Plastic-free toys for your baby: my top 6 natural toys for babies

Do you also long for natural toys for your baby instead of plastic (battery-operated)? Then you've come to the right place. When I was pregnant with my first child six years ago, I experienced exactly this feeling. Our play corner has been filled with sustainable toys for years now, and I'd love to share my top six sustainable toys for babies with you.

Why choose plastic-free toys for your baby?

Unfortunately, there are still many plastic children's toys on the market that contain harmful substances. These harmful substances are absorbed through the skin and mouth. These chemicals are linked to allergies, hormone disruptions, and even more serious health problems. Not a reassuring thought.

In addition, plastic toys are harmful to the environment. This includes everything from the extraction of fossil fuels to the production of the toys themselves, and even their transportation. There are also many poor-quality plastic toys on the market that break easily and create a huge mountain of plastic waste.

The Benefits of Natural Toys for Babies

Baby toys made from natural materials are a safe and sustainable alternative to plastic toys. For example, wooden toys are made from a renewable resource. Renewable resources grow back naturally or are replenished on a human scale (100 years). Wooden toys contain no harmful chemicals. They are gentle on baby teeth and stimulate the senses thanks to the natural texture and weight of the wood. Moreover, wooden toys are often timeless and can be passed down from generation to generation.

Natural materials, suitable for baby toys

Besides wood, other natural materials like bamboo, cork, fabric, and wool are also used in toys. These materials are not only sustainable but also soft and safe for babies. Natural toys stimulate babies' development in various ways. By stacking wooden blocks, babies develop their fine motor skills and spatial awareness. Exploring the different textures of natural toys stimulates the senses and contributes to healthy development.

What types of natural toys are there for babies?

There are more sustainable baby toys than you might think. Below you'll find an overview of materials and examples of sustainable baby toys:

Wooden toys

• Blocks
• Rattle
• Teething ring
• Cars

Wooden toys look beautiful. They don't feel cold because they adapt to room temperature. They're timeless and durable.

Fabric toys

• Hugs
• Sensory bean bags
• Play cloths
• Crinkle books

Toys made of fabric are soft, often calming, and provide a sense of comfort and security. When choosing fabric toys, look for the OEKO-TEX certification. This means the fabric is free of harmful substances and has been produced in an environmentally friendly way.

Other natural toys

• Cork blocks
• Sensory balls made of natural rubber
• Baby hand kites (combination of wood and fabric)

My top 6 sustainable baby toys

Babies don't need many toys in their first year. In my opinion, these are the six must-haves for sustainable baby toys. Many of these items also fall under sensory baby toys.

1. Sensory seed bags from Little Botanic label
   Sensory bean bags are sensory toys for babies . They stimulate the senses and encourage creativity. A simple bean bag is fantastic for babies to feel, pick up, and rattle. Later, they encourage your child to learn to stack and play tossing games. If you choose the rainbow bean bags , they also encourage color recognition and color sorting.
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Grimm's rainbow friends in bowls
   These rainbow figures in containers are fantastic. They feel great in your hand. They stimulate fine motor skills, color recognition, color sorting, and later, role play.
   
   
3. Little Botanic label play cloths (back in stock in March 2025)
   Play endless peek-a-boo games with these play cloths. Hide toys underneath, put them in an empty tissue box, or put them in a basket. As your little one gets older, this is a must-have for role-playing. It can become a blanket, a skirt/cape/scarf, or a tent.
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. Baby hand kite from Little Botanic label
   The colorful ribbons invite your baby to touch and wave them. The wooden ring is also great for teething. Once your little one starts walking, the hand kites are great for taking on adventures and dancing.
   
   
5. Hevea ball made of natural rubber
   This ball with its open star shape is easy for babies to grasp, helping them develop their fine motor skills. It's also safe for them to bite or suck on. As your little one gets older, it also makes a great bath toy. A bonus play tip: put a play cloth inside the ball. It's fun for your baby to pull it out.
   
   
6. Grimm's wooden mosaic block set
   A wooden block set is also a wonderful example of a naturally sustainable baby toy that will last for years. A wooden block is incredibly interesting for a baby to explore. Later, your baby will learn to stack and build.

Making conscious toy choices

As a mother of two daughters, I've personally experienced the importance of making conscious choices for my children. That's why I started Little Botanic Label: out of love for our children and a passion for sustainable toys.

By choosing natural toys, you give your child the opportunity to grow and develop in a safe and stimulating way. You also contribute to a better future for our planet. My sensory bean bags , play cloths , and baby hand kites are not only incredibly fun to play with but also designed with the environment in mind.

Want to learn more about sustainable toys and how they can boost your child's development? Visit my website or follow me on Instagram . I'd love to guide you through the world of sustainable toys.