While most parents are now aware of the dangers of toxic chemicals in baby bath products, some haven’t questioned the safety of the toys their children play with while bathing. Many are made of unsafe vinyl or PVC and contain Bisphenol A and Phthalates, dangerous chemicals that can have serious, long-term health effects (and yes, the same ones found in polycarbonate plastic baby bottles and sippy cups). In a test conducted by The San Fransisco Chronicle, some common rubber duckies contained levels of a carcinogenic Phthalate 13 times the “safe” limit. That’s pretty scary, since Phthalates and Bisphenol A are now known to cause cancer, reproductive system and brain damage, among other illnesses.

But there are safer options out there. Our Green House sells this classic Rubber Duck, who is all-natural and completely safe for babies and kids. It’s flexible and squeaky just like a great rubber ducky should be, but the difference is it’s made of natural rubber sustainably harvested from the sap of rubber trees. There are no harsh chemicals or herbicides involved in it’s manufacturing, and even the paint is lead-free and safe for children.

They’re produced in Spain by a third generation family-run business, and you can get one from Our Green House for just $7.95.

In honor of National Puppy Day (which was March 23rd), I wanted to share this great wooden dachshund puzzle. It’s made of handpainted plantation-grown Rubberwood, which is a sustainable wood that doesn’t splinter. The colorful paint is completely non-toxic and child friendly, although the toy itself is recommended for ages 3 and up. It’s totally handmade by fair trade artisans, and is heirloom-quality so it’s made to last and provide years of entertainment for your little puppy lover!

$13.99 at Amazon.com

Do you have a budding artist in the family? Or just a crayon connoisseur? (Yum…tasty crayons are hard to come by). Either way, I’m sure you’ll appreciate these earth-friendly crayons that are made from…drumroll please….SOY. Soybean oil and natural pigments are all that go into these crayons made by the Stubby Pencil Studio, making them both earth-friendly and completely non-toxic. At only $3, you can’t pass these up.

Handmade in Sri Lanka, this mobile is so cute and unique, and would be a perfect gift for a springtime baby!

It’s 13″ tall, and on sale right now for only $5.00.  What’s even better than that? All proceeds help fund community development projects, including disaster relief, in over 5600 villages in Sri Lanka.

Limited quantities available at Agreatergift.org

Technorati Tags: spring baby mobile, easter mobile, handmade baby mobile, fair trade

As far as toys go, you just can’t go wrong with Oliebollen….strange name, but great toys. This bus is on our wishlist….made in the USA of solid maplewood, there are no toxic finishes on this toy. The top even comes off for access to the peeps inside - very cool. And with an affordable price tag, this is our kind of toy.

Oh, and while you’re checking out their website, be sure to visit their Olie-Aid page where you can pick up an awesome baby blanket whose proceeds go to Sitara, a non-profit organization dedicated to Afghan war orphans. A great blanket for a great cause!