We all know kids love toys. And for a good reason, not only can toys provide hours of glee. As posted in https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/choosing_developmentally_appropriate_toys, the best playthings can also boost your baby’s cognitive and physical development. However, some toys are safer than others, so it is essential to know some toy-buying basics because health and safety are what we prioritize first. In this article, we share some tips on what to avoid when choosing toys so you can be sure you’re buying healthy playthings for your kids.

Lead Content

It’s hard to imagine how many toys may contain lead, and even harder to understand how much lead may be hiding beneath the surface. Some recalled toys have twice the approved lead limit, and lead poisoning is acute. It can cause kidney damage, learning and growth disorders, and more. But the good news is most toy stores have eliminated potentially toxic toys with lead, and Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which significantly reduces lead and other harmful chemicals in children’s toys.

Plastic Toys From China

Toys made in China were criticized a few years ago for high lead paint levels, and more than nine million pieces were recalled. Considering that China’s quality control is not as stringent as in the United States, stay away from Chinese toys. To ease your mind, many toy stores have lists of “Toys Not Made in China” that you can check out before you buy. Or check the recall list online before you toss a toy in your (virtual) cart.

PVC-Made

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is a widely used plastic that often contains harmful chemicals, including known carcinogens as vinyl chloride, dioxin, and phthalates linked to asthma, allergies, and reproductive problems. And PVC can be pretty standard in toys. One way to tell: PVC-free playthings are usually labeled, so if the toy is not sporting a “PVC-free” label or it has a #3 or the letters “PVC” on the bottom, stay away (a #1, #2, or #4 is slight, though).…

Read More »