Wooden toys are the rare baby purchase that can outlast the baby years — if they get five minutes of care a month. Here is the whole routine.
Wipe, never soak
A cloth wrung out in mild soapy water lifts everything a toddler can apply. Soaking swells the grain and loosens joints — wood likes a bath about as much as a cat does.
Dry in air, not on radiators
Let pieces dry on a towel away from direct heat. Fast drying is how smooth blocks learn to crack.
Oil monthly, lightly
A drop of food-safe mineral oil or beeswax balm, rubbed in and buffed off, keeps the surface sealed and the colour deep. If a rattle starts to look pale and thirsty, it is asking.
Retire gracefully
Check monthly for cracks or splinters, sand tiny roughness with fine paper, and retire anything that has split — into the keepsake box, not the bin. First-toy status deserves a pension.
