Introduction

At Smiling Tree Toys, our mission is to provide safe, sustainable, and beautifully crafted wooden toys that families can trust. One of the most important decisions we’ve made is in how we finish our toys and blocks. Rather than choosing between beeswax and a natural oil finish, we use a homegrown blend of both jojoba oil and beeswax. But why do we use this blend, how does it compare to other natural finishes, and why do we leave our teethers completely unfinished?

Let’s explore why we use a combination of jojoba oil and beeswax for our toys and blocks, why we leave teethers bare, and what’s safest and most beneficial for your child.

 

What’s So Special About Our Jojoba Oil and Beeswax Blend?

Beeswax is a popular natural wood finish, and when combined with jojoba oil, it offers the ideal mix of nourishment and protection for our wooden toys. Here’s why we chose this blend:

1. Safe and Non-Toxic for Kids: Our blend of jojoba oil and beeswax is food-safe and non-toxic, making it perfect for wooden toys that children may chew or gnaw on. We want parents to have peace of mind knowing that their child’s toys are free from harmful chemicals.

2. Nourishes the Wood: Jojoba oil deeply conditions the wood, preventing it from drying out, cracking, or splintering over time. This keeps the toys sturdy and smooth, even after years of use.

3. Protects from Moisture and Wear: Beeswax coats the surface of the wood, forming a natural barrier against moisture and everyday wear and tear. Together with jojoba oil, it provides long-lasting protection without altering the wood’s natural appearance.

4. Enhances Natural Beauty: Our blend brings out the wood’s grain, creating a warm, soft finish that feels smooth to the touch. It’s not overly shiny or artificial-looking—just a natural, beautiful finish.

5. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Both jojoba oil and beeswax are renewable, earth-friendly resources. This aligns with our commitment to sustainability and using only natural materials in our toys. Learn more about our sustainability practices here.

Want to see how we make our special homegrown oil blend? Check out this blog, which features a YouTube video showing the entire process!

 

 

Why We Use Our Blend on Toys and Blocks (But Not on Teethers)

While we use our jojoba oil and beeswax blend on toys and blocks, our wooden teethers are left completely unfinished. Read on to find out why. :)

The Most Natural Teething Experience

Babies spend a lot of time chewing on teethers, so we believe the purest option is best. Leaving the wood untreated ensures a natural, additive-free surface for babies to gnaw on.

Firmness for Sore Gums

Bare wood has the ideal hardness for soothing sore gums during teething. Finishing it with oils or waxes could make it too soft, reducing its effectiveness as a teether.

Naturally Antibacterial

Wood is naturally antibacterial, making it a hygienic choice for teething toys. You can read more about the benefits of bare wood for teethers in this blog post by Tara Morellato or in this informative article.

 

Is Our Jojoba Oil and Beeswax Finish Safe for Kids to Chew On?

Yes, it is completely safe! Both jojoba oil and beeswax are non-toxic and food-grade, so you don’t need to worry if your child chews on toys finished with this blend.

If you notice the finish wearing off over time—especially if the toy is frequently chewed—you can easily reapply a similar blend at home. This will help maintain the wood’s smoothness and durability. For more tips, check out our guide to maintaining wooden toys here.

 

Why We Choose Natural Finishes for Our Toys

We use our homegrown jojoba oil and beeswax blend to provide a safe, eco-friendly finish for wooden toys and blocks that stand the test of time. This natural combination helps protect the wood and keep it beautiful without introducing synthetic chemicals into your child’s playtime.

For teethers, however, we keep things as simple as possible by leaving the wood unfinished, providing a completely natural surface that’s ideal for teething.

 

Conclusion: Which is Better—Beeswax or Natural Finishes?

The answer is both! Our jojoba oil and beeswax blend offers the best of both worlds, combining deep nourishment with surface protection. It’s the perfect finish for our toys and blocks, providing safety, durability, and natural beauty. And when it comes to teethers, we believe that bare wood is best for creating a simple, natural teething experience.

By choosing Smiling Tree Toys, you’re choosing handcrafted, eco-friendly toys that prioritize your child’s safety and the planet’s well-being.