Who doesn’t love a traditional wooden toy? Everyone remembers wooden toy cars, fruit, and train tracks from their childhood, but it seems plastic toys have taken over the classic wooden toys we had when we were younger. Parents want the best for the kids, and sometimes it’s the wooden toys that will make the most impact. The revival of simple toys is making a comeback at the moment, and it comes as no surprise. Here are a few reasons why wooden toys are always a great choice for your little ones.
They Last Forever
Parents know the drill, every Christmas and birthday that comes around, there’s the new must-have toy on their kid’s list. It can feel like a never-ending conveyor belt of replacing broken toys, that didn’t last that long. We all know kids aren’t gentle either, but wooden toys are more durable than plastic ones. They can be thrown around, and with every bump and groove on the wood, it becomes more personal to your little one. Wooden toys usually hold a sense of nostalgia, too; parents can pass down their wooden toys to their own children. Plus, they are beautiful, there’s nothing more aesthetically pleasing than a wooden train set with its track laid out, or a handcrafted wooden rocking house sat in the corner of their nursery or bedroom.
Saving The Planet & Good for Our Health
In a world of climate change and pollution, being sustainable with your purchases can also help. On average, a child will receive over $6500 worth of toys over their lifetime according to this study. Purchasing wooden toys can help drastically reduce the price of paying for new plastic toys every birthday and Christmas. It’s also worth thinking about the health implications of plastic toys. Children have a habit of putting things in their mouth, and with plastic, there’s a higher chance of health issues like asthma. Plastics have been known to leach toxic chemicals called phthalates. Whereas sustainable wood is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and doesn’t have chemicals that are used in plastic toys. They also don’t create any noise pollution which parents will be thrilled about.
Develop Fine Motor Skills
Investing in beautifully made wooden toys will help your little one develop and have fun at the same time. More modern toys do everything for them; the movement and noises are entertaining. However, you should also encourage them to be more creative and use their imagination when they play. A wooden toy doesn’t make sound effects, so your little one will have to create the sounds themselves and make them move. It will make them more curious about the world, develop motor and problem-solving skills, encourage hand-eye coordination, and make them more sociable. From the age of 6 months, babies start to understand what they’re holding and love to experiment with how things feel in their hand. The texture and sturdiness of wood provide a great sensory experience to little ones too.