WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Shopping tips for buying safe, age-appropriate toys

Shopping tips for buying safe, age-appropriate toys

By Julie Straw - bio | email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - While you shop for toys to stick under the Christmas tree, child safety advocates suggest following this set of rules.  First, read the label.  Check the age recommendation manufacturers put on the bright colored packaging.

"Even though it may be something they think that a child might like, there is some reason that the manufacturer feels that that toy needs to be in the hands of an older child," said Michael Hughes, Executive Director of Safe Kids Mississippi.

Small parts that can be easily ingested by little children.  Tiny button batteries often found in electronics are particularly dangerous. 

Hughes said, "You got a two fold problem in that there is a blockage of the gastro intestinal tract.  They will also discharge their electrical current into the tissue causing an electrical burn."

Last year shoppers were on edge from news that a number of imported toys had lead paint.  Consumers Union announces parents should still be cautious.  According to their published Consumer Reports, product recalls jumped up 19 percent this year.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced 563 recalls involving 43 million products.  Two thirds of those products were for children.

In these tough economic times shoppers may head to discount stores, but CU warns that Dollar General, Dollar Tree Stores and Family Dollar generated 12 recalls collectively this year, accounting for almost 3 million products pulled off the shelves.  How can shoppers be sure their gifts are safe?

"If you buy from a reputable dealer, pay attention to the news, most of the time there are recalls that will tell you when a toy is potentially dangerous," said Hughes.

To check the latest recalled toys go to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website, www.cpsc.gov.