We wanted a SAFE alternative to most blocks you buy in stores right now that may or may not contain lead paint esp since babies put EVERYThing in their mouths. We decided HABA, a German company, with a great reputation was the way to go. Our 7 mo old baby LOVES these blocks because they are very unique. The jingly one, the one with a mirror. SHe loves the donut shaped one and the little guy with his car. It's the best gift she got for Christmas and that's saying a lot when comparing it to all the battery-operated toys she got! I think the basics go a long way. She is entertained by these for a long time. We will buy more Haba toys in the future.
I have been buying Haba toys for my baby, believing these were safe baby toys made in Germany. Because of this, I did not hesitate to pay extra money for these blocks. So I was shocked to find that the red rattle in this set contains high level of arsenic and the blue fabric hat contains small amount of Bromine. (My baby loves to chew on this hat) Overall, this toy is rated "HIGH" in toxicity level at HealthyStuff.org. Some Haba toys have 0 toxicity level, but unfortunately, this block is not one of them. I have thrown away the two toxic blocks, but this leaves the set rather uninteresting and way over priced.
***UPDATE***
I contacted Haba regarding the high toxicity level reported on these blocks. Here is the reply I received;
Thank you for taking the time to write to us. Obviously you are a very educated and astute parent and for that I applaud you! We at HABA® really appreciate parents such as yourselves. Being a mom of two children myself and an "auntie" to 11 more children I can empathize.
Our HABA parent company in Germany was the first toy manufacturer in Europe to voluntarily send our items to an independent testing lab to get tested many decades ago. Mr. Habermaass still owns this family owned business and he is a grandfather now himself. You can read more about HABA at www.HABAusa.com in the About section. In fact in 2008 after the heavy recalls of China made goods many other toy companies from Europe and America decided to pull back from the USA market. HABA didn't, we actually embraced the new CPSIA laws President Bush signed just before the end of his term. Of course this new law put a heavy financial stress on all childrens' products producers and retailers but HABA endured. In fact our lead levels were already at the lower levels that the law required so we had to change very little. The HealthyStuff.org group and other interest groups such as these do not have the funds to send all of the toys to independent, CPSC authorized laboratories so they purchase equipment themselves and do many of their tests in house. These tests are not as perfect as one would get from a laboratory. That being said HABA abides by the CPSIA law and all products we import have the appropriate testing and those Certificates of Compliance are readily available on our website.
At one time this same organization claimed our marbles in our Marble Ball Track Construction Set (a wooden block set made for older children to build architectural designs for the marbles to roll through) had a harmful chemical in them. This interest group takes advantage of consumers' fears and announces their worst toy lists at the holiday times. We in fact had proof that the marbles were safe and that no chemicals that may have been in the marbles were in fact in a state that could be absorbed by a person's body, even if swallowed. In this case we did spend the money to hire an attorney and healthystuff.org had to do a recant on their findings.
Did you also know that HABA still produces all of our wooden blocks, that we know will be most likely put into a child's mouth, in Germany? It would be much less expensive for us to do what all the other companies are doing and move our production to China but Mr. Habermaass and our company philosophy is to remain as a German made company, at least for our wooden products. We can't find textile companies in Europe to make our soft goods or room décor but we're on the constant look out. We've also opened our own office in China so that we have our own staff checking daily on our production partners in China.
That all being said, our First Blocks are safe. This item passes all testing required and this item continues to be a best seller for us.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to reach out. Obviously your satisfaction is our #1 goal.
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After getting this reply from them, I'm amending my rating from 1 star to 3 stars. In the end, each parents would have to make their own mind as to who and what to believe. It takes forever to build a company reputation and just a second to ruin it (unfortunately scare tactics works too well whether justified or not) and I want to give Haba a benefit of doubt.
The reason for 3 stars is that these blocks are more hit with my husband than with my baby.
Buy First Blocks Now
Colorful, well made blocks. There are not really enough to "build" anything, so I would suggest buying a set of Haba blocks that can be used with these, like the Fantasy Blocks.
Read Best Reviews of First Blocks Here
Please check healthystuff.org when purchasing toys. This item is rated HIGH for toxicity. Ridiculous. It takes an incredible amount of time and research to find safe, non-toxic toys for infants.
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My 6-month old daughter is fascinated by these blocks, right now mainly with the blue cube that has a jingle bell inside. While she is too young to stack the blocks, the bright colors, varied shapes, jingling noises and mirror are really appealing to her and she studies them intently. It's nice that this set is not just square blocks but includes round and cylindrical shapes that roll, and can see this being something she enjoys for a longgood quality time in ever-expanding ways. I like Haba products in general, which are made from nice woods and fabrics.
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I'm so sorry I can't give thus sweet doll 5 stars. This is the cutest dark complexion doll I could fine! I spent $35. on this doll which is more than many well made dolls. Unfortunately, there is a very distinct petroleum smell about this doll. It seems to be in the material that makes up the head, hands and feet. I've washed her head, hand and feet several times and hasn't made any difference. I'm at a loss why the 2 other reviewers didn't mention this problem. The smell permeated her clothes which Is better since being laundered. It's a very unpleasant and strong smell. I've washed her and set her in the fresh air for a week now and I have serious doubts that will make any difference. My hubby walked past her a couple of feet away and asked what was that chemical smell. I inadvertently destroyed her packaging so I guess I'm out $35.00 because I don't even want my grand babies to breath in these fumes.
