Holiday shopping is here with stores and online retailers advertising for the holiday season earlier than ever before! When you give a gift, especially to a child, you want it to be fun, but you also want it to be safe. To help you know what to look for, I have included some toy safety information that will help you make it through the Holiday with the best and safest gifts in tow.

 

Q:  What are the safest toys for my child?

 

A: We all want what’s best for our little ones.  It would seem that toys would be one thing we shouldn’t have to worry about, but, unfortunately, some toys just aren’t safe – as we’ve seen from the recent recall of certain toys made in China. For babies it’s particularly important to look at what the toys are made out of since they tend to put everything in their mouths.  There are several things to think about when selecting toys for your children or when you’re out shopping this holiday season.

 

 

First, pay attention to the recalls and avoid toys that are on these lists.  You don’t want your children exposed to lead.  Lead is known to be highly toxic, especially to children.  It has been labeled as carcinogenic and is known to cause damage to the reproductive and neurological systems.  It has also been linked to problems with learning, developmental, hearing and hyperactivity.  Our children’s bodies are not able to remove lead easily, and it binds to calcium and is stored in our bones. When selecting imported toys, ensure that they are lead-free.  It is often safer to select toys made in Europe and the US.

 

 

Another thing to look at is the type of plastic used to make the toys.  Many plastic and vinyl toys contain phthalates, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and Bisphenol-A (BPA).  These chemicals can be broken down and ingested through teething and with general wear and tear.  PVC and other types of plastic manufacturing produce dioxins and can have hormone-disrupting effects in the body.  There are PVC and phthalate free plastics, and, so far, these alternative plastics appear to be a safer choice.

 

 

Wooden toys are a nice alternative to plastic.  Preferably, the toys should be made of solid wood rather than pressed woods, such as plywood and particleboard which contain harmful glues. While, solid wood toys are my top choice, you want to be sure the wood toys are made with non-toxic paints and finishes.  I also like to encourage people to choose sustainably-harvested materials when possible since these are a more eco-conscious choice over fossil fuel-based plastics.

 

 

Fabric toys such as stuffed animals, puppets and dolls encourage imaginative play in children, and babies like to explore the textures and shapes with their mouths. But try to avoid toys with stain- and insect-proofed chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other serious health problems.  Since cotton is a heavily sprayed crop, certified organic and/or untreated cotton and wool, colored with non-toxic color-fast dyes, are a greener, healthier alternative.

 

 

Books are an excellent option for any aged child.  For a greener option, select books that teach your child about sustainability, nature, health, and nutrition.  Card games and board games can be fun for the whole family, but look for ones that do not contain harmful plastics. And there’s always the option of making your own toys!

 

 

Whether you have a teething baby or an older child, there are many colorful, well-made toys made from natural materials that are a safe choice for your child.

 

 

To search for product safety issues and toy recalls, go to: SaferProducts.gov