Buying Safe Toys for the Holidays

After so many recalls on toys with lead content or chocking hazards in others, parents must always pay attention now when buying toysfor their children.  Although Congress recently passed a law that sets tougher standards and toy safety is mandatory, many of the new lead laws do not kick in until February 2009 or later, well after the holiday shopping season.  Because buying toys should also be fun for parents, here are 4 simple strategies for buying safe toys for this holiday season and feel good about it. 

Some of these safety strategies for buying safe toys you may already know, but a friendly reminder does not hurt.  Remember, buying toys should be fun so don't let this discourage you. 

Four Safety Strategies for Buying Safe Toys

1. Know what toys to avoid. For example, avoid metal jewelry, magnets of any kind, squeezable soft plastic toys or books if you have an infant or toddler, anything that does not say "no phthalates" on the package. 
2. Buy According to kid's age.  Look for the recommended age on the package. Age grading is more than a friendly hint.  It can alert you to a possible choking hazard (i.e. presence of small parts) and affect toy's play value.  A toys designated for an older kid could be a source of frustration to a younger kid.
3. Check for recalls.  Before shopping, go to www.cpsc.gov to see which toys have been recalled. Moms Buzz usually posts about recalls of popular toys, childrenen furniture and apparel.  
4. Watch where you shop.  Be leery of drugstores, airports and dollar stores.  They have been known for carrying sometimes unsafe toys.

Have a wonderful holiday season and be smart about buying safe toys!

- The Moms Buzz

Comments

[Isabelle]

Great advice about buying safe toys!!