Dangerous Toys Still on the Shelves?

Last year I religiously covered the holiday shopping season because I was extremely worried about what toys were really out there. This year it seems as if all the hoopla is over. Natural Toys have become mainstream, companies have been testing, and parents are more cautious.

But, are those unsafe toys off the shelves? According to Kate Barrett with ABC News, it’s possible that those toys are still out there. Although “huge changes have altered toy safety laws” it does not mean every toy is off the shelf.

A new bill signed in August will take effect in February. So, to avoid products this holiday parents do need to stay vigilant.

“While larger retailers in particular have increased their testing of toys and put pressure on manufacturers for early compliance, there still could be trouble in toyland this year,” the survey said. “Our researchers continue to examine both discount stores and larger stores for noncompliance. We readily found toxic toys on store shelves.”

Safety Tips for Safe Toys from U.S. PIRG

• Buy children safety accessories.
• Stay informed on recalls at www.recalls.gov
• Avoid choking hazards by reading the age limits on toys.
• Read and heed warning labels.
• Never give young children small balls or balloons.
• Do not buy magnetic toys for kids younger than 6 and avoid toys with small parts for children younger than 3.
• Do not buy heavy metal jewelry (Lead)
• Do not buy toys made with PVC plastic.
• Opt for toys made of unpainted wood or cloth toys (without small parts).