Natural toys are toys made from natural materials found in nature for example plant fibres, felt, leather and cardboard. Natural toys are eco-friendly and has a small environmental footprint both from a raw material and manufacturing perspective until the end of the toy when it is disposed of. Natural Toys contain no electronic or electrical parts. A toy is usually classified as natural if more than 95% of the materials used to make the toy is natural.
Organic toys are Natural Toys taken a step further. Toys with an Organic tag usually comprise of a minimum of 70% organic materials and are organically certified or processed in accordance with the Organic Trade Association’s (OTA) definition of organic. OTA certification means that the raw materials used for the manufacturing of the toy, are sourced from producers that implement a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers. In other words, natural materials like cotton from controlled, biological cultivation (KBA) and sheep wool from controlled biological livestock (KBT).
Why do we care about Natural or Organic Toys? Does it really matter?
Natural and organic toys are referred to as healthy toys for your baby and child for a reason.
* It is presumed that natural toys doesn't contain lead, chemical and other harmful substances that can be ingested by your child.
* Wood is a naturally germ-free material, meaning that wooden toys will have less germs than plastic toys in the same environment.
* Because natural materials are found naturally in the world around us, the production of natural toys have less of an impact on the environment than plastic toys, especially battery operated toys. When toys, made of natural materials, reach the end of their lifespan, they can be discarded without a negative environmental impact. Unfortunately all natural toys are NOT created equal. Some cheap toys made of natural materials may be made from wood sourced from old growth trees, illegal or irresponsible foresting or may contain high levels of pesticides. Also, if you purchase toys made from non-organic cotton or wool, keep in mind that cotton accounts for a quarter of the world's use of insecticide and sheep dipping can taint ground water with ecosystem-damaging insecticides.

When buying wood toys for your baby and children make sure that the wood comes from manufacturers that enforce sustainable forest management processes and that the surface finish on the toy is non-toxic. You also want to ensure that the surface is resistant against UV light, bumps, sweat and spittle.

Most wooden toys have been surface treated, which gives the wood an attractive look and makes it more resistant against outer influences. If the wood is colored, the coloring was either be done by covering the wood with a paint or by adding a stain or glaze which penetrates the wood and sets off/maintains the structure of the wood. In most cases these toys will have had additional treatment with a lacquer or an oil because stain and glaze manufacturers cannot guarantee that the toy is resistant against sweat and spittle. The lacquer or oil makes the toy more glossy and resistant against outer influences (spittle, sweat, UV and bumps).