Does anyone paint their own wooden toys?

[Mouse]

I want to make some simple wooden toys for the children to use, but I'm unsure what paint I should use and if I should varnish them.

Has anyone made them. Any tips?

[maisiemog]

My FIL has made some for me. We painted them with a base coat first and then gloss paint but we did varnish them to prevent paint chipping off. Might not be the right way to go but works for us

[clareelizabeth1]

I would send Bob a message. He makes some beautiful things and will probably know.

[lilac_dragon]

Used a couple of coats of clear boat varnish on some of ours, works really well even when they're left outside.

[clairer]

I'd worry about the toxicity of the paint and varnish due to babies and toddlers putting things in their mouths. Could be a health and safety issue. There must be paint sealants that are safe for toddlers?