How Do I Know My Kids Toys Are Safe?
You remember just like it was yesterday finding out that you were pregnant. Then you waited nine complete months for your little angel's arrival in this world. During that time, you dreamed, you planned, you decorated, you nested and you got ready for your little bundle of joy. Your baby has started to grow into a wonderful little person, and you are looking for safe and fun toys you can by him to stimulate her enthusiasm for learning, but you also want to make sure that what you get him is safe as well as inspiring. Then you hear people talking about unsafe pinted toys imported from China. Just how is it that toys from China are considered unsafe?
US Inspectors Missed Toys Found to be Unsafe
So how are US Inspectors missing toys found to be unsafe? Inspections are done daily as they come into port from various locations, but unfortunately there isn't enough man power to inspect everything that enters the country. Chances are that there are going to be a few items that get in that would not meet our criteria or pass inspection. Lead paint is not the only problem regarding unsafe toys. Toxic plastics and small removable parts that can be choked on are other real dangers.
It is clear that with our current economy, a lot of vendors, manufacturers and distributors will most likely cut corners. Keep in mind that nobody wants children to get sick or anybody to get hurt, but businesses are just trying to survive. Again, the odds are played, and they hope the statistics of harmful incidences are low.
What We Can Do as Parents to Help Keep Our Kids Safe
It is easier to avoid unsafe painted toys from China if you do a little reasearch. The reason why some painted toys from China are considered unsafe is because the paint used was lead-based. So how can we know if kids toys are safe? One option is to avoid painted toys. Natural or organic type toys are the best and safest alternative. There are several places you can shop on the Internet for this type of toy. If you do buy a painted toy, avoid the color red. Red painted toys were found to have the highest amount of lead.
The first thing we can do as parents to help keep our kids safe is to really evaluate a toy before we purchase it. Find out where it was manufactured. The safest manufacturer to buy childrens toys from is the United States. We have tougher regulations, and our manufacturers are forced to follow the guidelines or be shut down. Buyomg items produced domestically is the first step towards protecting kids from unsafe toys. Then, check to see if it is painted and if so, what kind of paint was used. Also check for small parts that could break off and harm children.
Before we know it, the holidays will be rolling around again, and it will be time to shop for our little ones. Some of you may already be shopping. A medical professional recently said this, "Sickness and accidents do not take a holiday." The last thing we all need is for our children to become a casualty during the holidays and certainly not because of a well-meaning toy we bought them. Take your time and examine holiday toys. If in doubt, walk away. Listen to your instincts. They are a mother's natural warning system.
