It’s madness, I tell you!

I was at Babies “R” Us the other day picking through a co-worker’s gift registry. Obviously, while I was there, I took the time to check out some gear for our own son-to-be. While I was happy to see such a big chain carrying some greener items, I was still disappointed that the majority of the selection belonged in the clothing and bedding aisles. Sure, there are some organic cotton onesies and burp cloths in our own registries (which I’ve considered taking off since we’re lucky enough to have FOUR nephews from whom we’ll get hand-me-downs galore), but I’m still at a loss for what to do about things like toys, teething rings, and other things that will likely go into our child’s mouth.

After some quick Google searches for “non-toxic teething rings” and “eco friendly baby toys” I kept coming across the name HABA. Turns out they’re a German company who makes toys and other developmentally stimulating items for kids, and who proudly proclaim that they are “naturally environmentally conscious.”

Looking through their collection of baby toys, I’m intrigued by the variety of wooden clutching toys. Could these be the alternative to the plastic and rubbery things found at your local baby mega-mart? How bad is the environmental impact of a wooden toy versus a plastic one? And what exactly happens to the paint on the wood when the baby puts it his mouth?? (As the baby on the left bravely shows us.)

Questions, questions, but I have no answers yet. I’ve more reading to do about HABA and their wooden toys, as well as continuing my search for other green alternatives.

Filed by Maria in baby