hard plastic kiddie pool with slide
HOSES
What you use to fill the pool is also important since HelathyStuff.org came out with their findings on the safety of garden hoses (many of them contain lead, along with other harmful metals and chemicals that are being found in the water that comes from them). For non-toxic hose options, see my post: Garden Hoses, A Potential Health Risk.
TOYS
Independent testing shows that toys sold on the shelves across America contain toxins such as lead, BPA, cadmium, PVC, phthalates and formaldehyde. I previously discussed the dangers of these toxins, as well as how they are ending up in our children’s toys, in my article, Clean Toys, Green Toys and Toys Made Close to Home.
When it comes to water toys, it’s important to make sure that they are free from chemicals and heavy metals, as these toys in particular often end up in children’s mouths, or with children trying to drink pool water from them (as much as we try to deter them from doing so!); thus the reason why I would like to share some of my children’s favorite water toys with you.
These boats are made in the USA from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are free of BPA, PVC, phthalates and external coatings. They are packaged using only recycled and recyclable materials and printed with soy inks. The best part is that they do not harbor mold. These boats open up for fast drying and easy cleaning.
These can be used both in and out of the bath. Though they are marketed for ages 10 months and up, they are not just for babies. My almost 5 year old loves to play with them, as does my almost 3 year old daughter.
This is another one of my children’s favorite water toys. “North Star Toys are made from sustainably-managed wood or wood scraps from local cabinet makers. The 32-year-old company assembles all of its toys in New Mexico, USA, which runs on 100% renewable energy. Toys are finished with a food-grade mineral oil and paints are certified lead-free and nontoxic” (The Independent). Their lumber comes from the US, and their parts follow the federal and voluntary guidelines governing small parts, sharp points, and chemical make-up. Their toy finishes are safe, as the toys are simply coated with a non-toxic, food grade mineral oil which meets or exceeds requirements by the USFDA, US Pharmacopeia, US Dept. of Agriculture and is certified Kosher and Pareve (North Star Toys).
