You want the best for your children and that includes keeping them safe and happy whenever they're playing. When choosing toys for your tots, you seem to have an everlasting list of choices to make. One of the most crucial ones is the material of a particular toy. While plastic has become the material of choice for many toy manufacturers, wood is a superior material for producing them. Here are some reasons why:
1. Wooden toys are durable.
OK, it's true that some hard plastics are also quite durable now. The problem is that toy companies typically use the cheapest plastics available when producing toys. From the perspective of the company, perhaps this is somewhat understandable. They're concerned about their bottom line and oftentimes must answer to shareholders. The company might also find itself in some tough economic times. Companies often feel the pressure to reduce their production costs by whatever means at their disposal. Using cheaper materials, such as plastic, may seem to be a viable solution. The problem is that this could require you to replace a toy soon after buying it. Not only will a broken plastic toy disappoint your child, but it will also be a burden to your finances.
2. Wooden toys can be cleaned easily.
It's much easier to clean toys that have been manufacture in wood thoroughly, than it is to clean plastic toys. This is basically due to wood being a natural material, while plastic is produced via a chemical process. In fact, many parents have the misconception that they can't clean wooden toys. To clean unfinished wooden toys, a damp sponge is all you need for regular cleaning. Fine-grade sandpaper can help to remove various types of stains. Meanwhile, when cleaning finished wooden toys, a light washing with soap and water is sufficient for regular cleaning. To remove stains, use a 50/50 blend of water and white vinegar.
3. Wooden toys are natural.
This is one of the key health and safety benefits of wooden toys, over plastic toys. Today's plastic toys include several chemicals that could potentially be harmful to your son or daughter. In fact, experts have linked some of the common chemicals in today's plastic toys, to some extremely serious conditions. So while the initial cost of plastic toys is usually cheaper than wooden toys, the potential health hazards are greater. That's why it's advisable to choose toys made of natural products, such as wood.
4. Wooden toys are cost-effective to recycle.
While we can recycle some plastics, that's not the case with the ones often used in children's toys. As a result, such plastic toys become rubbish. After finding their way into landfills, the toys emit various chemicals into the air-creating health hazards long after children have stopped playing with them! And while we can recycle some plastic toys, the process is significantly more expensive than recycling wooden toys.
When choosing the next toy for your child, think twice about choosing a plastic toy. While the low price may seem appealing, the ultimate cost to your wallet, your child's health and the environment means that they're not child's play.
Derek Rogers is a freelance writer who represents a number of UK businesses. For childrens traditional toys, he recommends ChildrensGiftIdeas.com, one of the UK's leading online toy shops.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Derek_Rogers
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