In a world of plastic, choosing the right toys for our children, both in terms of quality and safety, is an onerous task. Obviously, a lot of people find themselves discriminating against the very materials, especially the aforementioned plastic. But what are the alternatives? And the advantages? Obviously, the first healthy alternative in terms of materials is that given by wooden toys. Let’s see in detail the pros and cons of this material compared to its antagonist.
Advantages of wooden toys
First and foremost is definitely stimulating the mind. When it comes to toys with educational value, wooden toys come first. This is because most wooden toys are “open” or versatile in nature. As you’ve surely noticed, wooden blocks can be used in a variety of ways. Kids can stack them, combine them or sort them according to their shapes, sizes or colors. They can even build complex structures such as towers, bridges or castles using these simple wooden toys. The beauty of wooden toys is mainly due to their simplistic design. According to experts, wooden toys offer to make tabula rasa that ignites a child’s imagination, just as if they were faced with a blank sheet of paper to fill in. They can, in addition, make sounds, create new shapes and let children use these toys for any purpose they wish. This feature stimulates creative thinking in their minds and provides an opportunity for different types of play.
Wooden toys are good for the environment.
Quality wooden toys are often made from sustainable wood. Compared to plastic, wood is a renewable and biodegradable material that is less likely to harm the environment. In addition, these are long-lasting toys.
Do you have wooden toys that your parents passed down to you? Wooden toys don’t wear out easily and are less likely to break. Their durability and resistance to breakage make them a perfect collectible toy that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Wooden toys and safety
Wood is a natural material. Wooden toys are often plain or naturally colored and are less likely to contain toxic materials or lead-based paint. These elements make wooden toys an ideal option for infants and toddlers who are more likely to put toys in their mouths. Unlike plastic toys, wooden toys often do not make sounds or lights. The simple, straightforward design of wooden toys encourages cooperative play. Wooden toys such as bricks, puzzles and other construction sets are best played with other children, leaving room for socialization. Developing social skills in early childhood is critical to increasing a child’s self-esteem, communication and relationship with other people.
Disadvantages of wooden toys
Although wooden toys stand the test of time, their appearance can vary depending on how they are used and stored. Wooden toys are prone to scratches and their color may soon fade. Since it is not as easy a material to shape, the designs of wooden toys are not as detailed as those that children may find in plastic toys. Quality wooden toys also can be expensive.
High-quality wooden toys are safe for infants and toddlers. However, if you purchased a cheap variety, it could pose the risk of wood splinters that can be a source of injury. Always check your wooden toys for any signs of breakage and don’t give your children the broken parts.
Are plastic toys safe compared to wooden toys?
Plastic toys are modern, classy and include most of the toys that are on the market today. Of course, the above does not exclude plastic toys. They can still be very good quality toys, equal to or better than wooden toys but you have to be more careful about where they come from and the decorative materials used. Also, these are toys that can have a good structure and therefore be very durable (e.g. legos)
Overall, wooden and plastic toys have their pros and cons. Wooden toys are simple, durable, and promote creative thinking and collaboration. Likewise, plastic toys can be attractive, durable, and simple.
Whether it’s wood or plastic, the most important part is for parents to be extremely cautious when purchasing toys for their children. If you want to provide a toy that is safe for your baby, toddler or young children, favor quality toys over the cheaper varieties. It’s better to spend a little more on quality than to end up with a risky toy for your child.