Raising A Healthy Family » Toy Safety http://raisingahealthyfamily.com Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:00:17 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Allergen Free and Special Needs School and Art Supplies http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/allergen-free-and-special-needs-school-and-art-supplies/ http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/allergen-free-and-special-needs-school-and-art-supplies/#comments Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:41:15 +0000 Char http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/?p=290
When you have a child with allergies the first thing you focus your attention on is food and environmental elements, but what about all the supplies they use at school?  Many art products such as paint, glue, markers, playdough and clay contain common allergens such as dairy, soy, egg, gluten, latex and even peanuts.

gluten-free-play-doughDiscount School Supplies is the best resource for all of your art/school supplies, however, if you have a child with allergies or special needs, they are the first place you should look. They have the largest selection of Common-Allergen-Free Products and make it easy to shop by allergy-free product you need. From gluten-free playdough to dairy/casein free glue, latex free craft supplies and kits, and soy free paints Discount School Supplies will help you select products you can be sure are safe for your child.

Additionally if you have a special needs child, shop Special Needs at Discount School Supply to find over 500 products specifically selected to enhance and develop learning and independence.

Looking for printables and crafts your kids will LOVE? We recommend:

Right now you can take 10% Off In-Stock Orders – Use Code SHOPDSS. It is a perfect opportunity to stock up for summer activities, summer camps, bible school, homeschooling and vacations.

]]> http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/allergen-free-and-special-needs-school-and-art-supplies/feed/ 0 Holiday Toy Shopping – Think Before You Buy http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/holiday-toy-shopping-think-before-you-buy/ http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/holiday-toy-shopping-think-before-you-buy/#comments Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:37:10 +0000 Char http://raisingahealthyfamily.com/holiday-toy-shopping-think-before-you-buy/ Shopping for toysBlack 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!

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