Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by Sarah
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Looking for the best non toxic bath toys that are safer for kids, eco friendly & mould free?
Bath time is fun time for most babies & young children. It can also be a lovely bonding time for you & your child. But whilst it’s increasingly easy to find eco friendly toys & baby products at a reasonable cost, finding non-toxic bath toys (and bathtubs), can be more challenging.
The main problem with many bath toys is the fact they’re made of plastic. PVC in particular (often used to make bath ducks) is known to leach chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, cadmium & lead, additives all associated with potential health risks. Plastic is also, of course, notoriously environmentally unfriendly.
You’ll also find that baby toys such as PVC rubber ducks often attract bacteria in cracks & crevices, so one piece natural rubber alternatives can be a more hygienic choice.
Non-Toxic Bath Toys: What To Look For
Ideally, the best bath toys to look for are ones that use sustainably sourced, eco-friendly & natural materials. This includes natural dyes, paints & finishes. Also look for bath toys labelled BPA, PVC & phthalate free, as these are 3 of the most common toxins or plastics to avoid. Here’s why:
BPA
BPA (Bisphenol A) is a suspected endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruption has been linked to conditions ranging from obesity and female hormone problems to thyroid issues. Also be wary of BPA ‘alternatives’, such as BPS (Bisphenol S), as research suggests they may not be any safer.
Phthalates
Phthalates are binding agents & make plastic more flexible. They’re impossible to avoid completely & include a huge class of chemicals, but several have been shown to have negative health impacts. This includes links to asthma, type II diabetes, obesity, breast cancer & ADHD.
PVC
PVC (the soft plastic you find in many bath ducks & toy dolls) is made soft by adding phthalates & Bisphenol A (BPA) and contains high levels of chlorine. This releases dioxins during the manufacturing process, which has been linked to a number of health issues. PVC may also contain cadmium & lead.
Are There Any ‘Safer’ Plastics?
All plastics are categorised with a number from 1 to 7, depending on the type of resins it contains.
Although products don’t always list the type of plastic used, products made from #2, 4, and 5 are generally considered safer. Type #2 plastics, for example, are commonly used for food storage, as they’re considered one of the most stable, low hazard plastics, with a low risk of leaching. So if you do opt for plastic bath toys, these plastics may be a better choice.
10 Non-Toxic Bath Toys For Eco Friendly Fun
Here are 10 non toxic bath toys from ethical brands that produce bath toys that use recycled, natural, eco friendly or sustainable materials.
1 – Green Toys Submarine
Green Toys make eco friendly bath toys made from recycled milk jugs, diverting plastic from landfills & saving energy. Although toys are plastic, it’s primarily HDPE #2, which is widely considered safe. Bath toys are listed as BPA, phthalates & PVC free & dyes are food safe.
In terms of choice, watch your little take the helm of the Submarine, try the best selling Ferry Boat or dive into the Tide Pool Bath Set.
2 – Plan Toys Sailing Boat
With an ethos that has sustainability at it’s core, PlanToys have been making eco friendly wooden toys since the 80s. Toys are made from natural rubber wood & a special trademarked PlanWood. Both are safe & sustainable materials. Toys are BPA, PVC and Phthalate free, glues are non formaldehyde & dyes water based.
Fun non toxic bath toys include the adorable Sailing Boats, Bath Time Submarine, Fountain Bowl Set & tactile Sea Life Bath Time Set.
3 – Green Toys Stacking Set
The Green Toys stacking cup set offers timeless bath time fun. Made from recycled milk jugs (HDPE #2 plastic, widely considered safe), the cups are numbered on the bottom from 1-6, helping to teach basic maths concepts.
Offering endless possibilities for water play, the cups are free from BPA, PVC or phthalates. Recommended for 6 months & up.
Rubber Non-Toxic Bath Toys
Ditch the PVC plastic bath ducks in favour of a non-toxic rubber option instead!
Natural rubber (not synthetic rubber, which is is oil/petroleum based) is the protein in the sap of the Brazilian rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). Sometimes referred to as a latex, it’s completely natural and also biodegradable. Note that, although rare, some people can have a latex rubber allergy.
Here are some non-toxic bath toy brands that produce 100% natural rubber ducks, as well as other rubber bath toys.
4 – Hevea Rubber Duck
Danish based Hevea produce a range of natural rubber baby products that are both eco-friendly and compostable. Produced from the rubber sap of the Hevea tree, the Hevea range of non toxic rubber ducks are made in a hygienic, one-piece design, so there are no holes, cracks or joints for bacteria to hide in.
From neutral rubber shades to cute coloured versions, using plant derived pigments, Hevea ducks are BPA & PVC free.
5 – CaaOcho Seahorse
Made from 100% natural rubber, CaaOcho non toxic bath toys are BPA, PVC, phthalate & nitrosamine free. Colours are food grade & the toys are hermetically designed to prevent accumulation of stagnant water/saliva inside the toy.
From Nalu the Seahorse to Kala the Whale & adorable sea turtles, these fun & friendly eco friendly bath toys also feature different textures to aid tactile exploration.
6 – Oil & Carol Origami Boat
Started by 2 sisters, Oil & Carol strive to create fun, safe, & design driven products for babies. Their unique origami bath boat is made from eco friendly natural rubber & hand painted with natural, plant based pigments. The geometric design helps develop baby’s hand-eye co-ordination & the ‘no-hole’ design helps prevent mould.
There are lots of other rubber designs on offer too – from bath safe rubber elephants to sea faring seahorses.
7 – Hevea Whale
Meet Ingeborg the Whale – 100% natural rubber, coloured by natural plant pigments & phthalates, PVC & BPA free.
Ingeborg floats on water & also splashes just like a real whale. Simply open the bottom lid, fill with water & squeeze! Biodegradable, the rubber whale also comes in sustainable packaging.
Remember to leave the bottom lid open after use to prevent any moulding.
Silicone Non Toxic Bath Toys
Like rubber, silicone is generally regarded as non toxic. Durable, flexible, easy to clean & stain-resistant, silicone is also able to withstand high temperatures without breaking. Food grade silicone is BPA, PVC & phthalate free, making it a safer choice over most, if not all, plastics. Keep in mind though, silicone isn’t as eco friendly as natural rubber, since it doesn’t break down as fast & generally isn’t recyclable.
8 – Marcus & Marcus Rocket
Inspire your little one’s imagination at bath time with this Marcus & Marcus silicone bath rocket. Moulded from grade silicone materials, this non toxic bath toy is PVC, BPA & phthalates free.
Featuring bright sensory colours & a squirt function, the rocket is designed in 2 detachable pieces for easy cleaning. The rocket also changes colour depending on water temperature, helping you to gauge if water may be too hot.
9 – Ubbi Silicone Bath Toys
These 3 silicone ‘squeeze & squirt’ bath toys from Ubbi feature a colourful penguin, pufferfish & octopus. Simply fill the toys with water for the squeeze & squirt function or switch the heads & bodies for mix & match fun.
Made from soft and malleable silicone/rubber, the bath toys are PVC, BPA & phthalate free. Open toys to fully dry, when not in use, to prevent bacteria & mould build up.
Non Toxic Bath Crayons
Crayons are a great way to keep mini creatives entertained in the bath tub. However, it’s not always easy to find truly natural bath crayons, with some containing paraffin, lead or strengthening additives.
Ideally, look for crayons that contain natural ingredients, such as beeswax, soy or plant/vegetable extracts. Honeysticks below is one brand that uses beeswax & soy wax. Alternatively, you could try making your own natural bath crayons.
10 – Honeysticks Bath Crayons
Make bath time art time with these non toxic bath crayons. Made from natural beeswax & soy wax, Honey Stick crayons are hand made in New Zealand & fragrance free. The set includes 7 different colours, individually wrapped in biodegradable ‘crushed rock’ wrappers.
Water soluble, the crayons easily wipe off most non-porous surfaces, but a spot check is recommended before you fully use the crayons.
Other Bath Toy Brands
Boon Bath Toys are another brand who produce a range of best selling fun & interactive bath toys for babies, toddlers & young children. Although plastic, the toys are generally listed as ‘BPA, PVC & phthalate free’. Some toys contain PVC components, so check individual products to be certain of the materials used if you’re unsure.
From stacking boats to the popular & interactive Boon Tubes & Hungry Whale Toy, Boon are a popular choice & you’ll often find their products on natural baby & childcare websites.
Non-Toxic Bath Toys – Conclusion
Choosing bath time toys made from natural, sustainable materials benefits you, your child & the planet.
Whilst it’s often easier (and sometimes cheaper) to go for everyday plastic bath toys, many are made from PVC, which is known to leach chemicals, especially when heated. Research also suggests plastic BPA alternatives, such as BPS plastic, may not be any better.
As a general rule, when shopping for non toxic bath toys, look for products listed as PVC, BPA & phthalate free. Also look for brands that have a proven ethical stance in the manufacturing of their products.
Natural rubber or silicone bath toys with food grade, plant based paints & dyes are often good choices, as are brands such as Plan Toys, which use sustainable & safe wood in their bath toys.
For a greener & safer plastic option, Green Toys are also a popular choice.
Very good post I must say. Being a mother I can relate to all those mothers who remain conscious about toys material, as bath time is the favourite time for babies and they enjoy the most. Providing non-toxic toys to them make mums relax and fearless.I would highly recommend these toys made with natural material.
Glad you enjoyed it Sarah.