Best Baby Stacking Toys | Top 15 List | Eco-Friendly 2023
A wooden baby stacking toy is an essential and time-tested “first” toy that offers many developmental benefits for young children. As babies engage with a stacker toy, they embark on a journey of skill-building and practice that yields a sense of accomplishment when all the pieces come together. This article explores the significance of wooden baby stacking toys in promoting a child’s development, including fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration, cognitive thinking, and early math skills.
Playing with a stacker captivates a child’s attention and nurtures their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The simple act of repetitiously stacking pieces requires precise movements and careful coordination, improving their dexterity and motor control. As babies grasp, manipulate, and place the stackable pieces, they refine, perceive, and respond to visual cues accurately sense and respond to visual cues.
Moreover, stackers serve as catalysts for fostering concentration skills in children. Arranging and stacking the pieces demands focus and attention, encouraging children to concentrate on the activity. Through this process, they develop their ability to sustain attention and engage in focused play, building a foundation for future tasks that require concentration and supported mental effort.
Also, Check out my Top Baby Rattles:
Best Eco-Friendly Baby Rattles for Sustainable and Safe Playtime
In addition to fine motor skills and concentration, wooden baby stacking toys stimulate cognitive thinking. Children engage in various mental activities while playing with stackers, such as learning colors, sorting, and counting. By manipulating pieces of different colors and sizes, children become familiar with the concept of colors and develop their sorting skills. Counting the pieces as they stack or arrange them in a specific order enhances their early math skills, introducing them to counting, patterns, and sequencing.
Furthermore, wooden baby stacking toys provide opportunities for toddlers to enhance their problem-solving skills. As children attempt to stack the pieces in order of size, color, or shape, they encounter challenges that require problem-solving through trial and error. They learn to adjust, develop strategies, and overcome obstacles through repeated attempts, strengthening their problem-solving abilities playfully and engagingly. Nesting toys work well too!
In conclusion, a wooden baby stacking toy is not merely a source of entertainment but also a valuable tool for early childhood development. Using stackers, children acquire fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, concentration, cognitive thinking, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, wooden stacking toys lay the foundation for future mathematical concepts and develop a sense of accomplishment as they master the art of stacking. With these considerations in mind, let us delve into the best baby stacking toys for 2023, ensuring that our little ones benefit from the best options available.
I. Importance of Choosing the Best Eco-Friendly Baby Stacker
When selecting a baby stacker, it is crucial to prioritize eco-friendly options for your child’s well-being and the environment’s benefit. The term “best eco-friendly baby stacker” refers to a sustainable, non-toxic, and responsibly made toy that minimizes its ecological impact while providing a safe and engaging playtime experience. It is even more critical than in many other toys.
Sustainable Materials:
- The best eco-friendly baby stacker is crafted from sustainable materials such as organic wood, natural fibers like cotton or bamboo, and recycled or upcycled materials. These choices reduce the use of non-renewable resources and contribute to the conservation of forests and ecosystems. For the benefit of the environment is never a bad thing.
Non-Toxic and Safe:
- Ensuring the safety of your baby is paramount. The best eco-friendly stackers are free from harmful chemicals, BPA, phthalates, and other toxic substances commonly found in traditional toys. They are designed to meet rigorous safety standards and provide a worry-free playtime experience.
Durability and Longevity:
- Opting for the best eco-friendly baby stackers means investing in a toy that can withstand the test of time. These baby stackers are built to last, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing waste. Choosing a durable option can extend the toy’s lifespan and create a more sustainable consumption pattern.
Ethical Production:
- Supporting brands prioritizing fair trade practices, ethical sourcing, and responsible manufacturing is essential to choosing the best eco-friendly baby stacker. By doing so, you are endorsing companies that prioritize the welfare of their workers, follow sustainable production methods, and contribute positively to local communities. You cannot ignore the human element.
II. Benefits of the Best Eco-Friendly Baby Stackers
Selecting the best eco-friendly baby stackers offers numerous advantages for your child and the planet. Let’s explore the key benefits associated with these sustainable toys:
Health and Safety:
- Eco-friendly baby stackers are designed with non-toxic materials, ensuring your child can explore, chew, and play without exposure to harmful chemicals. These stackers promote a healthier and safer playtime experience by eliminating the risk of ingesting toxins.
Environmental Impact:
- The best eco-friendly baby stackers have a significantly lower carbon footprint than their conventional counterparts. By choosing toys made from sustainable materials and supporting environmentally conscious brands, you actively contribute to reducing plastic waste, minimizing resource depletion, and protecting the environment for future generations.
Sustainable Lifestyle:
- Introducing your child to eco-friendly toys from an early age instills a sense of environmental responsibility and sustainability. By opting for the best eco-friendly baby stackers, you encourage a conscious and eco-conscious lifestyle, teaching your child the importance of making mindful choices that positively impact the planet.
Ethical Consumerism:
- Supporting brands prioritizing eco-friendly practices and ethical production methods sends a powerful message. By purchasing the best eco-friendly baby stackers, you, as parents, are promoting a shift towards sustainable and socially responsible business models, encouraging other companies to follow suit and prioritize the well-being of both people and the environment.
By understanding the importance of choosing the best eco-friendly baby stackers and recognizing their benefits, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your values and contributes to a greener future.
III. Characteristics of the Best Eco-Friendly Baby Stackers
Our Selection Process for the Best Baby Stackers
Selecting the best wooden toys for babies requires meticulously evaluating essential factors like sustainability, durability, longevity, versatility, and playability. We understand the significance of providing stackers that captivate a child’s attention and contribute to their overall development. Our expert team has conducted extensive research and drawn upon their experience in child development to compile this list of favorite toys. Every toy we recommend has been carefully assessed to ensure it meets our stringent criteria, guaranteeing your baby a delightful and enriching playtime experience.
Sustainability:
Evaluating wooden toys based on sustainability is crucial for several reasons. Sustainable wooden toys are typically made from responsibly sourced materials, ensuring that forests are managed and protected for future generations. We can minimize the environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet by choosing sustainable wood options. Additionally, sustainable wooden toys often use non-toxic paints or finishes, ensuring the safety of children during playtime. By prioritizing sustainability, we can teach children the importance of being environmentally conscious from an early age.
Longevity:
Longevity is a significant factor when evaluating wooden toys. Unlike plastic toys that break easily, wooden toys tend to be sturdier and withstand rough play. Investing in toys that can last for years saves money and minimizes waste. Wooden toys that are well-crafted and designed to withstand wear and tear can be passed down to younger children, siblings, or future generations, creating lasting memories and reducing our environmental footprint.
Versatility:
Versatility is another essential aspect to consider when evaluating wooden toys. A versatile toy can engage a child’s imagination in various ways, promoting open-ended play and creativity. Wooden blocks, for example, can be used to build structures, create imaginative worlds, or practice basic counting and sorting skills. Versatile toys provide endless possibilities, allowing children to explore and discover new ways to play, learn, and problem-solve.
Durability:
Durability is a critical factor in determining the quality of wooden toys. Well-constructed wooden toys are less likely to break or wear out quicker than their plastic counterparts. This durability ensures that the best toys can withstand active play, including stacking, banging, and other physical interactions. Choosing durable wooden toys means they can handle the energy and enthusiasm of 3-year-olds, providing a reliable and safe playtime experience.
Playability:
Playability refers to how engaging and enjoyable a toy is for a child. Wooden toys often have a timeless appeal and tactile nature that can captivate a child’s attention. They offer a more sensory play experience, allowing children to feel the natural textures and weight of the materials. Wooden toys can encourage exploration, problem-solving, and imaginative play, promoting cognitive development and creativity. Evaluating the playability of wooden toys ensures that children are provided with toys that inspire and entertain, fostering their overall growth and development.
We can make informed choices that benefit our children and the environment by evaluating eco-friendly toys on sustainability, longevity, versatility, durability, and playability. Selecting the best toys for a young age that align with these criteria ensures that we provide children with enriching play experiences that promote their development while contributing to a more sustainable future.
IV. Best Eco-Friendly Baby Stackers
My selection of top baby stacker toys encompasses diverse attributes designed to facilitate toddlers’ learning experiences with colors, shapes, and sizes. Wooden stackers, in particular, offer varying levels of difficulty, allowing children to progress in their skill development. While most stackers are suitable for introduction at 12 months, specific options are better suited for toddlers aged 18 months and above. As toddlers rapidly develop their motor skills during this period, mastering new skills enhances their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Thus, introducing educational toys that provide opportunities for mastery is crucial in fostering their growth. Also, try a bath toy which can be a stacker!
Ensuring the safety of children during playtime is paramount, which is why all the stackers I have chosen incorporate safety poles that bend at the base. This feature prevents potential injuries if a child falls onto the stacker. It is worth noting that not all stackers available in the market possess this crucial safety attribute. In my opinion, having this safety feature is of utmost importance for the well-being of children during play.
Additionally, I have included insights about the tremendous sustainable toy companies responsible for crafting these exceptional baby stacking toys. By shedding light on these companies, readers can appreciate the ethical and environmental considerations taken into account during the production of these toys. Green toys are the way to go!
1. HABA Lighthouse Wooden Rainbow Stacker – 8 Piece Set (Made in Germany) | 12m+
A beacon of Stacking fun for most miniature builders! This German-made toy has a classic, minimalist design for which HABA is known. The colorful sections have little pivots that latch quickly into the holes underneath, making stacking simple and fun. Stacking is essential in fostering motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Similar to a nesting toy, perfect for younger toddlers.
2. Natural Wooden Shape Stacker | Made in the USA | Maple Landmark | 18m+
The Natural Wooden Shape Stacker is an educational toy that introduces shapes, shape names, numbers, and patterning. It is made from sustainably harvested hardwood maple and provides tactile experiences while developing gross motor skills. Each piece is carefully crafted with engraved details for smooth and engaging playtime. This might be one of the best stacking toys we sell! Natural wood!
3. Forest Friends Stacking Toy | Fun Stacking Game | HABA
calling all junior stacking experts! You must stack the owls carefully, bears, and trees as high as possible. You can either try to copy the templates (different levels of difficulty) or create an arrangement of your own. Let’s get started! Includes: 9 stacking blocks and ten double-sided template cards. Crafted in Germany with sustainably harvested beech wood. Motor skill development. Made of high-quality, durable materials. Suitable for children ages two years and up. This is one of the best stacking wooden toys.
4. Wooden First Stacking Ring | Sustainable Play | PlanToys 5380 | 12m+
Introduce your little one to the world of size and order with our Wooden Stacking Toy. This specially designed toy features a foldable center rod for safety during playtime. Handmade with care using wood from rubber trees, it showcases a natural wooden look and is completely free from harmful substances and toxic finishes. Perfect wooden stacking ring toy for early development!
5. Wooden Colorful Stacking Ring | Sustainable Play 5124 | 12m+
Introduce your little one to the world of size and order with our Wooden First Stacking Ring. This specially designed toy features a foldable center rod for safety during playtime. Handmade with care using wood from rubber trees, it showcases a natural wooden look and is completely free from harmful substances and toxic finishes. It falls under the category of a green toy as a classic stacking toy.
Not only does this toy provide endless fun, but it also stimulates essential aspects of child development. From enhancing visual and fine motor skills to fostering mathematical understanding, coordination, and concentration, this stacking ring offers a range of learning opportunities. Don’t forget to check out our Child Development Toy Guide for more insights into how our toys support your child’s growth and learning. This is not a bath toy.
6. Dog and Cat Building Block Set for Kids | Fun Stacking Game
The Dog and Cat Building Block Set is a stacking game with an added fun element of a cute cat and an adorable dog playing hide and seek among the building blocks. It is perfect for junior builders and encourages creativity, storytelling, and imagination. The set fosters three-dimensional thinking and alliance by block; children can design and build colorful, unique structures they can take apart and start all over again. Made of high-quality, durable materials, this building block set is designed to last and withstand rough play. Suitable for children ages 18 months and up. Great for spacial reasoning!
This colorful toy allows children to explore different sizes, colors, and patterns as they stack and flip the rings. Children understand order and sequencing by engaging with the Stacking Ring Mouse. The bendable rod at the base adds an extra layer of safety while playing. This toy focuses on critical aspects of child development and cognitive skills including stimulating imagination, enhancing fine motor skills, and fostering language and communication abilities. Other children will want to join in on the fun with multiple colors for this perfect toy!
8. Wooden Stacking Rocket | Orchard 5402 | Learning
Embark on an adventure into space with our wooden stacking rocket! This engaging playset allows children to build and stack the rocket pieces, place the astronaut in the seat, and launch into an imaginary space mission. Through this active play experience, children develop their physical and cognitive abilities at all baby ages with these stackable rings.
The wooden stacking rocket actively supports the development of fine motor skills and logical thinking. As children stack the pieces, they enhance their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the playset stimulates visual perception as children match and align the parts correctly. With a focus on mathematical concepts, coordination, fine motor skills, language and communication, and visual perception, the wooden stacking rocket offers a well-rounded learning experience for young explorers.
9. Sort & Count Trees | PlanToys 5403 | Learning Toy | 18m+
Engage in interactive learning with our Sort & Count Trees from PlanToys! This educational toy offers an active play experience that combines sorting, counting, and stacking. As children stack the trees, they develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, color recognition, and counting abilities. The Sort & Count Trees set sparks visual interest and stimulates graphic perception skills with its vibrant seasonal colors. Children can explore different stacking combinations, enhancing their logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. More of graduated rings as babies advance through development.
Perfect for Counting and Stacking!
This learning toy provides a holistic approach to child development and is designed to support mathematical concepts, coordination, fine motor skills, language and communication, visual perception, and problem-solving. Please encourage your child’s cognitive and physical growth as they enjoy the exciting and educational experience of sorting, counting, and stacking with the Sort & Count Trees set from PlanToys. Watch as their skills flourish and their love for learning blossoms!
10. Tender Leaf Toys – Rainbow Tunnel – 7 Pcs Beautiful Wooden Rainbow Stacker | 18m+
This beautiful wooden rainbow stacker is designed for children aged 18 months and above and offers an engaging and educational experience that promotes cognitive development. The versatile nature of this toy allows kids to enjoy it in various settings, including the playroom, classroom, and even outdoors. Its compact dimensions of 8.27 x 1.18 x 5.24 inches make it easily portable, ensuring that learning and fun can happen anywhere. Children are encouraged to identify and match colors through the rainbow tunnel stacking activity, enhancing their color recognition skills.
This complete playset includes seven wooden rainbow tunnel pieces and a cheerful smiling sun, providing ample opportunities for imaginative play and creative exploration. As a conscious choice for your child, the Rainbow Tunnel is made from renewable rubber tree wood, making it both eco-friendly and safe. It is free from harmful chemicals and adorned with non-toxic water-based paint, ensuring the well-being of your little one.
11. Le Toy Van Tree Top Stacker Baby Toy | 12m+
The Tree Top Stacker’s vibrant and engaging design captivates young minds and aids in color recognition, adding a splash of joy to playtime. The stackable nature of the toy promotes early learning through play, as it develops essential skills such as hand-eye coordination and confidence. The variety of shapes included in the stacker also assists in introducing and refining shape recognition, further enhancing cognitive development.
This delightful toy includes an 8-piece stacking Tree with a charming bird’s nest, providing endless exploration and imaginative play opportunities. Crafted with care and attention to detail, the Le Toy Van Tree Top Stacker is a beautiful addition to your child’s toy collection. Let their imagination soar as they stack, play, and discover the wonders of colors and shapes. One of my favorite stack toys! Who doesn’t love stacking?
12. Janod Zigolos Giant 31 Piece Multicolor Wood Pull-Along Train & Activity Stacker | 12m+
With its abundance of colorful blocks, this toy provides a hands-on experience for your child to stack and discover different shapes and colors, promoting cognitive development and spatial awareness. The train’s design is crafted from beech and cherrywood, ensuring a sturdy and durable playtime companion made from 100% wood—great geometric shapes incorporated into the stacking.
Equipped with silent wheels made from non-slip rubber, the train moves smoothly and quietly across various surfaces, providing hours of delightful play without any disturbances. It encourages your child to engage in active play, fostering physical development and coordination. With the Janod Zigolos Giant Wood Pull-Along Train & Activity Stacker, your child will embark on endless adventures filled with creativity and learning. Watch as they pull the train along, stack the blocks, and explore the vibrant world of shapes and colors.
13. Award-Winning Hape Double Rainbow Stacker Wooden Ring Set Toddler Game | 12m+
Captivating toddler game designed to make learning powerful and fun. With its 9-blossom and 9-star shapes, little ones can explore endless possibilities by stacking them on two sturdy stacking poles mounted on a secure base. This toy introduces essential skills such as logic, matching, spatial relationships, critical thinking, and agility. As children engage with the vibrant rings, they develop their cognitive abilities and refine their fine motor skills playfully and interactively.
Safety is a top priority, as the Hape Double Rainbow Stacker is crafted with non-toxic finishes and child-safe materials. Knowing your child is playing with a toy that prioritizes their well-being, you can have peace of mind. I wouldn’t consider these a soft stacking ring but they are definitely on the lighter side with a softer base.
14. Manhattan Toy Folklore Fun-gi Magnetic Wooden Toadstool Shaped Stacking Toy for Babies 12 Months and Up
Introduce your little one to the wonders of cause and effect learning with our 8-piece Folklore “Fun-gi” magnetic stacker. Crafted with heirloom quality wood and non-toxic finishes, this stacker promotes motor skills and hand-eye coordination and adds a touch of beauty to nursery decor. Suitable for babies 12 months and up, this safe and reliable toy is backed by the trusted Manhattan Toy, ensuring quality and customer support. Simply a classic stacking toy with a “fun”gi approach!
15. Green Toys My First Stacker, Colors May Vary
V. Popular Brands Offering the Best Eco-Friendly Baby Rattles
A. HABA
What is HABA’s Sustainable Mission?
- “We produce in harmony with nature.” Active environmental protection and sustainable production have formed a solid foundation for their corporate activities for years. Short distances, modern production technology, and innovative materials are a matter of course for HABA. Made in Germany of FSC-certified wood and uses only water-based paints and non-toxic lacquers. For my full in-depth review, check out my post HERE.
- Environmental protection is an integral component of the HABA corporate family. The concept of protecting the environment pervades every function and day-to-day work at every company level. Ecological awareness is consistently promoted among their staff through courses. Their suppliers are integrated into their corporate family’s environmental policy. Also, they actively operate in the financial protection of the environment. HABA places a premium on and abides by the pertinent environmental legislation and regulations. HABA ascertains, evaluates, and minimizes continuously using raw materials, emissions, and waste volumes.
- “We understand the value of bringing families together and items that last. As a company, we believe that children are the most important things in life. That’s why it’s our mission to create premium, educational children’s toys to help kids grow into creative, imaginative people.”
B. Maple Landmark
What is Maple Landmark’s Sustainable Mission?
- “At Maple Landmark, we have been making eco-friendly, educational wooden toys, games, and gifts since 1979 at our shop here in Middlebury, Vermont. We pride ourselves on supporting other local companies that operate responsibly and sustasustainably, with about 40 local folks year round. Year-round of these practices, we produce products that have always been safe and of superior quality.”
- Teethers and infant toys- Made in the USA of maple wood. These all-natural unfinished maple teethers come in fun shapes. Maple Landmark makes beautifully crafted heirloom quality wooden stackers and toys. One of the best sustainable wooden toy companies on the market today. They are made in Vermont, USA. Maple Landmark uses only heirloom quality hardwoods. No plastics. Maple Landmark has created some of the most sustainable wooden toys from birth on. Their schoolhouse and the natural line are free from all dyes, paints, and lacquers, only using wood. They source their materials as close to their wood factory in Vermont. Maple Landmark is America’s largest producer of sustainable wooden toys.
C. PlanToys
3 Reasons to Choose PlanToys for Kids!
- Firstly, they are passionate about child safety. They pay close attention to the safety standards of their production process. Their materials are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, so parents can let their children play without worry.
- Secondly, they help children develop. Every parent wants to see their child successfully grow and develop. They believe that creative and educational play can help them do this! Children learn and evolve in various ways by playing with their educational toys.
- Thirdly, they care about the environment. They believe that a quality environment will give rise to qualified individuals. At PlanToys, they also use chemical-free water-based colors, E-Zero glue that doesn’t contain formaldehyde, and they maximize resource utilization by using leftover sawdust to create a new sustainable material called PlanWood™.
PlanToys Sustainable Mission:
“Since 1981, our mission has been to create a more sustainable world. We carefully consider the environment and society regarding our business practices. We also focus on safety standards and child development in the production process. Also, by applying innovative eco-friendly manufacturing methods and using green materials, we help pave a sustainable path for our children. And in turn, doing our part to protect the beautiful ecosystems and environments that inhabit our planet.” Additionally, to read more about PlanToys Sustainable Mission HERE. To learn more about our favorite sustainable companies, Click HERE.
D. Le Toy Van
Le Toy Van Sustainable Mission:
“At Le Toy Van, we’re always striving to find ways to reduce our impact on the planet. We know we’re not perfect yet but we are progressing towards our zero-waste ambition. We’re working towards this by sourcing sustainable materials for our products, finding alternatives to plastic parts in our range, using renewable energy sources at our HQ, and supporting conservation projects protecting precious ecosystems. We’re even focusing on the design of our toys – by creating durable toys that can be enjoyed for many years by inspiring and withstanding long-term play.”
E. Tender Leaf Toys
The sustainable mission of tender leaf toys:
“We are deeply committed to protecting Indonesia’s natural resources and only work with reclaimed rubberwood, a by-product of the latex industry. In addition, we plant a new one for every reclaimed tree it uses, driving ahead the regeneration cycle. We have been awarded the ICTI Ethical Toy Program seal of approval for our ethical and sustainable supply chain.”
“Every year, we spend around two months working alongside our wonderful suppliers Mentari International in Indonesia, makers of all Tender Leaf Toys. Their family-run factory operates with high training standards, well-being, and respect, providing dependable employment for hundreds of local villagers. During our visits, we work together, eat, and make gorgeous toys together.”
6. Janod
Janod’s Sustainable Message:
“The WWF® & Janod: creating sustainable toys. Let’s make children aware of the importance of protecting the environment by transmitting key messages on preserving biodiversity! The WWF® and Janod are working together to offer early-learning toys, puzzles, and board games made of wood and cardboard to create a 100% sustainable collection. Did you know that the carbon footprint of a wooden toy is 25 times lower than that of a plastic toy… so let’s all take action together for the future of our children”
7. Hape
Hape’s Sustainable Mission:
“Hape Toys is one of the world’s largest producers of toys made from sustainable materials. Hape toys are both creatively designed and eco-friendly. Neither culture, language, nor gender inhibits the intuitive process of play. All the products meet and often exceed, the strictest international standards for quality and safety. But behind the innovative designs and meticulous quality lies the even stronger ethos of Hape.
From the beginning of the design process, through production and delivery, to the final unwrapping of the consumer packaging, Hape Toys is a collaboration of global thinking and responsible ecology. In addition to using particular materials and methods, Hape seeks out people who bring a new sensibility to the process. A collaboration of international and local employees creates a global corporate culture with a particular understanding and respect for the world in which we live. Sustainability, education, innovation, and fun. Hape Toys represents the next generation of play.”
8. Green Toys – Classic Toys with an Eco Twist
Green Toys are super-safe, durable toy that is both good for the earth and safe for little ones. Manufactured and assembled in the USA, these toys are made from 100% post-consumer recycled milk jugs (HDPE #2 plastic), which saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. With no external coatings, paints, or dyes, Green Toys do not include harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC, or phthalates.
Additionally, they package their products using recycled and recyclable materials while utilizing soy-based inks. By maintaining a tight local supply chain that minimizes transportation emissions and supports the domestic economy, Green Toys is committed to sustainability at every step of its production process.
What is Green Toy’s Sustainability Mission?
Their commitment to using recycled materials is at the core of Green Toys’ sustainability mission. The company manufactures its toys using 100% recycled plastic, primarily from post-consumer milk jugs. By repurposing plastic waste, Green Toys helps to reduce the reliance on virgin plastic and decrease the overall environmental impact associated with plastic production.
Green Toys also focuses on minimizing its carbon footprint. They utilize an energy-efficient manufacturing process that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional toy manufacturing methods. Additionally, their toys are packaged in environmentally friendly materials, such as recycled and recyclable cardboard boxes, reducing waste.
VI. Baby Stackers to Avoid
When choosing baby stackers, avoiding those with small parts or sharp edges that could pose a choking hazard or cause injury is essential. Additionally, it is advisable to prevent stackers made from low-quality materials that may contain harmful substances.
In contrast, opting for eco-friendly baby stackers is an excellent choice. Look for stackers made from sustainable materials, free from toxic chemicals, and packaged in recyclable or biodegradable materials. Choosing ethical and eco-friendly options ensures a safe and engaging play experience for your child while contributing to a more sustainable future.
Plastic Baby Stackers except for Green Toys!
Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Ring STEM Learning Toy, Age 6+ Months, Multi, 9 Piece Set
- Firstly, plastic stackers often contain harmful chemicals such as phthalates, BPA, and PVC, which can leach into the baby’s mouth and pose health risks. These chemicals have been linked to developmental issues and hormonal disruptions.
- Secondly, plastic is not biodegradable and contributes to environmental pollution. When plastic stackers are discarded, they end up in landfills and can take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing harmful toxins into the soil and water.
- Furthermore, plastic stackers may not be as durable or long-lasting as other materials. Babies tend to put toys in their mouths, and plastic stackers can easily break or become damaged, posing a safety hazard. You can provide a safer, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly option for your baby by choosing alternative materials such as wood or eco-friendly materials for stackers.
VII. FAQ for Baby Stackers
Are stacking rings suitable for babies? Why is stacking good for you, baby?
Absolutely! Stacking ring toys focus on multiple areas of child development. For toddler development at 12-18 months, your little one should focus on Visual, Fine Motor, Languages & Communications, Mathematical, Coordination, and Concentration. My Top Baby Stacking Toys Top 12 List focuses on all these areas while still being “Eco-friendly.” I highly recommend choosing sustainable and safe wooden toys at this age.
Stacking ring toys with flexible poles or wooden dowels is essential for your baby’s safety. Babies can be unstable sometimes, and falling over onto a fixed wooden rod can cause an injury.
What is the appropriate age for baby stackers?
Toddler Development at 12-18 months:
Muscle and listening Development – Improve gross motor skills and understanding of balance through active play such as push & pull toys. Boost fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination through hammering and pounding toys such as Pounding Bench and Hammering Balls. Engage the auditory sense by helping your child differentiate between sounds and rhythms—Musical toys like the Oval Xylophone.
Social and Emotional Development – Make bath time exciting by exploring the properties of liquid and force and discovering how different objects float, sink and move through the water by playing with bath toys like Sailing Boat.
Intellectual Stimulation – Learn about shapes, colors, order, size, and patterns by playing with stacking, nesting, and sorting toys like First Ring Stack and Train Stacker (picture below); they help improve mathematical skills. Encourage imaginative and creative play by exploring patterns, colors, and designs of different sizes, shapes, and combinations through playing with the Stacking Rocket and the Shape Stacker (Below).
Areas of Focus for 12-18 months:
- Physical: Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Coordination, Auditory, Visual
- Social & Emotional: Social, Emotion
- Intellectual: Mathematical, Imagination, Creative
For more information on Child Development, see my Guide HERE.
When can babies stack rings?
On average, many babies can stack rings between 12 and 15 months. Babies are improving in all areas of child development, so don’t fret if your child is not in this range. Babies like us have varying strengths and weaknesses and usually need a little encouragement and parent participation! Understanding the area of focus for the proper age development ensures your baby will receive age-appropriate toys to aid in their growth.
How to choose the best baby stacking ring?
If you search on Amazon for a baby stacking toy, there are too many to research. Unfortunately, Amazon is riddled with plastic, knock-off baby toys. Countless plastic and silicone baby toys on Amazon seem suspect and unsafe. How do so many of these “toxic” toys get to Amazon? See my answers in this in-depth article on “Are Made in China Toys Safe?”
Firstly, anything at this age is going into your baby’s mouth. As parents, we need to be conscious of what we give our little ones at this age because of this exposure. Secondly, plastic toys typically break and are thrown away. This is terrible for the environment as plastic toys don’t biodegrade in landfills and pollute our environment. Thirdly, focus on quality, as purchasing wooden toys from specific reputable brands to ensure safety is critical.
Less is more, and brands do matter! The suitable toys can last to be handed down! Knowing what you buy is extremely important. I have included safe and sustainable top baby stacking toys below, and a bit about each sustainable toy company at the bottom if you want to learn more.
Conclusion
In summary, wooden stackers are a classic first educational tool that teaches your toddler early math skills. Your toddler can benefit from having multiple stackers of varying degrees of difficulty to keep them challenged and help them learn different crafts. Even if a stacker looks too simple or bland for your toddler, don’t underestimate its educational value, as toddlers learn from repetition and mastery. These wooden stackers above made my “top list” for various reasons. However, all are of heirloom quality, have great functionality, and have educational benefits.
Another great benefit to wooden stackers is that they promote family playtime and interaction. Parents and grandparents alike can teach their toddlers many skills with this simple and classic wooden toy that has been around for many years. Parent interaction has proven to be one of the best ways to help babies’ and toddlers’ brains grow, so choosing educational toys that promote bonding is essential. Happy playtime and bonding!
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