What kind of toys are you buying with all these recalls?

I am just curious if I am being overly concerned or if anyone else is feeling the same way. I am not comfortable buying new toys lately with all these recalls going on. I keep wondering how many toys in my house might be tainted with too much lead and they just weren't tested.
I understand that the toy companies have their products made in other countries to save money, but it amazes me that they can use paint with any amount of lead. Our children, especially the young ones have these toys in their mouths all the time.
Their 2nd birthday is coming up next month and christmas is not too far after that. I know we want to get them some bigger play toys, like a kitchen, but as far as some other small toys I just don't know what's safe enough these days.
So I am really writing this to find out what everyone else is doing.
Looking forward to hearing your comments or suggestions

 

I bought a cool wooden push thing from a local store. It's not made in China. Bl**dy expensive too but I guess you get what you pay for. To make up for those $$ we get free balloons from Ralphs which they also LOVE. It's all very scary. Anyway, below is an interesting take on the whole thing:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6975.cfm

 

QUOTE(Lindyloo @ Sep 7 2007, 02:29 AM) [snapback]396471[/snapback]
I bought a cool wooden push thing from a local store. It's not made in China. Bl**dy expensive too but I guess you get what you pay for. To make up for those $$ we get free balloons from Ralphs which they also LOVE. It's all very scary. Anyway, below is an interesting take on the whole thing:

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_6975.cfm


As for this article, I have to say: Gimme a break. I'm all for minimizing chemical exposure (and yes, lead is indeed one of the most worrysome chemicals!), but a lot of the products listed here as "very dangerous" are ridiculous: sun screen, vaccines, medications. Is skin cancer healthy? Getting a disease that could leave you brain damaged (measles)? But I don't want to digress from the topic of this thread.

I am very concerned about lead exposure, and thought I only had to worry about drinking water (and thought that filtering our water would be enough). I didn't think toys containing lead would be allowed to be sold, but I've now been enlightened. And my thoughts are, the recalled toys are surely just the tip of the iceberg. Therefore, I'm tempted to throw out all Chinese toys, but frankly: What would be left?

Have any of you tried lead test swabs? About $13 plus shipping for 8 (!) However, some studies claim they aren't reliable. So what is a parent to do?!

As for me, I will not let my twins chew on any painted Chinese toys, will throw out damaged ones (including books), and will try to avoid such toys in the future, if possible. And any toy makers/importers who can rightfully claim that their product is "lead free" will get my business!

DeLana

P.S. I'm seriously considering having the kids tested for blood lead levels when they get their flu shots (yes, vaccines). Have any of you had your kids tested?

 

QUOTE
I'm seriously considering having the kids tested for blood lead levels when they get their flu shots (yes, vaccines). Have any of you had your kids tested?


I got my girls tested at their 15 month appt, I'm currently waiting for the test results. The nurse told me it would take 3 weeks before I would hear anything. I would definitely recommend for anyone to get a lead test done if they had any of the recalled toys.

 

I am glad I am not the only one who thought the article was a bit much. I must be the world's worst parent, according to that article. Not only for the simple things like hot dogs and sunscreen, but, OH MY GOD, Joel is on ADHD meds! Please send DCFS to my house I am such a horrible mother.

(sorry, I am just so tired of all the nasty anti ADHD meds stuff that I hear often. It is getting really exhausting)

The twins bday is coming and as others have noted, Christmas. I am just going to look at all the labels, if it was made in China, I will not buy it. (I know, good luck!)

 

I haven't bought a thing! I am trying to wait until the thing blows over and they get stricter on the toys. My kids could use a break from the influx of stuff!! ha ha! Thier closet it going to explode if we don't slow the toys down anyhoo! :laughing:

 

I will probably still buy the toys but watch more carefully at them for putting things in their mouths (Katrina still puts a lot in her mouth). As for lead tests we usually get them done by 9-12mths. I still need to get my son done (we went to one place but she couldn't get the needle in to get the blood) but I have to find another place to take him to do it.

I do think we should try to start making more toys here and not in China since we are having so many problems with them (other places too but they are the ones in the news more) since we do have the stronger regulations here.