Comments on: Toy Safe Finishes – What You Need To Know To Keep The Little Ones Safe

By: Lou S.

Lou S. — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 19:49:44 +0000

Hi Steve, Great article, spot-on appropriate info for some DIY wood creations I’m building (rather badly I’m afraid) for my grandkids. However, one of the items will be a “tower” for the kitchen so the kids can stand at counter-level and watch what’s going on, not just get in the way around their parent’s legs. There will be a tray made of oak that will most certainly have food eaten right off it and liquid spills requiring lots of wipe downs/cleaning. I’ve already primed the wood with latex primer since my daughter wanted this contraption painted and am wondering if I can put some kind of clear polyurethane or lacquer coat over whatever latex paint I use to make the surface harder (rest of the thing is pine), more moisture resistant, color last longer and safe since the kids will eat off it. If so, do you have a recommended product? Was thinking of using Sherwin-Williams or Behr latex paint underneath since the coat should protect the child from getting to the paint, but open to use Ecos paint if that brand can handle a clear coat too..

By: LMN

LMN — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 15:19:04 +0000

Hi,
This is, by far, the most helpful write up I’ve found on this topic. Thank you! I came across it in my quest to decipher the following as it relates to a toy wagon:

The oil used on this cart is a combination of: sunflower oil, natural oil ester (made by heating linseed stand oil with other vegetable oils and natural resins), lead-free dryers and isoaliphates (a neutral thinner for easy application. Free of aromatic hydrocarbons and of a quality also commonly used in food processing and cosmetics).

Is anyone able to help break this down for me in an effort to determine whether it’s safe or concerning for my sensitive baby girl?
Many thanks from a concerned Mama

By: Angie

Angie — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 14:28:38 +0000

Great article do you make and sell baby toys or recommend makers who follow these guidelines? I’d love to purchase some handmade safe for teething babies toys, shape puzzles etc. I would trust your knowledgeable recommendations Lots say their safe but you never know, they can say anything when advertising! Thanks

By: Danielle Hinton

Danielle Hinton — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 13:39:36 +0000

Hi! Thanks for this article! I’m still unsure of what to do with a particular project. We are providing blank/unfinished wooden blocks at my sister’s baby shower, with colored sharpies, so the guests can create a full set of customized blocks for the baby. (A-Z and 0-9). My question is, what should we use to “seal” the blocks so that the sharpie isn’t harmful when the baby inevitably puts the blocks in his mouth?

By: Marc Lyman

Marc Lyman — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 02:29:24 +0000

In reply to Jenny. Hi Jenny! We really can't weigh in on the safety of Biofa (or any other specific product). With any finish you're considering for toys, we'd recommend checking both with the manufacturer regarding any safety information as well as any outside sources that might have insight into the product's safety. According to their website, Biofa 2052 Complies with the requirements for ". . . the EN 71, Part 3 (safety of children’s toys."

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 16:46:02 +0000

Thanks, good article!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 04:47:17 +0000

Hi! Thank you so much for this article. I am very new to the world of wooden toys for my kids and this Information is so helpful. Can you give any insight as to the safety of Biofa German Oil (specifically the Biofa 2052, worktop oil). I am looking to purchase some items from a private seller who uses this to seal her products. From the research I have done, it appears that they use “boiled” oils, but it does not specifically say if this is Linseed oil, which I know your article says to avoid at all costs on children’s toys. I am just trying to determine if this is a safe product for items that may end up in a toddlers mouth. Thank you again so much!