Baby safe

[aulddiy]

I've a bonny wee goddaughter I've carved a birth plate for her and I'm getting nudges to carve something else for her she's 5 months old.

I 'm unsure what to carve or indeed if its safe to . Anyone tried carving teething rings, rattles etc?
All experiences shared will help. I've carved and carve for older kids but one this young is a different ball game.

[Claude]

John:
You're probably already aware of potential wood toxicity, but just in case, here's a link to some info.

Wood Toxicity Resources - The American Association of Woodturners

Claude

[gtech]

I am waiting for answers for the same reason...

It won't be needed until next year, but I"m slow sometimes. So I'll start these baby toys long before it will be needed...

Btw, I suppose basswood is not toxic, but here is an example of what is used by a company.

http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/org...dbabytoys.html

Gilles

[markken5889]

How about that article in the last WCI on carving rattles?

Mark

[Claude]

After reading through the link I provided, plus several others I have, I noticed that common woods are not listed: butternut, cherry, apple, pear, peach, plum, basswood, orange, lemon, lime, etc. I wonder, and I have no facts on this - just speculating, if the fruit woods are less-toxic or even non-toxic to most people, since we quite happily and (usually) safely eat the fruit? Some of the nut-woods such as walnut are listed as potentially toxic. The only fruit wood I can think of which is also listed is the olive. I also notice that Maple is listed when it's spalted, because of the mold, but I can't find any mention of sugar maple being toxic, and most of us quite happily use it's sap (maple syrup) with any reaction.

Any one know any plant scientists? Maybe we could convince one to ask for some of the stimulus money to do a study on wood toxicity for species not previously listed...

Claude

[happyhal]

I found a web page not sure where that said that maple was non toxic and actually had anti bacterial properties. I carved a rattle out of it for my 5 month old granddaughter then finished it with 50/50 bees wax and olive oil. Hal

[aulddiy]

First thanks gents for the feed back. Limewood,(basswood) may be the way to go. Those teeth may be little but the jaws are strong. I've had more than one finger dinted.
However it is a serious matter, no way do I want her to get anything but pleasure out of the toys.