Toy Safety — Be Informed
Being a parent of young children can be a bit frightening right now. Every time you turn around, there’s another toy recall. I seriously thought that we were well beyond the days of lead paint. It really sickens me that we have to worry about lead! I understand the recalls for small parts or things that fall off the toy easily. It’s definitely not a good thing, but it’s more understandable than lead paint.
If you’d like toy recall updates, sign up here. In addition, there’s a ton of information on the cpsc.gov site. If you’d like an easy to view list of toy recalls, go here.
Some basic tips for buying safe toys:
1. Check the recall lists BEFORE making purchases. It’s amazing some of the toys that get recalled.
2. Make sure the toy(s) you’re buying are age appropriate (there are reasons for this folks).
3. Skip the toys with really small pieces. You may think that your son or daughter would never ingest a toy, but I’ve seen small parts get stuck in kids noses and ears and that’s not fun for anyone.
4. Check all attached pieces to make sure they’re really secure (eyes, noses, accessories, etc).
5. Avoid toys with long strings and straps.
6. Assess the toy carefully and imagine the absolute unimaginable things that can happen with the toy and/or it’s parts. Kids are very creative and if there’s a one in a million chance that they can hurt themselves, they will figure out a way. It’s sad, but true.
7. If all else fails, by "green" toys!
Happy Searching/Safe Shopping,
Payton
Good quality kids toys I found at Disney Shopping.com(http://www.couponalbum.com/coupons/disney-shopping.htm) store……!
Intertek Provides Toy Safety Testing, Inspection and Evaluation
intertek.com/consumergoods
Children’s safety is the principal concern of every parent and the responsibility of the whole community. We should provide both a safe home and the safest possible environment for children everywhere. Juvenile products and toys in general should always be tested, inspected, and assessed by third party service providers to ensure there are no potential risks or hazards that could be overlooked by the naked eye.
As the leading international provider of quality and safety services to both global and local industries, Intertek works with clients to enhance the design, safety and quality of juvenile products and toys everywhere. Our unique testing services ensure product compliance in accordance with international standards including the US Code of Federal Regulations Title 16, ASTM F963, the Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials, European Standards EN 71 & EN 50088, European Directives, and more.