Natural Materials, Real Impact: Why We Choose Wood, Cotton, and Wool for Our Toys and Baby Essentials

Thoughtfully made, intentionally chosen—for play that feels good in every sense

If you’ve browsed the shelves at Mamiina, you might have noticed something: we don’t do bright plastic and flashing lights. Instead, you’ll find soft wool, smooth wood, woven cotton….toys that are made from natural materials and feel as good as they look.

This isn’t just about aesthetics (although we do love a calm, neutral playroom). It’s about choosing materials that truly support your child’s development, comfort, and wellbeing, from babyhood through to those big imaginative toddler years.

Let’s explore why natural materials matter—and why we choose them again and again.

1. They feel better. Literally.

Natural textures offer a richer sensory experience. The cool smoothness of wood. The warmth of wool. The softness of brushed cotton. These sensations help babies and toddlers connect with the physical world in a way that plastic just can’t replicate.

They’re also less overwhelming. Natural materials tend to be quieter—visually, physically, and even audibly. There are no harsh textures or beeping sounds. Just open-ended objects that invite calm, focused play.

2. Natural materials support sensory development.

The early years are all about exploring through the senses, and variety matters. Natural materials tend to vary ever so slightly in shape, texture, and temperature, helping babies learn about contrast and consistency through touch.

Our felt toys, for example, are made from real wool, giving them a warm, tactile softness that synthetic fabrics can’t replicate. Wool felt has just the right amount of squish and texture for little hands, making it ideal for role play, sorting, and storytelling. Similarly, wood might be smooth in one spot and grainy in another. These tiny details help build sensory awareness, fine motor skills, and even early problem-solving.

3. They’re safer and more breathable.

We choose materials like organic cotton, untreated wood, and natural wool because they’re gentle on skin—and far less likely to carry unwanted chemicals or irritants.

Babies spend so much of their time mouthing, cuddling, and crawling. It makes sense to surround them with materials that are breathable, non-toxic, and trustworthy. With fewer synthetic dyes and plastic coatings, natural products offer peace of mind along with everyday functionality.

4. They’re built to last (and be loved).

One of the beautiful things about natural toys and baby essentials? They age well. Wooden toys don’t just survive rough play—they develop character over time. And when they do take a knock, they’re usually easy to repair with a dab of strong wood glue—unlike many plastic toys, which can become brittle, cracked (sometimes with sharp edges), or impossible to fix once broken.

Felt toys, too, are wonderfully durable. Wool has natural elasticity and strength, which means our handmade felt pieces can be squished, bent, and loved again and again without losing their shape.

At Barnville, our in-store role play area at Mamiina, our wooden toys are really put to the test. They’re played with daily by dozens of children—some gentle, some a little more enthusiastic—and that kind of high-volume, real-world play goes far beyond typical home use.

It’s exactly why we’re so confident in the toys we choose. We see firsthand how well our wooden toys hold up, and when the occasional chip or wobble appears, we repair it. In fact, we carry out daily safety checks in Barnville, keeping a close eye on every piece and making repairs whenever needed to ensure everything stays safe and sturdy.

That kind of durability, care, and longevity is what makes natural toys so special. They’re not just for one child, or one stage—they’re built to be used, loved, and passed on.

5. Natural Materials connect us to the real world.

When children play with wooden blocks, or clutch a cotton comforter, they’re forming a quiet connection to the natural world. That connection supports their wellbeing, sparks creativity, and encourages an interest in the environment from the very beginning.

In a world full of plastic everything, there’s something grounding about giving children toys and tools made from nature. It reminds them (and us) that beauty doesn’t need batteries or branding.

6. They reflect the values we care about.

Choosing natural materials isn’t just about function, it’s about philosophy. At Mamiina, we believe that less is more. That slow is better than rushed. And that what surrounds your child shapes how they feel, how they play, and how they grow.

By choosing natural fibres and sustainably sourced wood, we’re also supporting small makers, ethical supply chains, and a slower kind of commerce. One that respects childhood for what it is: precious, fleeting, and worthy of care.

Want to create a calm, natural space for your little one?

At Mamiina, we carefully source toys, textiles, and baby essentials made from the highest quality natural materials, designed to be used, loved, and passed on.

Browse our collection of toys to find beautiful pieces that align with your values and support your baby’s development from day one.