To Buy Or Not To Buy
With the many recent large toy recalls due to the use of lead paint I am wondering what you are planning to do this year for Christmas. Since Hailey is in the stage where she puts everything into her mouth I am very concerned about purchasing any China made toys.
The CPSC says that the best way to keep our kids safe is by checking for product recalls and safety news on their website. But I don't want to find out about a problem with a toy after Hailey has already been playing with it. I want to know that the toys on the shelves have already been tested and are safe.
For Hailey's birthday we looked for toys that were not made in China. It was IMPOSSIBLE to find anything. I searched the shelves and I only found one thing and it had been made in Mexico. I certainly didn't see anything made in the US.
So, I'm curious to know what you plan to do this year for Christmas for your children or grandchildren or nieces and nephews. Will you buy toys made in China? Let me know your opinions in the comments section and by voting on my poll (on the right-hand sidebar near the top).
If you have found places to buy US made toys, please let me know. If you haven't already- sign up to get email notification about the latest recalls from the CPSE by clicking here. You'll receive notices well before you hear about it on the news.
28 comments:
yeah...I was wondering what to do about this as well!!
I'm always a little skeptical of anything the media goes this nuts over. They're very much into fear-mongering. While lead-based paints are obviously not healthy, neither of my girls are in the stage where they put everything in their mouths anymore. I'm intending to buy whatever I think they'll love the most, whether it was made in China or not. I'm certainly hoping China will change their safety standards, though.
Luckily my children are all past the toy stages and the into the mouth stage. But I have been thinking about this in regards to my grandbaby (everything goes into her mouth!) maybe now is the time to return to homemade gift making??
I certainly will not buy her anything that isn't safe.
This is something that has also been a concern to me. I don't even want my Nathan to play with the happy meal toys. They all seem to be made in china, as well.
I was recently told of a toddler in my family that was being treated because of a high level of lead in his system. The pediatrician couldn't figure this out. This also came about before the massive toy recall.....I am almost convinced this was the problem.
So scary.......
My grandsons are older - 12 and 10 - so there is less danger, though I certainly wouldn't want them exposed to lead paint. We made them put Sarge from the Cars toys on their shelves so they wouldn't be handling it and putting their hands near their mouth.
I plan on buying the older boy Lego, as that is his favorite. I think the younger boy will get art supplies, as he always enjoys those. And books... lots of books.
Blessings,
Mary
I'm torn on this one as well. My kids don't typically put things into their mouths anymore (Malia is sometimes an exception still), but as you say, it's hard to find toys not made in China!!
I'm with Mary though -- (and Regina with her idea of homemade gifts, if you have the talent and the time!) with buying craft supplies, books, etc. And there are also clothes, which I know most kids don't really care too much about as gifts -- but for someone who is still so young like your daughter, she probably won't care too much what she gets yet anyway. At least that's how my girls were at that age...more excited with the wrapping paper and boxes than anything else! :)
Whatever YOU feel right about doing, go with that!!
Ahh! Christmas? I haven't even thought about what I will do yet....so I am a undecided. Sorry I am not more help!
Try Cool Mom Picks. They often have fun alternative type toys that aren't the mainstream.
Toys made in the USA!
http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/toysngames.html
After the Fisher price recall, if I remember it right that was July, I haven't bought my son any toy. It just freaked me out because few days before the press release was printed I bought a Fisher Price toy for my son (Sesame Doctor Set). I had wanted to buy him that so he would get used to seeing these gadgets (and used on him) on his pedia. Although the set I bought was not on the list, I totally got scared that I kept it from Matt (because that was the time he was biting and eating non-food stuff :D).
Since then, I haven't bought any toy because most toys are really made in China and I don't want to take any risk.
So this Christmas, I might just give books or clothing or anything but toys to my nieces and nephews and to Matt.
If you look at the recall -- it's because the Lead paint exceeds the standards of our government. Our standards are very high. A pediatrician on the news said today that unless they suck all the paint off the toy, he's not going to worry about it.
So -- I'm not going to worry about it. I've gotten really picky about what I buy in the first place because I just don't want stuff.
Your beautiful baby will have lots of options for toys that are not affected by the recalls. She's at the fun age where there are so many options.
Good luck!
I had not even thought about this!! Now I will!! I have great grand kids! So this is really something to think about!! Love and Hugs, Grams
I will not buy china made toys just in case and I was thinking perhaps just buy books for children. Also if we do buy, the parents might be worrying too.....
Isn't this all kinda silly? We've been buying Chinese toys for years and it's never hurt us before...
Wish I could help here but we are passed this stage.
What if all parents just stopped buying toys?! Wow, think of the impact that would have on the industry!
You have to come look at my site!!! It is dedicated to finding high quality, American made products. There are several great companies who make toys right here in the U.S.! I don't make any money off of the site - I just want to see more products made here, and thus more jobs stay here.
I also host a free giveaway every week - so come check it out!!
You've been tagged check it out at my blog
Hello, I am getting each a bike and them making a lot of toys ,clothing ect. I like to get science and art supplies too. I have hit a lot of clearance racks for discarded toys that will soon be replaced. Lego's are expensive but the type of building things like real tools for boys. And real things for girls Like a new apron or jewelery that is a kit or home made. New bedding sets are fun too.
Don't know what would be my option if there are no toys, that's how my daughter knows the wild animals.
No matter where it made of, I think we just be more cautious with our children.
I just wanted you to know that I just got a "little Tykes" catalog and all over their pages were things that said "Made in USA" and remembered your post. I thought I'd pass the word along.
Happy Christmas shopping!!
I'm not really sure what to do. My kids don't really put things in their mouths anymore. Although if its food like Maddie still plays and will put it near her lips. I guess I don't really have an answer myself. It is definetly something I would be even more worried about if I had one Haileys age.
Come on over I left you and award on my blog.
Hey There Melanie!
I have something for you, come on by my blog and check it out!
Hi, I have another award for you over at my blog!! You will have to scroll down a little bit to find it !! Love you, Grams
A little something for you on my Sunday post!
I see you are feeling sad...sorry to hear that. I hope everything is okay...let m eknow if I can help!
I know Oompa toys are supposed to be safe -they are made in Europe though.
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