| Have you been thinking about your kids' toys lately? | | | | drop the piece into the tube, it is considered too |
| Chances are, if you are a parent, you have been. | | | | small for children 3 years of age or younger. Inspect |
| The many recalls of products made in China have | | | | your child's toys frequently. Look for loose parts, |
| dominated the news recently. We have had problems | | | | sharp edges, and broken parts. Do not buy any toy |
| with tires, toothpaste, pet food, and the latest: toys. | | | | that features magnetic parts. Swallowing magnets |
| (Correction: While researching this article, I stumbled | | | | can result in serious injury. Also, look for labels that |
| across a recall on children's pajamas.) There is | | | | say PVC Free. This applies to baby toys, teething |
| considerable speculation as to why and how this | | | | rings, and other things that may end up in baby's |
| could have happened, and plenty of blame going | | | | mouth. |
| around. However, that is not the major concern of | | | | Share your knowledge. |
| most parents. Most of us just want to keep our | | | | I have started a page on our website of featuring |
| children safe. For now, steering clear of purchasing | | | | toys made in the U.S./Canada/Europe. And in the |
| products made in China, and the entire developing | | | | forum there is a special section for toys our readers |
| Pacific Rim is probably the safest route for the | | | | recommend and those to avoid. Please add your |
| present time. | | | | knowledge by making a post. If you have made any |
| If you have been shopping recently, and looking at | | | | toys of your own, please share here. |
| labels, you have probably come to the realization that | | | | Start shopping now. |
| buying items made in the U.S., toys in particular, is no | | | | If you are concerned about these issues, the best |
| easy task. I have just returned from one such trip to | | | | recommendation I can make is to start shopping |
| a toy store where I found some toys that are | | | | now. Even if you intend to order products on the |
| manufactured in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. I also | | | | internet, I have a feeling that supplies will run short |
| learned that you cannot rely on a brand name to | | | | very soon. Here are some names of some sites that |
| make your selections. For example, good | | | | sell American made toys, dolls and puzzles: |
| old-fashioned Crayola crayons are made in the U.S.A. | | | | Vermont Teddy Bear |
| However, some other products distributed by the | | | | Whittle Short Line |
| company are made in China. Another example is | | | | Shop for America |
| LEGO. Legos are made in Denmark and a few other | | | | Commissary Toys |
| European countries. But when I checked the Duplo | | | | Turner Toys |
| Blocks, which are the larger blocks made for younger | | | | Consider toy alternatives. |
| children, the packages indicated that some of them | | | | Making your own toys is an avenue that some |
| were made in China. | | | | people are considering. A few books on the subject |
| Reading labels can be confusing too. While looking for | | | | are on the website. Or, maybe something altogether |
| the words "made in" do not be distracted by the | | | | different: a family vacation for example, or a party. |
| words "distributed by". These are two completely | | | | The most important thing is that you think about it |
| different things. The words "made in" are the words | | | | now so that you have time to prepare. |
| you are looking for. Another potentially confusing | | | | Consider a modified approach. |
| issue is packaging. A set of blocks called Mega Bloks | | | | Some people would like to purchase certain toys |
| are made in Canada. The bag they come in is made | | | | because they are favorites and do not consider the |
| in China. | | | | problem to be that bad. My recommendation is that if |
| What can we do? | | | | you do decide to buy the toy(s), please do not buy |
| First, think about the obvious fact that most of the | | | | anything that your child may put in their mouth. And, |
| problems have been caused by children putting toys, | | | | second, keep yourself informed. Pay attention to the |
| or parts of toys, in their mouths. Keep in mind that | | | | latest news bulletins regarding recalls. |
| any toy that poses a choking hazard is more lethal | | | | Ali's 2 sense... I know that some of you have been |
| than anything. This remains the primary reason for | | | | reading that if corporations try to pull out of China, or |
| toy recalls regardless where they are made. Be sure | | | | impose stricter regulations on the manufacturers, the |
| to follow the age guidelines printed on the package | | | | Chinese have threatened to "dump" U.S. bonds and |
| when choosing toys. I have had parents say to me | | | | cause some sort of financial havoc here in the U.S. |
| that they don't pay much attention to the guidelines | | | | This response shows a blatant disregard for the |
| because their child is more advanced. That may be | | | | safety and welfare of our children. That is completely |
| true intellectually, but the guidelines take physical | | | | unacceptable. They may as well be saying, "if you |
| development into consideration as well. | | | | don't buy our poisoned toys, you will be sorry" -- |
| A simple way to test whether or not a toy and the | | | | What? I don't think so. Just remember -- you, the |
| parts of the toy can pose a choking hazard is to use | | | | consumer, have the final say. Vote with your wallet. |
| an empty tube from a roll of toilet paper. If you can | | | | |