Raising A Healthy Family » Recalls

Holiday Toy Shopping – Think Before You Buy

Char — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:37:10 +0000

Black Friday and the official kick off of the holiday season is just days away and I have already started my shopping. However, with three kids, I am being a lot more vigilent this year and paying closer attention to the marketing and packaging of the toys my kids want – especially in light of all the recent recalls. Not only am I checking the items my kids have asked for against the CPSC recall list, I am also making a conscious effort to buy toys with fewer plastic parts.

The CPSC is urging parents to do the same. They recently put out a two page release of guidelines and tips for parents. Among the biggest toy hazards cited by CPSC:

Riding toys, skateboards and inline skates that could cause dangerous falls for children.
Toys with small parts that can cause choking hazards, particularly for children under age 3.
Toys with small magnets, particularly for children under age 6, that can cause serious injury or death if the magnets are swallowed.
Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling slots for older children that can cause eye injuries.
Chargers and adapters that can pose burn hazards to children.

The Toy Industry Association has also sponsored a site called ToyInfo.org where parents can go for the latest information on recalls, toy safety, toy selection tips and more.

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio also has a great list of the Ten Myths About Toy Safety That Every Parent Should Know including:

Toys Made in the USA are guaranteed to be lead-free.
The government bans all types of lead in toys.
Embedded lead is not really a problem.
Buying from a large reputable store guarantees safety.
Buying from a big toy company guarantees safety.
Buying from a small mom and pop store guarantees safety.
Buying from small manufacturers guarantees safety.
Lead is only a problem with metal toys.
Plush Toys are guaranteed to be Safe.
Lead in Toys is a Fixable Problem.

You’ll have to go to their site to find out which are true, which are false and why.

Shop smart this season – it will be better for your kids, your wallet and the environment!

Aqua Dots Recalled – Strike Another One Off The List

Char — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:07:55 +0000

Like millions of other parents, I am really beginning to dread this holiday season! Not only do I have to collect gift ideas from my kids, but I have to run every option through a safety or recall list before purchasing. Case in point, Aqua Dots.

My girls are into their crafty stage and when a recent toy catalog showed up, both of them circled Aqua Dots as something they would like to receive. And then there was the news about Aqua Dots yesterday. Apparently, the chemical that AquaDots are sprayed with to make them “do their thing” converts into the rape date drug GHB (gamma-hydroxy butyrate) when ingested. It can cause vomiting, loss of consciousness, and coma.

Add the Aqua Dots recall to the ever-growing list of toys imported from China that have been recalled, and it really makes you think. Who is policing these companies? What companies can you trust to produce quality products for your family?

Here is a complete list of toy recalls directly from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

More Toys Recalled

Char — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:34:56 +0000

I can honestly say that I am glad my kids are out of the putting everything in their mouth stage, especially with all the toy recalls going on. The main culprit in most of the recalls seems to be lead-based paint on both wood and plastic toys.

Karen at ThriftyMommy has been keeping a very close eye on all of the recalls:

If you are trying to figure out which toys are lead-free, Marcie at My Two Boys has compilied an ongoing list of Lead-Free toys.