Toy Safety Guide

(New York - WABC, September 27, 2007) (WABC) -- In the wake of several massive toy recalls over the summer and as we head into the holiday shopping sesaon, many parents are trying to figure out just what's safe to buy for their children.

Eyewitness News reporter Phil Lipof has your toy safety guide.

It might seem a little early to hear holiday music playing, but even though September isn't even over yet, retailers already have Christmas on their minds.

"I feel this may well wind up being the safest holiday season of all," Toy Industry Association President Carter Keithley said.

Those are pretty confident words from the president of the Toy Industry Association following the recall of millions of toys from China due to lead paint.

Keithley just testified before a senate subcommittee. He says parents need to keep the 14 recalls from 11 companies in perspective.

"My first piece of advice is don't not freak out," he said.

He says four million toys recalled, compared to the three billion sold, isn't that much. But he does admit it is still unacceptable.

And he's not alone.

"Cause many customers are concerned about toys in China", F.A.O. Schwarz CEO Ed Schmults said.

Schmults is also a father who had to take a recalled toy away from his young daughter.

"We tried to explain it to her, but she's ok now," he said. "It's difficult for a parent."

Toy safety is his mission. And on F.A.O.'s Web site, there is a new toy buying guide for customers. In the store, there are now signs that tell you where toys are made. Click here for F.A.O. Schwarz' Toy Buying Guide.

And then there is Recalls.gov, a site designed to give you all the info you need to keep your kids away from recalled toys.

They are all important steps forward, according to parents we spoke with.

"I will be much more conscientious about checking labels and seeing where it was made," parent Michelle Giffin said.

A more educated consumer, a more protective retailer and more stringent industry standards...all to keep the little ones safe.

Still, a recall is a recall. The question now is will it affect sales this holiday season. We won't know that answer for a couple of months.

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