Dana wants to know: "All of the toy recalls, toxic toy news, lead paint issues, etc that have been in the news lately are making me worry about what my daughter has been exposed to. Today, her favorite toy, Einstein Baby Blocks, were recalled, and I know she has had those in her mouth. How do other parents keep up with all the recalls and proactively keep their kids from being exposed to dangerous toys? We are freaking out!"
You aren't the only one freaking out. Below, a few ideas.
We have a friend who bought lead paint test kits and tested all of her children's toys and furniture. It was laborious and a bit expensive, but worth it for her peace of mind. She reports that 2 toys tested positive for lead paint - one was a hand-me-down, and one was bought at an independent crafts fair, so remember that hand made doesn't always translate into 'safe'.
If you really want some grim reading, the US Consumer Products Safety Commission publishes toy recalls, as well as great information on all recalled products.
Maybe the trick is to investigate where you purchase stuff for the kids, and look for stores that are committed to child safety, greener living, and organic solutions. We are personally fond of Ethic Baby, and are always scouting for others. AT readers, how are you handling all this scary news - how are you keeping your home and nursery safe for your kids?
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
I feel the same way. Luckily. my daughter is only 5 months and has not accumulated too many toys. I have been researching items NOT made in China. You'd be amazed how hard that is. I have found a couple toy companies; Holztiger, all items are made in Germany and are painted with non-toxic, water-based pain and Haba, another German company, where MOST toys are made in Germany. Not only are they safe but they are beautifully designed as well.
You can find these and other European made toys at:
http://www.oompa.com
Here is a good site for tracking recalls.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08010.html You can also sign up for an email that alerts you with the latest recalls.I get about 7-8 everyday!!
view kellybeegee's profile
i believe all playmobil toys are made in europe as well.
view karey's profile
Our local paper did an investigation and found in-home lead test kits are very unreliable...I wouldn't go to the expense and unneccessary panic (or unwarranted relief).
Look over your toys and any that have any chipping paint or that the paint easily rubs away, keep out of reach. Buy items made in the US, Canada, or Europe...or "recycle" other objects into toys. My kids love stacking empty oatmeal cartons and unopened juice boxes. Measuring cups or spoons on a ring are fun, too, for example.
Toys that we own and feel confident about include Discovery Toys, which seems to have very good quality control, Uncle Goose Toys, which make beautiful wooden blocks and toys in the US, and playmobil, but be sure to get the 123 series because the regular series has parts too small for babies and toddlers.
view avimom's profile
my daughter has these...yikes
view nicolej's profile