Have you been thinking about the toys their children lately? Chances are, if you are a parent, it has been. The recall of many products made in China have dominated the news recently. We had problems with the tires, toothpaste, pet food, toys and more recent:. (Correction: While researching for this article, I came upon a withdrawal of children's pajamas.) There is considerable speculation about why and how this could have happened, and many of blame going around. However, it is the main concern of most parents. Most of us just want to keep our children safe. To far away from buying products made in China, and the entire development of the Pacific Rim is probably the safest route for the present time.

If you have recently been shopping, and looking at the labels, is likely to be concluded that articles of purchase made in the USA, toys, in particular there is no easy task. I just returned from a trip like a toy store where I found some toys manufactured in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Also I learned that you can not trust a brand name to make their selections. For example, old-fashioned crayons are made in the USA However, some other products distributed by the company are manufactured in China. Another example is LEGO. Legos are made in Denmark and some other European countries. But when I checked Duplo blocks, which are the larger blocks made for younger children, the packages indicated that some of them were made in China.

Reading the labels can be confusing. While looking for the words "made in" not be distracted by the words "distributed by". These are two completely different things. The words "Made in" are the words you're looking for. Another potentially confusing issue is the packaging. A set of blocks called Mega Bloks are made in Canada. The bag comes is made in China.

What can we do?

First, consider the obvious fact that most problems were caused by children who put toys or parts of toys in their mouths. Note that any toy that poses a choking hazard is more deadly than anything. This remains the reason Main recalled toys wherever they are. Be sure to follow the age guidelines printed on the package when choosing toys. I had parents I say they do not pay much attention to guidelines because his son is more advanced. That may be true intellectually, but the guidelines take into account the physical too.

A simple way to test whether or not a toy and toy parts can pose a choking hazard is to use an empty tube from a roll of toilet paper. If you put the piece on the tube, it is considered too small for children 3 years of age or younger. Inspect your child's toys often. Look for the loose parts, sharp edges and broken pieces. Do not buy toys with magnetic parts that account. Swallowing magnets can result in serious injury. Also, look for labels they say no PVC. This applies to toys, teethers, and other things that may end up in baby's mouth.

Share your knowledge.

I started a page on our web site featuring toys made in the USA / Canada / Europe. And the forum is a special section for our readers recommended toys and which to avoid. Please add your knowledge through a post. If you made any toy of your own, please share here.

Start shopping now.

If you are concerned about these issues, the best recommendation I can do is start shopping now. Even if you intend to order products online, I the sense that short-term supplies very soon. Here are some of the names of some sites that sell American made toys, dolls and puzzles:

Vermont Teddy Bear

Whittle Short Line

Shop for America

Commissary Toys

Turner Toys

Consider the alternative toy.

Making your own toys is a way that some people are considering. Some books on the subject are on the website. Or, maybe something completely different: a family vacation for example, or a party. The most important thing is that I think now to have time to prepare.

Consider the possibility of a modified approach.

Some people like to buy some toys, because they are favorites and do not consider that the problem is so bad. My recommendation is that if you decide to buy the toy (s), please do not buy anything your child can put in your mouth. And second, keep informed. Pay attention to the latest news bulletins on recalls.

Ali 2 sense … I know some of you have been reading that if corporations try out of China, or impose more stringent standards on manufacturers, the Chinese have threatened to "dump" U.S. bonds and cause some sort of financial mess here in the U.S. This response shows a flagrant disregard for the safety and welfare of our children. That is completely unacceptable. That may well be saying, "if do not buy our toys poisoned, you'll be sorry "-" What? "I do not think so. Just remember – you, the consumer, have the final word. Vote with your wallet.

Ali Rae is a writer and a teacher. She recently published her first book: How to Help Kids Learn to Read.

Her website How to Help Kids Read is dedicated to providing you with information about how to help your child. http://howtohelpkidsread.com

Pet Shop Boys – Did you see me coming?

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