Green Treehouse

There’s talk lately about new Children’s Product Safety Laws, but what are they and what do they mean for parents and our children? If you want the full scoop, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) gives consumers the lowdown in this news release.

The short is that in beginning in February 10, 2009, new requirements kick in for manufacturers, importers and retailers of children’s products, which according to CPSC specify that:

children’s products cannot be sold if they contain more than 600 parts per million (ppm) total lead. Certain children’s products manufactured on or after February 10, 2009 cannot be sold if they contain more than 0.1% of certain specific phthalates or if they fail to meet new mandatory standards for toys.

The new legislation also imposes additional safety requirements, which can be read in summary form in this CPSC news release.

If you’re looking for another reason to buy eco-friendly toys, consider this news: a Michigan-based environmental research group has found that one-third of popular toys “contain medium or high levels of chemicals of concern.” That’s one in three!

Don’t worry if you didn’t score good deals on Black Friday. Today is Cyber Monday and the web is loaded with them!

If you’re looking for eco-friendly, green gifts for baby and young children, don’t miss BabyEarth’s fabulous compilation of Under $10 Gifts!This compilation contains some amazing finds for the upcoming gift giving season–it’s also well worth checking out if you’re on a budget and need a baby shower gift! You’ll find major eco-friendly brands, too, including Under the Nile, Bumkins, and Born Free.

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Hey there, eco-conscious mamas (and daddies, too), guess what? Sassy hopes to inspire you and stimulate your baby with its new line of Earth Brights wooden baby products!

Earth Brights are handcrafted from quality hardwoods, select fabrics and water-based finishes with packaging made from 100% recycled paperboard.

If you’re looking for a toy for your little one or a “green” baby shower gift, think Sassy. Here’s a look at Sassy’s beautifully crafted Sassy Wooden Trio:

And the Sassy Simply Natural Rattle:

Click here for additional Sassy gift ideas.

If your preschooler wants to learn to lace (or you’re sick of tying shoelaces), check out this totally adorable Tie-Up Shoe by Plan Toys. I’m not sure who likes the shoe more–me or my child! It’s so cute.

By the way, I’m a huge fan of Plan Toys because it holds itself out as a green toy company. Plan Toys is committed to minimizing its impact on nature. Plan Toys are made from non-chemically treated, recycled rubberwood.

August 7, 2008: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of Fisher-Price Learning Pots and Pans Toys (Model No. G6685), which have stackable pots and pans, a lid and shape-sorting blocks.

According to CPSC, “Missing screws in the blue toy pan can cause the clear plastic cover to come loose and release small balls, presenting a choking hazard to young children.”

For more information about the recall or to learn whether your toy may be affected by the recall, check out the CPSC news release here.

July 29, 2008: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (”CPSC”) has announced a voluntary recall of Wooden Toys by Earthentree of Kirkland, WA. The wooden toys affected by the recall include egg shakers (maracas), pull toys, rattles, and trains, which are painted glossy red, orange, green, brown, yellow or natural wood.

According to CPSC, “The recalled toys contain small parts or can break into small parts, posing a choking hazard. The recalled rattles violate the federal rattle standard. Some of the toys also have a string longer than 12 inches, which can pose a strangulation hazard to young children.” No injuries have been reported.

For more information about the recall or to learn whether your toy may be affected by the recall, check out the CPSC news release here.

Plan Toys is just one toy company that makes toys out of chemical-free Rubberwood. But with a name like that, it seems only natural to wonder whether Rubberwood is a form of plastic or wood?

Well, the answer is…wood. Rubberwood comes from Rubber Trees, which are grown in tropical areas of Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Rubberwood is eco-friendly. And, it’s durable–perfectly suited for becoming well loved and used toys! Click here to check out BabyEarth’s line of baby toys and furniture made out of eco-friendly Rubberwood.

I happened to find myself “window shopping” in a super pricey, albeit totally chic, brick and mortar baby store the other day.  I discovered two things (although the first I already knew, but reminders are ALWAYS useful):  (1) you generally get so much MORE bang for the buck when you shop online, and (2) there are some uber cool play baby photo albums (a.k.a. developmental photo toys) on the market.

Wondering why you’d ever give your baby a chewable photo album toy?  Well, for development purposes for starters.  Baby friendly photo albums or toys help baby develop familiarity with the displayed faces.  Baby and Mom (Dad, Grandma or the sitter) will find endless joy in playing “who’s that?” or peek-a-boo–and of course, in watching baby give ”kisses” to her favorite photos.  Photo albums or toys also encourage baby talk and giggles.  Colors, designs, and textures also captivate baby’s interest.

BabyEarth.com has a fabulous selection of baby photo albums, toys and cubes.   

Like this one, the Hello Baby Photo Cube by Sassy ($11.49), which introduces baby to fun noises when photos are pressed.  

And this one, the Whoozit Photo Album by Manhattan Toy ($15.95), which holds 5 4×6 images and has special flaps for peek-a-boo fun.

Pressed for affordable gift ideas for that little one in your life?  Here are 5 great gifts for tots: 

1.  Pony or Unicorn Stick.  Sure, playing with the broom is fun, but not nearly as much fun as the real thing.

2.  Bubbles.  What kid doesn’t love bubbles and bubble accessories, like a gigantic wand or bubble mower?

3.  Planes, trains, and automobiles!  Most little guys and gals alike love playing with pint-sized toy vehicles.  Mom and dad (and grandma, too), will appreciate the entertainment value–just pack a couple of vehicles in a diaper bag and pull out when needed to keep the little one occupied!

4.  Shape Sorters.  A classic, must-have gift.  Melissa & Doug makes terrific sorting toys.  Chicco and Sassy also make educational and fun sorters.

5.  Puppets.  Kids love puppet play, especially when they get to watch a show by Mom or Dad.  Finger puppets are a sure crowd pleaser!