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23-Aug-2020 12:00 AM
2319
Toys are fascinating for children of all age groups. Generally, you would find toys in every house which has kids. It is one of the best gifts they love to receive on their birthdays.
The market is flooded with all kinds of age-appropriate toys and whenever you are out with your child to a mall or the local market where these toys are displayed, he wants one.
Playing with toys helps in the development of a child but have you ever looked at the dangerous aspects of these toys? The plastic toys which are so appealing and amusing have a detrimental effect on their health. For example, when the kids are teething they put everything in their mouth and suck it. And if a toy contains lead, they are at a very large risk of lead poisoning which can cause kidney brain damage. The toys made up of PVC are very dangerous because PVC is a poison plastic.
When these toys are used for a long period of time, the toxins get accumulated in the body and cause serious health effects like cancer and fertility problems. The dyes and pigments used in dolls and cuddly toys can cause allergies. Some chemicals can even disrupt the endocrine system. Children are more susceptible to the dangerous effects of these toxins because they are more engaged in hand to mouth activity.
Nowadays, parents are becoming more aware of the health hazards of PVC toys and battery/ electrically operated toys and are looking for better and safer options. It is not possible to educate toddlers and small children about the dangers of using these toxic toys. But it is feasible to replace the plastic toys with safe and sustainable natural toys.
Before the dawn of plastic, toys were made of wood and had natural texture. This concept is used for making green toys or environmentally friendly toys. Babies learn through touch, feel, and taste, therefore, they are manufactured from natural, organic material and are chemical-free or non-toxic. These toys do not run on batteries so there is no harm to the environment from the leached acid of the used batteries. It keeps the child active because he has to move to make the toy move. Green toys have many advantages that modern hi-tech toys don’t have.
Toys hold a very special place in our hearts as they are directly connected to our childhood memories. So, if you want your children to have special memories of toys, buy them the right kind of toys. The ones which are safe, chemical-free and long-lasting. As guardians, you have to take responsibility for the safety of your kids and ensure that they are growing up in a healthy way.
My baby is eighteen months old and toys don’t hold his attention for a long time. On the contrary, he is fascinated by the regular household item like bucket, spoon, and plays with this stuff. That keeps him happy and entertained. And if he asks for toys I would give him the ones which are natural and safe.