Have you ever taken the time to think about what's in your child's toys? What are they made of and where do they come from? What is in your supplements and creams? How do they affect your health?

These are all very important things to ponder. Children and babies are very likely to put their toys in their mouths and rest their gentle skin on them. Little ones are also likely to to get into your products, lick the sunscreen off of their arms, and are much more sensitive to chemicals than you might be. Many toys are made out of toxic plastic or other materials that have not been tested for safety. Wood toys can be a safer alternative but don't forget to consider the paint that covers them. Finding safe toys for our children these days isn't as easy as you'd think!

Juniper playing with her non-toxic handmade organic wood toy from House of Folklore

After doing some simple research I was very alarmed to find many large brands of toys were testing very high in dangerous toxins such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and other dangerous chemicals. Scary! While reading up on cosmetics and sunscreens I was alarmed to find that carcinogens are found in MANY products. There are no governing laws that ensure our safety in the composure of cosmetics. This startling information jump started me on my search for safe products for me and my family.

Juniper smiling as I apply our creamy homemade non-toxic sunscreen~

5 Quick Tips to help you choose toys that are safe for your children:

1. Do not purchase toys made from or including BPA, PVC, PET, and Styrofoam
2. Choose toys that are made locally
3. Buy toys made from natural materials such as wood and cloth
4. Buy toys colored with natural dyes and paints
5. Do your research

6 Tips for purchasing healthy cosmetics and products:

1. Read the label!
2. Look up any ingredients that you cannot understand
3. Products with less ingredients tend to be safer
4. Look for a non-toxic label
5. Make homemade products
6. Buy locally and support small businesses to help them in succeeding to make a safer future for our children

Here are just a few great brands I absolutely love for my kids:

The House of Folklore makes handmade items out of natural woods. Vegetable dyes are used to give them their beautiful color, ensuring they are non-toxic. Although these toys are not local to us I admire the company as they support many small artisans from across Asia. This helps create larger livelihood for many craftsmen and keep many traditional art forms alive.

Bright Green Tangerine makes adorable handmade Waldorf dolls made out of all organic materials! I worked with the wonderful owner Susan to create a custom doll for Juniper's first Doll from Mommy. She goes out of her way to find the best materials. She stuffs all of her dolls with natural un-dyed Canadian wool which makes them extra warm, soft and cozy. Susan also uses up-cycled fabrics and baby clothes to dress each doll. Juniper and I are absolutely impressed with 'Molly.'

Juniper takes Molly everywhere! Adorable and Safe! Thank you Bright Green Tangerine! — Juniper takes Molly everywhere! Adorable and Safe! Thank you Bright Green Tangerine!

Raise Them Well makes amazing products certified by the Toxic Free Foundation. This company was founded by and is run by a sweet Mommy and Daddy with an adorable son who are striving to make safer products for their son and ours!

I love their Zinc Oxide Powder! It can be easily used in simple recipes for Sunscreens, Diaper creams, acne creams, and more! I mix a few scoops into a jar of coconut oil and it is a great moisturizing protective Sunscreen for my whole family!

Another great product I use from them is their Kids Safe Roll-On Magnesium Oil. I rub this onto the feet of my kiddos when they are extra tired and need something calming and relaxing!

Their Prenatal Vitamins and Baby Vitamin D3 Drops are great non-GMO all natural products for you and baby! I take the prenatal vitamins for postpartum health while I am still breastfeeding and I love them!

I will be posting more safe product reviews soon, stay tuned and Subscribe to be notified~
Let me know what you think and if you have any toxin free products or brands you recommend for you and your kids!

Best,
Mommy Misty Jame