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Important Point
- Choose water-based paints, glue, non-toxic crayons, and water-based markers to minimize chemical contact during painting.
- Self-made toys or PVC-free solutions are good choices for safe play
- Choose plastic toys that are free of BPA and PVC to avoid harmful additives
- Avoid play makeup and face paint that contain toxins; choose clothes or DIY paint instead
Last time we wrote about drug-free parenting we talked about drugs in their diet. This time we will talk about how to reduce the chemicals in your home that can cause problems.
It can be difficult trying to figure out if you can reduce your child’s exposure to topical medications, but it doesn’t have to be. Don’t feel the need to update your art supplies and find new toys. You can reduce the risk of drug possession by monitoring, making sure toys and art supplies are used properly.
Check out our tips below on how to minimize your child’s future exposure to drugs.
Craft Time Without Chemicals
Art making is fun and educational for children and so it is done at home, at school and in school that is why we often think that all the tools that are used everywhere are safe but this is not the case for all.
Use the tips below to help you choose which artwork to keep at home.
Paint
Choose water colors, tempera paints and non-gel acrylics avoiding oil and enamel-based peints and gel acrylics.
Adhesives
Adhesive tape, Elmer’s Glue, library paste, and duct tape are all safe to use. Just avoid solvent adhesives until the baby is older.
Lions
Most crayons contain paraffin oil so be very careful with your child when using crayons. Alternatively, you can buy wax or soy-based crayons instead.
Sensory Markers
If you can, opt for colored pencils instead as most pencils contain alcohol which can evaporate and smudge. If necessary, look for waterproof pens.
Cross game
The safest and most fun way for your child to play with dough is to make it yourself. That way they can have fun making it and you can be sure of the ingredients in it. If, however, you would like to buy, just look for a non-PVC cross.
Play Drug Free Time
Play time is a big part of your child’s life and therefore should be carefree. You can achieve this by choosing safe toys. Use our other tips to help you choose the right toys for your home.
Plastic Toys
When choosing plastic toys, look for those labeled BPA-free and PVC-free. PVC, often referred to as vinyl, is a soft, flexible plastic found in toys and portable toys that come with harmful additives that release harmful chemicals throughout its life. In most cases, you can find alternatives to PVS otherwise you can choose safe plastics or toys made from natural materials.
Stuffed Toys
Stuffed toys can often be a great comfort for a child so when choosing them look for those with polyester, down, wool or cotton. These materials do not contain offgas or flame retardants.
Clothing Accessories
Your child’s imagination can be stirred by playing fancy dress up. You can make this safer by avoiding sports makeup and face paint as they can be toxic. Look for fun instead of clothes or try making your own face paint.