Catering to the adventurous spirit of little explorers and offering peace of mind to parents, baby walkers are a win-win, fostering independence while ensuring safety. However, as with any popular baby product, not all walkers are created equally safe.
For example, if a baby walker is manufactured with plastic, please keep in mind that according to the research, there are over 100 chemicals of concern identified in plastic kid products and toys. In this article, we’ll delve into why choosing a non-toxic, eco-friendly baby walker is a smart move for your child’s health and the environment. We’ll discuss the finer points of what makes some options more sustainable than others. Based on our research, by the end of this article, you’ll have a clear idea of the best non-toxic baby walkers on the market today.
Here’s what we covered:
What attributes make a baby walker eco-friendly and safe?
Look for these attributes when choosing a non-toxic and safe baby walker:
- Wood Quality: Consider the type of wood used in the construction of the walker. While searching for a non-toxic baby walker, solid wood is preferable over pressed wood, which is made by gluing wood sawdust and particles together. The glues in pressed woods can contain formaldehyde and other off-gassing ingredients, potentially harmful to your baby’s health and indoor air quality.
- Safe Paints and Finishes: If the baby walker is painted or treated, check the type of paint used to avoid toxic chemicals. Ideally, it should be unpainted and untreated for maximum safety. However, if it does have a finish, a safe choice is AFM Safecoat paints, known for being SCS Certified. These paints are a safe bet for your baby´s health and indoor air quality.
- Sustainably Sourced Materials: Opt for baby walkers made from sustainably sourced materials. Look for FSC-certified wood, which ensures the materials are harvested or produced in an environmentally responsible way. FSC certification is particularly important as it signifies the wood comes from forests that are managed with care for the environment.
- Safety Considerations: Walkers can pose safety hazards. A significant study by the APA highlighted that from 1990 to 2014, over 230,000 children under 15 months old were treated for injuries related to baby walkers. A large proportion of these incidents involved falls down the stairs. This underscores the importance of considering safety features and the potential risks of wheeled baby walkers when making the choice.
Remember, each choice you make contributes to a healthier planet and toxics-free environment for your little one.
What are the best non-toxic baby walkers?
These are the best non-toxic baby walkers:
Classic Push Walker Wagon (Radio Flyer)
The Classic Push Walker Wagon by Radio Flyer, crafted from natural, toxics-free solid wood, offers a durable and eco-conscious choice for parents. This walker, with its wooden body and removable stake sides, is designed to aid beginner walkers in maintaining their balance while safeguarding home furnishings with its furniture-friendly bumper.
Radio Flyer, is a certified B Corp and stands out in the toy industry for its commitment to sustainable practices, including setting science-based emission reduction goals and achieving commitment that its products are free from toxic chemicals. Additionally, suppliers are required to have the ICTI seal of compliance. Their packaging consists of at least 60% recycled content or is fully certified by FSC or SFI. Radio Flyer provides carbon-neutral shipping and contributes to environmental preservation by planting a tree with every purchase.
Price: $79.99 (Amazon) / $79.99 Radio Flyer
Age range: 18 months +
Baby Block Wooden Walker (Tender Leaf Toys)
This baby block wooden walker by Tender Leaf Toys includes a set of 29 garden-themed blocks and is crafted from sustainable, nontoxic rubber wood. This product is designed to not only be eco-conscious but also to stimulate imaginative and problem-solving play among children.
Tender Leaf Toys is a company recognized for its commitment to ethical toy production under the ICTI Ethical Toy Program. All of their toys conform to the recognized safety standards, ensuring they meet rigorous safety requirements. Whenever a tree is used to make a toy, a new tree is planted in its stead.
Price: $82.08 (Amazon) / $89.99 (Tender leaf toys)
Age range: 18 months +
Wooden Bird Walker (Plan Toys)
Crafted from 100% natural rubber wood and employing non-toxic finishes, including water-based dyes made from plant-based inks, organic pigments, and formaldehyde-free glue, this walker ensures a safe, toxin-free environment for children.
In line with Plan Toys’ commitment to sustainability, this walker is part of a broader reforestation program, showcasing a balance between child safety, environmental considerations, and sustainable play. Although priced above average compared to plastic alternatives, its eco-friendly materials justify the choice for fostering independent walking and motor skills sustainably.
Price: $112.50 (Amazon) / $112.50 (Plan Toys)
Age range: 10 months +
Baby Walker (Bajo)
The Baby Walker by Bajo, a product from a small family-run Polish business, embodies a commitment to sustainability and non-toxic materials. This walker is crafted using renewable wood from sustainably managed forests, adhering to EU Timber Regulations to ensure environmental protection. Bajo utilizes certified non-toxic paints based on natural components, emphasizing child safety and ecological responsibility.
The company’s focus on renewable energy, evident in its increasing use of solar panels, further underscores its dedication to green manufacturing processes. With a strong policy against plastic usage, particularly in packaging, Bajo favors recyclable materials like cardboard, aligning with its commitment to a zero-waste environmental footprint.
Price: €150.34 (buybajo.com)
Age range: 12 months +
Adjustable Speed Baby Walker (Woodtoe)
This unisex baby walker by Woodtoe blends safety and functionality. Constructed from natural solid wood materials like African sapele, European beech, and American basswood, it is both sturdy and durable. The smooth surface of the walker is free from paint, ensuring a more natural and toxics-free touch for babies. The walker features two-stage height adjustability suitable for different baby ages, along with incorporating a deceleration function for safer learning to walk.
While the product focuses on using non-toxic ingredients and materials, the specific details about Woodtoe’s broader sustainability achievements were not available from the searches conducted, that´s why it is number 5th in the provided list.
Price: $64.99 (Amazon) / $64.99 (Woodtoe)
Age range: 12 months +
As an additional benefit, wooden baby walkers offer an eco-friendly disposal option compared to those made from mixed plastics. Their natural materials make them more conducive to recycling, aligning well with sustainability and zero-waste principles. For other sustainable and eco-friendly parenting tips, here is our guide.