Article:
Dolls. Trains. Play sets. Accessories.
It use to be that safety considerations associated with
children's toys were limited to choking hazards. We're familiar
with the warning, "Never give small toys to children under 3
years of age". Recently, though, there have been new problems
that make us almost long for the days when a choking hazard was
our only safety concern.
Companies that parents have relied upon for quality toys for
years are now being tested, undergoing public scrutiny and
issuing recalls on their products due to substandard and even
hazardous production. Virtually every manufacturer is being
questioned regarding the quality of the products they offer.
With the holidays quickly approaching, what can parents do to
find great products and gifts for their children that will
capture their interest, but most importantly, are also safe for
children to use?
First of all, check out any toy company or product with a click
of the mouse by visiting The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) website. The CPSC posts their recalls on all
products they have reviewed as soon as they are available. While
recalled items are typically pulled from the stores as soon as
the announcement is made, early shoppers need to pay close
attention to recall announcements for toys they may already have
purchased.
Next, invest some time researching your gift ideas. Many online
toy companies are now linking to safety guides on their sites.
They are adding toy safety guides for the product lines they
carry, and are also contacting their vendors to ensure the
products they are selling are safe and thoroughly tested.
Whether you intend on shopping online or at a brick-and-mortar
store, do your homework first and check out what other companies
are saying about the toys you are considering. Look for products
recommended by "toy authorities" such as Oppenheim and Dr. Toy.
They closely review children's products and make recommendations
according to their own standards. Their product selections are
not immune to possible hazards, but it is infrequent that their
choices are recalled.
Another suggestion is to change your overall shopping process.
Look for smaller, more specialized stores that take the time to
carefully screen each product that is offered. A smaller store
tends to focus on fewer vendors, giving them greater control
over the products that are sold. Check each vendor for a safety
statement, indicating their commitment to providing quality,
safe products to purchase. Buying name-brand items makes them
easier to identify in a recall, rather than a generic version
with no well-defined brand name. Keep receipts and/or model
numbers for easy reference and returns, should a recall be
issued.
Look for online sites and stores that sell products from
reputable manufacturers. Many vendors and manufacturers will
happily provide information regarding their product production
to help allay any concerns that may arise in regards to quality.
If manufacturer information is not available for a product,
chances are it is not from a quality manufacturer. Take notice
of manufacturer information on product packaging as well.
Many problems have been noted among toys manufactured in China,
which has led to a common thought that all Chinese-made toys
made present problems. The reality is that it is quite possible
to manufacture quality toys in China, as long as the U.S.
companies focus their efforts on production and quality
assurance, and follow up with thorough testing of the end
product. If anything good can come from the recent recalls, it
may be that vendors are now becoming more aware of the need for
quality control, and the responsibility they have in assuring
the consumer that they are taking the necessary steps to provide
the level of quality and safety that parents require.
Finally, as a caregiver or parent, please remember that all toys
are potentially hazardous, depending upon how they are used by
the child. Make sure to read the packaging and instructions.
Production companies package products for children with age
guidelines posted clearly on the label. These age specifications
are provided for safety reasons and should be followed when
buying toys and products for children. Toys with small parts
should not be given to children under 3 (or any child who
habitually puts objects in his or her mouth) to avoid a possible
choking situation. Read any instructions or warnings that are
included with the product to ensure proper use and care. Anyone
who will be using the product should be made aware of the
appropriate way to use it.
Children need adequate supervision to make sure they use toys
and products appropriately. And, for those toys that are just
too tempting to be used the way they are intended? Store them
for a rainy day - next year.
About the author:
Judy Griscom is a preschool teacher and mother of two boys. She
recommends that parents review WonderBrains'
safety guide to find out more about toy quality and safety.
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