baby toys

[Therese's Mommy]

I want to make some toys for the new baby due in Oct. I can sew (I am not super talented, but can follow a pattern and have made quite a few things) and am a good crocheter, I cannot knit. Any ideas??

Thanks!

Beth

[E.V. Lowi]

IMHO, A breast is the only toy an infant needs.

[Therese's Mommy]

While I agree with you, I would like to have some soft non offensive (no plastic) toys that my lo can hold and chew on since my kids teethe early (my girls got their first teeth at 5 and 3 mos, respectively). I am all for being a pacifier for my baby as we don't use them at all, but I will not be a teether.

[JessiFish]

I would just sew and stuff some simple animal shapes like a duck, a fish, a bear. Some squares and circles with little ribbon bits, like those Taggie blankets.

[E.V. Lowi]

Most natural fibers and fabrics lose their tensile strength when wet so I would avoid anything made from those to be used as a teether. These knot dolls made from quilting cotton just can't withstand the sharp little teeth and pulling and tugging, without tearing off bits that could become choking hazards. Strong fibers such as hemp and linen would hold up better but be sure to check for wear and tear, regularly and remove items that seem worn. I think hardwood rings make the best teethers-

https://www.artfire.com/modules.php?...oduct_id=61036

http://www.amazon.com/Waldorf-Maple-.../dp/B000VLR178

[KariM]

Cotton terry cloth worked well for teething type sewn toys for my girls. They have interesting texture and can be wet and frozen also. You can buy the fabric new or repurpose towels.

Many moms use a wet and/or frozen washcloth for little ones to teethe on.

If you do decide to sew toys make sure to use a tight stitch and avoid details that can be bitten off. (common sense that you probably already know)

[Epona]

If you crochet, that's great. I just make them organic amigurumi toys. I buy organic cotton batt from NearSeaNaturals. Their prices are to my liking. And I buy various organic yarns. Plus, it' so much fun for me!

My husband makes wooden toys, but you can make simply wooden teethers out of all sorts of things. For example, you can take a wooden or bamboo cooking spoon, and cut off the handle. Babies love that shape. Just use your imagination. Toys are everywhere!!!

[Therese's Mommy]

Originally Posted by I know true love.

If you crochet, that's great. I just make them organic amigurumi toys. I buy organic cotton batt from NearSeaNaturals. Their prices are to my liking. And I buy various organic yarns. Plus, it' so much fun for me!

My husband makes wooden toys, but you can make simply wooden teethers out of all sorts of things. For example, you can take a wooden or bamboo cooking spoon, and cut off the handle. Babies love that shape. Just use your imagination. Toys are everywhere!!!

Thanks for the suggestion of amigurumi toys, there are a ton of free patterns at crochet pattern central

As for wooden toys, I have yet to find one that my kids haven't destroyed. They just seem to chew at them in a way that causes them to splinter. Maybe I am buying the wrong kind??

[Epona]

Originally Posted by Therese's Mommy

Thanks for the suggestion of amigurumi toys, there are a ton of free patterns at crochet pattern central

As for wooden toys, I have yet to find one that my kids haven't destroyed. They just seem to chew at them in a way that causes them to splinter. Maybe I am buying the wrong kind??

Fruit and nut woods can do this. It helps if you keep them oiled regularly, or even rub in some beeswax (sorry if you're vegan, no offense!). Or even occasionally sand them. But have you tried bamboo? It's very sturdy. I'm sure there must be bamboo toys out there, but I haven't looked for them.