Wooden toys are beneficial to children, perhaps more so than modern technological toys.
Researchers have studied play and the way that children interact with toys and how this can stimulate development. Most have shown that traditional toys (such as a wooden dolls house, wooden baby walker or wooden toy castles) may be the most beneficial type of toy to stimulate a growing child’s mind and body. Children’s electronic toys on the other hand can actually promote short attention spans and inhibit creativity. They can also limit or inhibit a child's ability to think beyond the limits of their electronic toy because they have a defined start and finish or a single purpose.
Traditional toys are less restrictive, allowing a child to think up their own uses, games and outcomes. This stimulates interaction, general cognitive development and role play.
Natural wooden toys are traditional and great for kids. They have many benefits including environmental, developmental, health and safety and durability.
Wooden toys allow a child the freedom to use their imagination. The number of different ways to play with the toy is only restricted by a child's imagination. The more a child exercises it, the better it becomes. Also, the toys are not noisy and over stimulating. The natural texture of wood excites the senses and encourages children to touch, feel and explore.
Toys made from wood are also good for the planet. They are natural, biodegradable and recyclable. Toys made from sustainable wood mean less damage to the environment. By giving a child a wooden toy you are not contributing to the environmental damage that comes with making plastic ones, thereby also protecting the planet for their future. As an extra bonus the toys don’t need electricity, batteries or software either.
Wooden toys are a much safer alternative to plastic ones as they are all natural and do not contain high levels of chemicals and toxins. This is particularly important with babies who tend to put everything into their mouths. They are often finished with beeswax, natural oils or non-toxic paints.
Toys made from wood will last. They do not damage easily. Because of their strength they can stand a lot more pressure and weight than other toys and this allows them to being played with in more ways than other toys.
There are many reasons why wood works for toys, so when you are next looking for something for a child to play with, try a wooden toy.
