10 Tips on How to Buy Safe Toys
With so many toys recalled this year, I'm already quite skeptical in buying my kids new toys. Choking hazards, excessing amounts of lead, "date-rape" drug effect are just some of the reasons why we parents should be vigilant and cautious when buying (not just toys) for our kids.
Here are 10 tips from Gifts.com on How to Buy Safe Toys.
1. Adhere to age guidelines indicated on the packaging.
2. Do the toilet paper tube test, "anything that can pass through the tube is too small to be given to a child under 3."
3. Check if a part can be bitten off or swallowed.
4. Avoid toys that have a string, ribbon or chord longer than 6 inches.
5. Make sure that the toy has a nontoxic, durable finish.
6. Avoid toys with sharp points, edges, or breakable parts.
7. For ride-on toys, make sure that it is sturdy and stable. Also, make sure that your child has the proper safety equipment to use it.
8. Toys with a decibel level higher than 100 can be harmful to the child's hearing.
9. Avoid toys that have shooting and throwing projectiles, it can cause injuries.
10. Check the Consumer Products Safety Commission for announcement on recalled toys.
November 17th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I have one other tip to add – stay vigilent all year round. Toy recalls are not limited to the holidays.
I found a great site where you can do just that http://www.RecalledToyAlert.com. You can also register to get the recall alerts e-mailed directly to you as they are announced.
I ran my entire toy list through their search so now I know all the toys on my shopping list are safe – although, I do have an Aqua Dots Studio that is sitting in my car trunk waiting to be returned to Target.
I also noticed on the site that they have a Facebook app for all the Facebook users out there.
Hope everyone finds it helpful!
November 18th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Great post! It is just so scary to even allow your children to have toys in this day and age. I also agree with Cathy, it’s important to make sure all of your children’s toys are safe to play with, not just the ones bought during the holiday season. It’s just so unfortunate that they have to grow up in a world where even toys could hurt or kill them!
November 28th, 2007 at 9:42 pm
Really nice post, I buy only safest toys for my kids so prefer to shop them on ToysRUs(http://www.couponalbum.com/coupons/toysrus.htm) and DisneyShopping(http://www.couponalbum.com/coupons/disney-shopping.htm) stores at couponalbum.com(http://www.couponalbum.com)..
December 20th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
when it comes down to bargains and deal i love mommysavesbig.com
you can view their online coupons here .
http://coupon-codes-online.blogspot.com/
they also list free stuff
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March 26th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Not only are the small pieces dangerous but now we have to look out for lead paint on many toys coming in from China.
I also like to find deals and coupons at http://www.couponfetcher.com they have a very entertaining blog as well.
January 6th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I am a little unsure about how dangerous toys and date rape drug effects are related in your article. It is slightly confusing.
September 10th, 2009 at 12:01 am
It is very important to choose the best toys for your kids, I preferably choose from toyrus.com by using coupons at http://www.coupons2grab.com/toys_r_us-discount-coupons
November 22nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Good recommendations. you have to use reputable toy stores to find safe toys. I am allways using http://www.thebesttoysonline.com/ or http://www.kids-toys-online.com/toy store sites to buy toys and games online.
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:09 pm
Good to the point information!
We shop at O.P. Taylors Toy Store: http://www.optaylors.com, they are very aware of child safety.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:28 am
Interesting points but probably it is better to indicate importance (priorities) of these tips.
February 2nd, 2010 at 1:29 am
Normally, I use this site to buy safe and the best toys online for my kids: http://www.thebesttoysonline.com
September 9th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
This is a great post. As a mother of two, I love shopping at Toysrus and kazoo toys. http://www.5starshoppingmall.com/Toys-games