Das ist Gut!

The other day I got a teething ring for Xiao Mei because she is constantly gnawing on her hands, blankets, clothes, etc. It was one of those plastic ones available in the grocery store. When I took it out of the packaging it smelled like chemicals. I washed it in hot soapy water but it still smelled chemical-y, so I tossed it. Then I remembered the vow I made before I was a mom: “I will never give my kid plastic toys.” Uh….ahem. I’m only four months into motherhood, and XM’s nursery is littered with plastic rattles, rings, teethers, and toys. She loves them. My problem with plastic toys: they are usually made in China (by kids for kids!) where US safety standards are often ignored (as demonstrated by the numerous toy recalls last year). Also, the softer plastic can break down in saliva so your baby ingests toxins. While I probably won’t throw away all her plastic toys, I have committed myself to be a bit more selective when it comes to the toys I allow XM to play with and chew on.

With my new non-toxic attitude, I schlepped XM down town to Finnegan’s. I heard that was the best place to buy toys in Portland. Finnegan’s has great toys and games for older kids, but I was sorely disappointed in their selection for babies. I looked long and hard to find any wooden toys for babies, and I could only locate two things: a grasping toy and a wooden ring. The grasping toy was made in China, but the label said it used saliva-safe paint, so I bought it. The wooden ring was made in the USA, so I got that as well. Even with my new purchases, I wasn't very happy.

When I got home, I remembered a blog post I read months ago. It is all about safe toys and dangerous toys, and it links to several online retailers that sell handcrafted and European made toys. It was so much fun to visit the sites because the toys are beautiful, fun, and not made in China or with plastic that will break down. Hooray for strict European safety standards!!!

I ordered XM an Albinella bell rattle with a non-toxic finish, a Girali ring grasping toy, and HABA discovery blocks for when she is a little older. They arrived in the mail today, and I am so happy to have them. Gnaw away, little one!