Plastic toys are very common today for babies and kids and they spend most of their time with these toys, mostly also exploring them with their mouth by licking, chewing them, etc. It is necessary to ensure that materials used for making those toys must not contain any toxic elements that can raise health issues in children. Researchers found that during the manufacturing process, different chemicals are added to plastic toys to make them flexible, which could be harmful to kids, particularly babies who are most concerned.

Are Plastic Toys Safe for Babies and Toddlers?

No, not all toys are safe for babies and toddlers. Unfortunately, many parents do not know about the toxic effects of certain plastic toys, so it is essential to make them aware of toys that are not made with toxic substances. Parents should avoid giving plastic toys to babies who lick them or place them in their mouth, often even chewing them.

What Studies Show That Toys Can Pose Health Risks to Children?

Peer-reviewed studies show that plastic toys can contain chemical additives that may harm children, especially plasticizers in soft plastic (1), and that toys can also shed microplastics during play or release PFAS when mouthed.

What Chemicals Are Found in Plastic Toys?

Chemical additives like plasticizers are used in toys to make them softer and provide elasticity. Further to plasticizers, also flame retardants and fragrances are found among the hazardous substances. In fact, a 2021 study by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) (1), funded through a UN Environment programme, identified 126 chemicals in plastic toy materials that could pose health risks to children, uncluding these chemicals we just mentioned. The researchers recommended stricter international regulations, so that safer alternatives are found to these harmful chemicals.

Are Old or Hand-Me-Down Plastic Toys Safe?

Not always. Older soft plastic toys are the ones to be most careful with. A 2024 Japanese study (2) of 84 plastic toys found that most toys made after 2010 kept regulated phthalates below the 0.1% limit, while older ones had far more, up to 62% DIDP in one finger puppet.

Do Plastic Toys Shed Microplastics?

Yes, they do. A 2024 study (3) published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that playing with common plastic building toy bricks (i.e. snapping them together and pulling them apart) produces large amounts of tiny plastic debris. The authors estimate thousands of microplastic fragments and hundreds of thousands of nanoplastic particles per mm² after simulated play, which could be inhaled or swallowed by children if they lick the toys while playing.

Please note: this was a lab simulation, so it doesn’t tell us how many particles children actually swallow or breathe in during real play.

Do Toys Leach PFAS?

Some soft toys can. A 2026 study (4) found PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in all 18 stuffed toys for babies and toddlers it tested, and some leached into artificial saliva under mouthing conditions. Estimated intakes stayed below the EU’s safe weekly limit, and washing the toys reduced most PFAS.

Please note: this was a small lab study, and exposure was estimated, not measured in children. The new EU Toy Safety Regulation (5) will ban PFAS in toys from 1 August 2030.

Related: Embracing Motherhood Sustainably with a Plastic-Free Pregnancy Test!

What Are the Safest Materials for Toys?

The safest materials for toys are solid wood and bamboo finished with plant oils, organic cotton and other natural fibers, 100% natural rubber, and paper or cardboard, because none of them need plasticizers to make them soft.

It has long been known that several chemicals used in plastic toys in different parts of the world can be harmful to human health. However, it is difficult for parents to figure out how to avoid plastic toys containing chemicals that may cause possible health risks to your children. You can buy toys made with materials that are an excellent alternative to plastic. Here are some examples:

• Wooden Toys
• Bamboo Toys
• Cloth Toys (only if made of natural and organic fibers)
• Natural Rubber Toys
• Food-grade Silicone Toys
• Recycled Paper Beads
• Paper toys
• Sustainable Board Games & Puzzles
• Natural Modelling Clay

These are no-plastic toys that give babies and toddlers the same enjoyment and avoid any health issues arising from the harmful effects of plasticizers.

Such toys are also in line with the Montessori philosophy because they are mostly made from natural materials, they are meant to be physically touched and explored with the children’s mouth, then with their hands as they grow up. They focus on building skills, including STEM learning, and encouraging independence in your child. They are mostly based on real life (animals figures etc.) and do not have electronics or flashing lights.

What Are the Best Alternatives to Plastic Toys? 9 Plastic-Free Options

The 9 best alternatives to plastic toys are wooden toys, bamboo toys, organic cloth toys, natural rubber toys, food-grade silicone toys, recycled paper beads, paper toys, sustainable board games and puzzles, and natural modeling clay.

Different materials can be a good alternative to plastic for making toys for babies and children which do not contain harmful plastic components. Most of these materials are obtained from natural sources and don’t need harmful additives. Moreover, unlike plastic, most of them are biodegradable and do not contribute to environmental pollution after disposal. Some of the most popular eco-friendly alternatives to plastic toys are discussed as follows:

This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. This helps us continue the hard work we put into researching products and solutions.

Please Note: Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health. Please read our disclaimer.

1. Wooden Toys / Montessori Toys

Wooden toys are a very old and traditional form of toy making that has become more popular nowadays due to their environment-friendly nature and natural ingredients. They are often called Montessori toys because they are based on the education philosophy by Dr. Maria Montessori, which focuses on hands-on, self-directed learning, and independence. The various advantages of wooden toys over plastic toys are mentioned below.

• Solid, untreated wood doesn’t need plasticizers or other chemical additives.
• It can be beautifully crafted and designed in various shapes and sizes with attractive looks.
• Wood is biodegradable and recyclable which makes it eco-friendly.
• Wooden toys are more durable than plastic and not broken easily.
• Wooden toys do not require the addition of chemicals to make them flexible and moldable.
• Make sure that wooden toys do not contain any harmful colors in their painting or toxic sealants though. Examples of the best non-toxic sealants (lacquers) are linseed oil and tung oil, both of which are safe for children.

An example of a wooden toy brand is Le Toy Van, an award-winning British toy family-company with a passion for creating beautifully London designed, ethically made wooden toys.

See the range of wooden toys on:

• Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
• Etsy

Related: Why You Need to Use Eco-Friendly Phone Cases to Accessorise Your Mobile?

2. Bamboo Toys

Bamboo is a plant with a woody stem that is used for making different art crafts including toys. Unprocessed bamboo is a sustainable material because it is a fast-growing grass, it doesn’t require fertilizers or pesticides, and self-regenerates from its roots, so it doesn’t need to be replanted, nor does it need a lot of water to grow, making it a renewable and versatile crop.

Bamboo toys have a range of benefits in health aspects and safety for kids, some of which are mentioned as follows:

• They are strong and durable, but still provide some flexibility.
• They can be designed in various shapes.
• Bamboo is weather-resistant, moisture-proof, and insect resistant.
• Bamboo is biodegradable and therefore also home-compostable.
• Bamboo toys are often handmade; ask the maker about glues and finishes.
• As mentioned above for wooden toys, make sure that bamboo toys do not contain any harmful colors in their painting or toxic sealants. Examples of the best non-toxic sealants (lacquers) are linseed oil and tung oil, both of which are safe for children.

See the range of bamboo toys on:

• • Etsy

3. Cloth Toys / Soft Toys Made with Organic Cotton and Other Natural Fibers

Cloth toys are also a traditional art form of toy making. They can be designed with attractive colors that can catch the child’s attention. They range from cloth teethers for babies, to ragdolls, puppets, cloth books or even soft blocks made from organic cotton.

The advantages of soft toys are as follows:

• Cloth toys are soft and flexible, so suitable for a child’s tender skin.
• They avoid any scope of getting hurt by breaking or sharp edges.
• Cloth toys are mostly washable and repairable.
• Cloth toys are found in a variety of designs at a cheaper cost.
• Please note: make sure that the cloth comes from natural fibers (organic cotton, hemp, wool) and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. Even better if these materials are certified by textile standards like OEKO-TEX® etc.
• When the cloth is made of natural fibers, it means it is biodegradable making it eco-friendly as it can be home composted at the end of its life cycle.

Why does the fabric matter? In a University of Portsmouth investigation (7) with Good Morning Britain, air sampling in a family home found the highest levels of airborne microplastics in the children’s bedroom, which the researchers put down to the carpets, non-cotton bed linen and soft toys. Synthetic stuffed toys can also release PFAS (4).

Please note: this was a TV investigation of a single home, not a peer-reviewed study, so it shows what can happen rather than what happens in every home.

Shop 100% organic cotton baby toys on:

• • Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia
  • Biome Australia
  • Etsy

Related: Why You Should Switch to Glass Baby Bottles?

4. Natural Rubber Toys and Teethers

Rubber toys are not only great fun for small children but they’re eco-friendly too. Natural rubber comes from a native Brazilian plant – Hevea brasiliensis – it is biodegradable and free from plasticizers, which makes it a great choice for children to chew, stretch and play with. Natural rubber is sourced from the latex of rubber trees which is vulcanized and shaped into various products. Natural rubber is another sustainable and flexible material that many manufacturers prefer to use for baby and toddler teething toys. The advantages of natural rubber toys are mentioned as follows:

• Natural rubber is biodegradable and recyclable.
• It is non-toxic and free from harmful plastic components.
• It requires no artificial coloring or chemical softeners.
• It is naturally soft and flexible.
• Natural rubber toys are robust, weather resistant, and durable.
• Authentic 100% natural rubber toys represent one of the most environmentally sustainable choice, as they are completely free from plastic, silicone, petroleum, heavy metals, PVC, and phthalates.

Please note: make sure to ask the manufacturer if the material is 100% natural rubber as “rubber” can be also artificially made from a variety of polymers synthesized from petroleum byproducts, which provides the rubber its properties.

Please note: avoid natural rubber if your child has a latex allergy.

Here are some natural rubber toy brands we recommend:

• Bambeado Natura Amber & Natural Rubber Teething Toys via Amazon or Etsy. Unlike amber teething necklaces, which the FDA warns against because of choking and strangulation risks, the amber here is sealed inside the rubber.
• Calmies Natural Rubber via Amazon
• Oli & Carol, Tikiri, Hevea via Biome Australia

5. Food-Grade Silicone Toys

Food-grade silicone is a synthetic material made from silica (sand) combined with carbon-based chemicals, and is used to make baby food containers, tethers, and toys that are safe for babies. It is soft and flexible but also can sustain chewing or biting strain for a long time.

Here are some benefits of food-grade silicone over plastic in making baby toys:

• They should be free from chemical byproducts.
• They are durable and temperature resistant.
• These toys are robust and flexible making them ideal for kids.
• They promote a good grip on the baby’s hands.
• Food-grade silicone is a waterproof material and should not be affected by germs.
• Silicone baby toys are hygienic, lightweight, and easy to clean.
• Food-grade silicone is not biodegradable, because it is a synthetic man-made material, however it is less likely to break down than plastic and hence why many think that it is an eco-friendly material.

To some people, plastic-free toys are toys that do not include silicone either. This is because silicone is not completely inert: a 2012 FDA study (8) found cyclic siloxanes (D4, D5 and D6) in every silicone baby bottle nipple it tested, although almost none migrated into milk or infant formula. Our recommendation is to be careful about this material and to check its composition with the manufacturer.

For these reasons, we prefer to recommend only natural rubber toys.

6. Recycled Paper Beads

Another no plastic toy idea for pre-school children is making recycled paper beads. These can be made using old magazines, newspapers or used wrapping paper. You can find many tutorials online that teach you how to make them and here below we posted an example which will help beginners. The beads can be used in DIY jewellery, home ornaments, wall hangings and other decorations. Such activities are both safe for your children, they stimulate their motoric skills and creativity, and last but not least, they are also environmentally sustainable.

Traditionally toothpicks or small wooden skewers are used to make these beads, however there are also some bead making kits that can be purchased online to make this activity even easier and more fun for everyone. Please note, that some of these paper bead rollers are made with a piece of plastic though.

Find paper bead cutting dies and recycled paper beads on:

• Amazon
• Etsy

7. Paper Toys

In recent years as people are trying to avoid cheap plastic toys, paper toys have become more popular. They are usually made of paper that kids have to cut and place into a 3-D shape similar to the Japanese origami or you can find more durable versions that are made with cardboard and often include free apps for download to allow children to have some education digital learning fun. Here are some brands we recommend:

• Ooly DIY Paper Airplane Book via Amazon
• Playper via Amazon is one of such planet-friendly brands that has brought on to the market a series of educational paper toys for children aged 3-6. Their “The Curious Kingdom” and other toys are made from PlayperBoard™ – a plastic-free, cardboard based-material that is fully recyclable at the end of its life.
• 3-D animal Origami via Etsy

8. Sustainable Board Games & Puzzles

Apart from children puzzles, which are generally a great idea for plastic-free toys, in recent years more and more plastic free educational toys are being launched that also teach about sustainability, recycling, the UN sustainable development goals, how to go green and start leading an eco-friendly lifestyle, all while having fun etc. These can be useful for rainy days or when the family plays together mostly during the festivities.

These can be:

• Memory Games
• Jigsaw Puzzles
• Board Games
• Card Games
• Party Games

Find eco-friendly games about sustainability on:

• Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia –
• Biome Australia
• Etsy

9. Natural Modeling Clay

Modeling clay is very popular among young children (i.e. Play Dough) and also teenagers (i.e. the rising of popularity of slime!) but unfortunately the majority of these products are made with synthetic materials that do not biodegrade. Furthermore, glitter is often added to slime to make it more colorful, shiny and more appealing, creating an environmental disaster as it is microplastics that pollutes our soil and waterways harming wildlife.

A lot of these clays on the market are made with polymers, resins, coloring agents and fillers. They don’t use a natural clay base, but a plastic, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) base. Stay away from polymer clay. Making and burning PVC releases dioxins, which are known carcinogens, and soft PVC usually contains phthalates (6). We have mentioned phthalates already earlier in this article and we have linked a study that researches their impact on human health. Apart from health related issues, polymer clay doesn’t biodegrade, on the contrary, it contaminates our natural environment.

Here are the benefits of using natural clay over synthetic clay in toys:

• Natural clay, water-based clay and homemade dough are generally safe for the environment and for kids
• They do not stick too much and irritate the skin
• They hardly leave any residue
• They do not air-dry so they are reusable, particularly if they are kept in a container
• Dough clays can be done at home with recipes found online, saving you money.

See the range of natural clay on:

• Amazon USA – Canada – UK – Australia

Related: Plastic Free Glitter: Which Cosmetic Glitter Brands are Biodegradable and Compostable?

FAQ About Plastic-Free Toys

– Are plastic toys safe for babies?

Not all of them. A 2021 study by the Technical University of Denmark identified 126 chemicals of concern in plastic toy materials, with plasticizers in soft plastics posing the highest risk (1). A 2024 test of 84 toys in Japan found plasticizers, flame retardants and fragrances in almost all of them (2). Because babies lick and chew their toys, we recommend natural materials such as solid wood, organic cotton and 100% natural rubber for anything that goes in their mouth.

– Are soft plastic toys worse than hard plastic toys?

They carry different risks. Soft plastic toys, such as vinyl bath toys and squeeze toys, contain plasticizers, which were the highest-risk chemical group in the DTU study (1). Hard plastics such as the ABS used in building bricks don’t need plasticizers but can shed microplastics as they get scratched during play (3).

– How can I tell if a toy is plastic-free?

Check the materials list rather than the marketing: look for solid wood, organic cotton or wool (ideally GOTS or OEKO-TEX® certified), 100% natural rubber, paper or cardboard. Ask the brand about paints, glues, stuffing and finishes, and be wary of words like “vinyl”, “PVC”, “soft plastic” or just “rubber” without “natural”.

– What is the safest material for baby toys?

Solid wood finished with linseed or tung oil, organic cotton or wool, and 100% natural rubber are the safest choices, because they don’t need plasticizers to make them soft. Check that paints, sealants and stuffing are non-toxic too.

– Is silicone safe for baby toys?

Food-grade silicone is more stable than soft plastic, but it is a synthetic material, it doesn’t biodegrade, and quality varies between products. An FDA study found cyclic siloxanes in every silicone baby bottle nipple it tested, although almost none migrated into milk (8). We prefer 100% natural rubber for teethers, and we recommend checking the composition of any silicone toy with the manufacturer.

– Are wooden toys non-toxic?

Solid, unpainted wood is a safe choice because it doesn’t need plasticizers. The risk lies in paints, varnishes and glues, so look for toys finished with plant oils such as linseed or tung oil and avoid glued plywood or MDF for babies who chew.

– Is natural rubber safe for teething babies?

Toys made of 100% natural rubber from the Hevea brasiliensis tree are free from plastic, PVC and phthalates, which makes them our preferred teether material. Ask the brand to confirm the rubber is 100% natural, because synthetic rubber is made from petroleum. Avoid natural rubber if your child has a latex allergy.

– Are Montessori toys plastic-free?

Most Montessori toys are made of natural materials such as wood, cotton and metal, are based on real life and have no electronics or flashing lights. Not every toy sold as “Montessori” is plastic-free, though, so check the materials before you buy.

What Did the Research on Toys Find?

Conclusion: Are Plastic-Free Toys Worth It?

Yes: toys made from natural materials avoid the plasticizers, flame retardants and fragrances found in many plastic toys (1), and they don’t shed microplastics during play.

In the modern lifestyle, we are surrounded by plastic everywhere, so it’s not easy to find plastic-free toys. We all are aware of the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and parents are concerned about their kid’s safety and health aspects while playing with plastic toys. Researchers are working on alternative natural resources to replace plastic as much as possible. One area that can make use of plastic-free alternatives is the toy-making sector by making hygienic and eco-friendly toys for babies and children. By choosing plastic-free, biodegradable, natural alternatives over plastic, we can make our environment cleaner and safer for future generations.

Do you have any questions or comments? Let us know in the comments section below.

References and Scientific Literature Sources:

(1) Aurisano, N., Huang, L., Milà i Canals, L., Jolliet, O., & Fantke, P. (2021). Chemicals of concern in plastic toys. Environment International, 146, 106194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106194

(2) Bekki, K., Eguchi, A., Takaguchi, K., Inaba, Y., Yukawa, K., Yoshida, S., & Azuma, K. (2024). Comprehensive survey on the use of plastic additives in toy products used in Japan. Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, 29, 43. https://doi.org/10.1265/ehpm.24-00054

(3) Luo, Y., Naidu, R., & Fang, C. (2024). Toy building bricks as a potential source of microplastics and nanoplastics. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 471, 134424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134424

(4) Nowak, L., Beaud, J., Sartori, L., Onidi, A., Cretegny, L., Rime, C., Staedler, D., & Lucarini, F. (2026). Stuffed toys as a source of oral PFAS exposure: Migration into artificial saliva and exposure assessment. Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-026-00946-8

(5) Regulation (EU) 2025/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 November 2025 on the safety of toys and repealing Directive 2009/48/EC. (2025). Official Journal of the European Union. https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2025/2509/oj

(6) Wang, Y., & Qian, H. (2021). Phthalates and their impacts on human health. Healthcare, 9(5), 603. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050603

(7) University of Portsmouth. (n.d.). Microplastics in our homes. Revolution Plastics Institute. https://www.port.ac.uk/research/research-groups-and-centres/revolution-plastics-institute/microplastics-in-our-homes

(8) Zhang, K., Wong, J. W., Begley, T. H., Hayward, D. G., & Limm, W. (2012). Determination of siloxanes in silicone products and potential migration to milk, formula and liquid simulants. Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A, 29(8), 1311–1321. https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2012.684891

—

Browse more articles related to plastic and microplastics around babies.

Browse the I’m Plastic Free platform to discover eco-friendly solutions for Babies & Kids.