Smart shopping for holiday toys

With 23 million toys recalled this year, how do parents know what is safe and what is not? Some of the toys under question can still be found on store shelves. Nancy Cowles, Executive Director of Kids In Danger, has some toy shopping tips.

TOY SHOPPING TIPS:

Check for recalls at cpsc.gov: we are expecting recalls of children's products up to and beyond the holidays. Sign up for the email alerts there.
Pay attention to age guidelines and product warnings: keep small parts away from children under three - if it fits in a toilet paper tube, it is too small.
Be vigilant with magnetic toys. Don't allow children under six to play with toys with small magnets and seek medical attention if a child swallows or inhales a magnetic part. This applies to magnetic jewelry as well.
Don't buy metal jewelry for children. Much of it contains lead. You can test your toys and other products at home with a lead test kit. Have all children under age six tested yearly for lead.
If you have a problem with a product, report it to the CPSC and the manufacturer. You may save another child from an injury.

For more information:

KidsInDanger.org

toysafety.net

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for your family, judy hsu

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