Safety First: Avoid Toxic Substances
More and more parents are turning to eco-friendly products for their children, concerned about their health and the environmental impact of their purchases. This growing trend is explained by a greater awareness of the dangers that products made from uncontrolled materials can pose. Here's why eco-friendly materials have become essential in children's items and how they help protect the health of little ones while respecting the planet.
Safety First: Avoid Toxic Substances
Children, especially young ones, tend to put objects in their mouths, play with intensity, and come into direct contact with the materials used in their toys, furniture or accessories. This is why it is crucial that these products are free of toxic substances such as phthalates, formaldehydes, or plasticizers that may be present in some uncontrolled plastics or textiles.
Eco-friendly materials, such as GOTS-certified organic cotton or wood from sustainably managed forests, are guaranteed to be free of these harmful substances. They comply with strict European safety standards (CE marking) and ensure that the products are safe, even after prolonged use or in case of direct contact with the skin.
Example: Many organic cotton baby activity mats are not only soft and comfortable, but also free of harmful chemicals. These mats provide a safe and healthy play space for little ones.
A commitment to the planet: sustainable and environmentally friendly materials
By choosing children's products made from eco-friendly materials, parents are also helping to preserve the planet. Materials like organic cotton or wood from FSC-certified forests reduce the overall ecological footprint. They require fewer natural resources, use less water, and do not contribute to pollution linked to synthetic chemicals.
These choices are part of an eco-responsible approach, where each purchase is considered to have the least possible impact on the environment, while offering durable and resistant items.
Example: Wooden toys, made locally in Europe, often come from sustainable forests and offer an alternative to plastic toys made halfway around the world. They are strong, timeless, and can be passed down from one generation to the next.
The importance of CE standards and quality certifications
All children's products sold in Europe must meet CE standards, ensuring they meet strict safety criteria. This includes the use of non-toxic materials, rigorous durability testing, and ensuring there are no risks to children's health or safety. Eco-friendly materials, often combined with certifications such as GOTS (for organic cotton) or FSC (for wood), ensure superior quality and transparency about product provenance.
When products do not meet these standards or are imported from countries that do not have the same requirements, the risks increase. Toys or accessories that have travelled thousands of kilometres may be exposed to pollutants or chemicals during their manufacture or transport. In addition, they do not always undergo the same quality controls as products manufactured in Europe.
Example: By opting for a night light made from BPA-free silicone, CE and RoHS certified, parents can be assured that the product will not release any toxic substances, even after hours of use in a child's room.
Superior comfort and better durability
In addition to safety and environmental impact, eco-friendly materials often provide superior comfort for children. Whether it’s soft textiles like organic cotton or natural wood for toys, these materials are often more pleasant to the touch and more durable than their synthetic alternatives. Items made from natural materials are more resistant to wear and tear and are often easier to maintain, reducing the need for regular replacement.
This is especially important for items that children use daily, such as activity mats, comforters, or even clothing.
Example: A GOTS organic cotton play mat not only provides a soft and comfortable surface for the child, but it is also machine washable, making maintenance easier for parents while ensuring increased durability.
Conclusion
Children's products made from eco-friendly materials and meeting CE standards are more than just a responsible purchase. They ensure the safety and well-being of children while contributing to the protection of the environment. Choosing sustainable and non-toxic materials allows parents to protect the health of their children, while investing in products that will stand the test of time. Providing your children with safe, eco-friendly and durable products is a priority today, and there are more and more environmentally friendly alternatives that do not sacrifice quality or design.
Making these informed choices not only helps preserve the health of our children, but also lays the foundation for a more sustainable future for them.
