Best Wooden Toys for Babies and Toddlers
These durable, non-plastic toys are fun to play with, and you won't mind leaving them out on display.
By Briana Engelbrecht and Amylia Ryan
There’s something enduringly sweet about wooden toys. While they aren’t as flashy as their plastic counterparts, they’ll spark a child’s creativity and imagination. Most are also eco-friendly and non-toxic, which is always a win.
Wooden toys have increased in popularity as more parents are wanting to introduce Montessori methods into their homes. Montessori toys for babies are primarily made of wood and are either open-ended or have specific goals or tasks for children to master (this is also true for Montessori toys for toddlers!).
Another benefit of buying wooden toys? They can also withstand loads of enthusiastic play—being banged around, chewed on and thrown across the room—and still look good. They’re made to last, which means they make great toys to pass down to younger siblings and cousins. To keep them clean, simply wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap or a vinegar-and-water solution. Just be sure to avoid putting them in water since that can cause the wood to swell and split.
Here are our top wooden toy picks for babies and toddlers that’ll encourage tons of independent play, learning and most of all, fun!