Hazardous Play? What Can Be Done?

It is so frustrating lately to see and hear about all the recalls going on. You know that if this many toys and children's products are being recalled, then there are plenty that are going under the radar. Not only that, but the kinds of tests that are done only cover a fraction of the potentially dangerous chemicals and other hazards that the products we buy possess. This can be disheartening and either cause one to throw out all toys in angst or to go the other route and just ignore it all. I would not ignore the warnings in most if not all cases because it is after all, our children we are talking about here. It is our responsibility to protect them and this is all part of that duty. However, I don't think that our children should go toyless, what fun would that be?! Besides, children learn through play. Play is extrememly important for children of all ages. As I have been preparing for a new little one and in light of all the recall frenzy, I've been looking at alternative resources for toys and other products for babies and children. I've already discussed how I feel about baby products such as chemical laden creams, lotions, diapers, and wipes and I have chosen a minimilist view. I cannot affort to buy all the 'organic' baby toiletries out there and so I've chosen to either make my own, or go without (babies really don't need lotions, soaps, or creams). Check out Dr. Greene's Raising Baby Green to learn more about the potential harms in common products.

In regards to toys and blankets and such, I've found a truly amazing source for many hand-made and safe baby products from clothing and cloth diapers to toys, blankets, and slings. I'm sure many of you have heard of it--the site is called "Etsy" (http://www.etsy.com/) and one can search the site for a wealth of baby and other products all hand made. The shipping prices are low and custom orders are usually welcome. Here are a few of my favorite finds so far:

Apple and other 'fruit' knit hats for babies (these are made in Canada)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=11978866

Some beautiful slings in a variety of styles for all you baby wearers:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_5&listing_id=12604880
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=10934951
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_7&listing_id=12603749
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_17&listing_id=12577198

Beautiful Baby Blankets and Burp Clothes:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=12594346
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_4&listing_id=12587707
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_7&listing_id=12556478
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_15&listing_id=12386085

Stuffies and Other Toys:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_10&listing_id=12610791
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_12&listing_id=12610493
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_9&listing_id=10027840
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_21&listing_id=12607991

Sensory Blankets, Clothes, and Toys:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=12605218
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_5&listing_id=12593889


There are so many beautiful things, you could spend hours looking on this site. It is a great resource for organic clothes, diapers, bedding, slings, and other items as well.

If you are interested in knowing more about recalls check these sites:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html
http://www.healthycanadians.ca/pr-rp/pr-rp_e.php

Or about toxic toys and other products for children
http://www.healthytoys.org/about.why.php
http://www.ewg.org/node/25556 (this is a write up about a study done on dangerous chemicals found in common baby products)

Keep Healthy,
Rachel