by Eva Smart

Created on: November 18, 2007

STAYING INFORMED ABOUT TOY RECALLS & SAFETY ALERTS

Toy safety information is critical for parents. While our product safety laws and pre-sale testing is supposed to ensure safe materials and construction, recent massive recalls have shown us that those protocols are not enough. Parents are lobbying their legislators to toughen import and testing laws, but until that happens existing products may be recalled as accidents happen or information about lead quantities in certain products emerge. There are a few key ways that parents can stay informed about recalls and alerts.

OUR WATCHDOG-THE U.S. PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION

The website of this organization is a fantastic warehouse of previous recalls of all products and recall information. You can search by item or by topic (such as children's toys). Best of all, if you are interested in learning about recalls immediately, you can receive bulletins by RSS feed (if you have a feed reader account) or by e-mail. Visit them at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html and explore the vast amount of information available to consumers.

SEND IN REGISTRATION CARDS

When you purchase a toy you have the right to be notified should safety issues be identified.
Send in the registration card that comes with your toys. I found that I had some sitting around that I had never bothered to send in. I never used to worry about filling those out, but now I am dedicated to it. Sending in product registration cards is the way your information is in a database so that you are sent information if a recall emerges. Be very wary of toys that do not come with a registration card.

PRO-ACTIVELY SEEK INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURERS

You don't have to wait to be notified. Keep a personal file of the toys in your home. Save boxes (I have a large plastic tote in my garage for flattened boxes) or at least save the UPC code and product identification number so that you can search for recall information. Brand-name manufactures (Mattel or Hasbro, for example)have websites that have "News" or "Recall" information. ToysRUs (www.toysrus.com) also has a thorough list of recalls. Check your name-brand items against these lists periodically to find out if any recalls or alerts have been listed. These sites will also tell you how the manufacturer is handling the recall-whether you can return the toy to a store, or mail it to them for a refund, a voucher or a safe replacement.

EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS

Is your child in child care or does she spend time at other homes?

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>