around 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste every year?

It’s important that we all consider the future of the environment and planet that we’re leaving for our kids, so why not start with your toys? Childrens' wooden toys are a fantastic way to reduce plastic use and waste because they are both incredibly durable and biodegradable.

Here at My Happy Helpers, we’ve also gone a step further to ensure your family’s safety and support your sustainability values. We only source timber of FSC-certified supplies (sustainably sourced), which includes our New Zealand Pines, Birch, Beech and Poplar Woods and also our limited range of eco-friendly MDF products. 

However, we don’t stop there, our timber and eco MDF products have also been independently tested and verified to ensure they meet the current Australian Safety Standards, and we also view compliance certificates from every partner in our supply chain.

Why should I buy wooden toys for my kids?

In addition to being environmentally-friendly, safe for kids, and proven to improve motor skills and thinking processes, toys made of wood can actually offer benefits to the wellbeing and health of your child!

A report released by Planet Ark’s Make It Wood, entitled “Wellness + Wood = Productivity”, found that exposure to wooden items resulted in “increased rates of learning, improved test results, concentration levels and attendance, reduced impacts of ADHD”.

It also stated that a connection to nature, biophilic design and wood is associated with improved physical and mental wellbeing.

What are the best wooden toys for kids?

When deciding what’s right for your family, there is no right or wrong. The best choice you can make for your child is to select toys that are safe and appropriate for their age and development.

For example, a child’s indoor wooden slide may be suitable for some older children, but not younger ones, so consider your child’s capabilities before purchasing. 

If you are looking for wooden baby toys, we have a great range available. We strongly believe that all families deserve to have safe, durable and affordable products to spark their children’s curiosity, and play in and discover the environment around them.

Whether it’s learning towers, kitchen accessories or wooden games for your toddler, My Happy Helpers has an extensive range of Australian wooden toys to suit the wants and needs of your little one.

If you are looking for wooden toys for your infant or toddler, we have a great range available. Browse our selection, and remember to take lots of photos, savour every moment and live life to its fullest!