Both plastic and wooden toys have their pros and cons, but ultimately it is up to the parent to decide what is best for their child. Despite this, there are still questions arising in society. Why did we reject wooden toys in favor of the plastic ones?
The Changing Landscape of Toy Manufacturing
The 1950s saw a boom in the toy industry. Manufacturers were turning out new products at an unprecedented rate, and children were eager to get their hands on the latest and greatest toys. But there was one material that was becoming increasingly popular for toy makers: plastic.
There are a few reasons for the rapid switch from wooden toys to plastic. One reason is that plastic is cheaper to produce than wood. It's also more durable, so toys made from plastic can last longer. Plastic is also lighter than wood, so plastic toys are easier to carry around. Plastic is made from a type of oil called petroleum, which comes from the ground. So, the switch from wooden to plastic toys was probably due to a combination of factors, including cost, durability, and weight.
The Rise of Plastic
It's no secret that plastic has taken over the toy market. There are a few reasons for the rise of plastic toys.
- First, plastic is more affordable than wood. This is especially important for mass-produced toys.
- Second, as you already know plastic is more durable than wood. This means that plastic toys can withstand more wear and tear, which is ideal for active kids.
- Third, plastic is easier to mold into different shapes. This allows for more variety in the types of toys that can be made. Wood is not flexible material, so wooden toys are manufactured due to restrictions for being able to have a certain shape.
- And fourth, plastic toys can be made in bright, eye-catching forms and colors.
Benefits of Plastic
Here are just a few reasons why plastic toys are becoming more popular than ever. They're more durable. One of the biggest advantages of plastic toys is that they're much more durable than wooden toys.
They can withstand being dropped, thrown, or stepped on without breaking, which is ideal for kids who are still learning to be gentle with their toys. They're easier to clean.
Since plastic toys are non-porous, they're much easier to clean than wooden toys. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all it takes to remove any dirt quickly and easily. However, there are still many parents all over the world who avoid buying plastic toys for their kids. Plastic has certain drawbacks and it is important to know about them before buying a toy made of plastic for your kid.
The Disadvantages of Plastic Toys
Plastic toys are made from a variety of different plastics, but the most common is polyethylene. This plastic is soft, lightweight, and very durable. However, it is not safe. Plastic toys can contain harmful chemicals that can leach out into a child's body. They can also be a choking hazard if they break into small pieces. Second, plastic toys don't biodegrade. So when they're thrown away, they'll sit in a landfill for hundreds of years. This creates pollution and contributes to climate change. Lastly, plastic toys are often made in factories that pollute the environment.
Final Thoughts
The answer to our question is quite simple, actually. It all has to do with the properties of the materials. Plastic is lighter, cheaper, and can be molded into any shape imaginable. It's also more durable than wood, so it doesn't break as easily. And since it's mass-produced, it's more available to toy manufacturers.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are there any safe plastic toys?
As of right now, there are no 100% safe plastic toys. However, there are certain types of plastics that are considered to be safer than others.
For example, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) are two types of plastics that are considered to be safer than other types of plastics such as PVC.
What was the first plastic toy?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on how you define "plastic toy". However, one of the earliest known toys made from plastic was a doll created in 1908 by Russian scientist Alexander Parkes. Parkes developed a process for creating a synthetic material he called "Parkesine", which was made from cellulose and was the first commercially viable plastic.
At what age should I buy a plastic toy for my kid?
Most experts recommend waiting until a child is at least 3 years old before buying a plastic toy. This is because younger children may put the toy in their mouth and choke on it.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nurlana Alasgarli
Content Specialist
Nurlana Alasgarli is a professional copywriter with more than 6 years of creative writing experience. Having lived and experienced all over the world, there are many writing genres that Nurlana follows, including nature, arts and crafts and the outdoors. Nurlana brings life to content creation, captivating her readers.
