Monday, January 25, 2010

By Roger Simmermaker

Just when we thought the turmoil over unsafe toys from China was over and children could play safely with any toy imported from anywhere, we learn that Chinese producers have replaced lead with hazardous levels of cadmium.

Cadmium, like lead, can hinder or suppress brain development for young children. And according to recent research as reported by the Associated Press, cadmium also causes cancer.

An investigation by the AP erupted into controversy last week when 12 out of 103 pieces of Chinese-made children's jewelry contained cadmium levels of at least 10 percent, while other pieces had cadmium levels in the range of 80-90 percent.

Thankfully we don't have to worry about health and quality issues like these with American-made toy websites like www.All-AmericanToys.com, where you'll find a great selection of toys that are of the non Chinese-made variety. All of the toys on the www.All-AmericanToys.com site are made, like the name suggests, in USA.

At All-American Toys, you'll find a variety of quality, solid, reliable, durable, child-safe, American-made kids learning toys. You can find things like ride-on toys, dolls, doll houses, stuffed animals, ABC blocks, building blocks and sets, educational toys and games, wooden trains, wooden vehicles, children's kitchen play sets, collectible toys, just for fun toys, children's furniture and decor, puzzles, and much more.

The company also encourages you to let them know if you have any questions about their kitchen play sets or any of their educational games or toys. That's because they not only strive for safe and quality fun for your child or children, but they actually care about customer service as well. After all, the folks at www.All-AmericanToys.com are not only small business owners, but they're also parents and consumers, too.

Part of the problem in the Chinese supply chain is that buyers and importers of Chinese toys approach China out of naiveté, negligence, or outright greed, and tend to treat China like a huge discount shopping outlet. According to Rick Goodwin, an American businessman who has worked inside China for 20 years, the country has more than its share of unscrupulous factories.

Fortunately, with patriotic websites like www.All-AmericanToys.com, consumers don't need to worry about being highly selective about which Chinese factory is making toy jewelry and other products imported to America's shores.

Goodwin, chairman of Concept Holdings that operates in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, says American importers of Chinese jewelry should only make purchases from factories that use XRF sensors – a handheld gun that has the ability to check for unsafe levels of toxic metals like cadmium. But of course not all factories can afford to buy this safety screening product. And if they can't, we shouldn't be importing their stuff!

At All-American Toys, concerned (and even innocent and unaware) American consumers don't have to worry about where their toys are made. They don't even have to worry about a toy claiming to be made in USA, but with Chinese components because no foreign parts are used in any of the toys sold by All-American Toys. Consumers also don't have to worry if their toys are made with paint comprised of lead, cadmium, or any other potentially toxic metal that could be dangerous to their child or children.

Who would have thought you could buy an American-made teddy bear for less than $20? I didn't. Or how about a classic set of checkers (under $20 as well), an educational toy like the Children's Farm Clock ($20.00), A set of simple ABC blocks for $20.00, or children's wooden trains for even less than that?

Of course there are plenty of items costing more that $20.00, but the point is that buying American-made quality and safety doesn't have to be expensive. If you do choose a toy that costs a little more, then look at it not only as an investment in America, but of course a safe and worry-free investment in your child.

The owners at All-American Toys have done exhaustive research to ensure that any toy you purchase from their website is 100 percent made in America from start to finish. You may have started your search with the safety of your child in mind, but the good part is that you can finish with the sense of satisfaction that at All-American Toys, your toys are all American made all of the time.

Buy Quality Toys

Buy Quality Toys

Safer for Your Children

 

Buying safe quality toys for children is always a concern for parents, but increasing numbers of toy recalls have made safety an even greater concern. Parents do not want to spend a small fortune for toys, but they do want quality toys that will stay in one piece during play, and they do not want toys to pose a danger to the child. Fortunately, there are alternatives to most retailer offerings that can help parents meet all of those goals.

 

One of the easiest places to find safe, quality toys for children is through online retailers. Online retailers are often more able to offer unique, quality toys than retailers who are subjected to the limitations of corporate purchasing. At  All-AmericanToys.com , for example, there is a wide selection of toys for all ages, including educational toys and puzzles, which are tested not only by the manufacturer, but also by the merchant, in order to ensure quality and safety. Such retailers are also able to offer a variety of toys that have been designed, and tested, to be safe for children.

 

Among the quality toys that parents can look for are handmade wooden toys and wooden puzzles. Wooden toys and puzzles are painted with water-based child-safe enamel, although some may be purchased with an organic natural finish. The enamel used meets all government standards as a lead-free paint, and is perfectly safe for use by children. In addition, the toys are more durable, and generally have few to no small parts, helping to eliminate choking hazards.

 

Of course, wooden toys are not the only options for parents. Because babies tend to chew on everything, quality baby toys must pass government standards regarding the possibility of transmitting any toxic elements to the baby. Hand puppets and marionettes must meet the requirements of flammability and heavy metals testing. Most board games are required to pass certain standards regarding the safety of the ink, paper, and game pieces.

 

Finding safe, quality toys may not always be easy for parents, but there are specific things they can look for in toys. Typically, toys that are made in the USA are less likely to be subject to product recalls. The US government has imposed strict regulations regarding flammability, presence of lead or heavy metals, and general safety of toys. Any toys that fail to meet government standards may not legally be sold or purchased.

 

Parents should also look for toys from reputable manufacturers. Individual toymakers, craftspeople and artisans are also good option as the manufacturer of safe and quality toys for children. An individual typically does not make a toy simply to make money. Instead, the toys are expressions of their creativity, and they are made with a genuine love for the toy and the child in mind. Toys made by individuals will rarely contain parts or chemicals that are harmful to children.

 

There are options for parents who want to buy safe toys for their children, and who also desire a quality toy. Knowing where to look, as well as knowing what to look for, can help parents find safe, quality toys. While those toys may not be on the shelf of the local mass retailer, they are well worth spending the time to find.

 

Before you choose the best quality toys for your child, there are various factors that you have to consider. Below are eight general factors that will aid you in picking the best quality toys for your loved one.

1. Age

Every age comes with a right toy. When yours is a toddler (12 to 36 months of age), you will have a choice of the usual kinds - stuffed toys, puzzles, balls, blocks, and toys with audio/enhanced visual features. If your child is older, there are more toys at range - electronic gadgets, coloring books, and more challenging puzzles. In general, toys have an age indicator on its packaging.

2. Level of Thinking

Although toddlers are usually at a common thought of level, we cannot say that there will be children with a more advanced level of thinking. You must compliment your child's level of thinking with the toys of choice. This way, his physical, emotional, and mental skills will be honed and integrated with the quality toys.

3. Safety

Every parent is always after the safety of his/her child. Usually, toys come with a warning, as to the packaging it comes in. Any child likes to put things in his/her mouth, so make sure you keep hazardous objects such as plastic away from your child.

4. Gender

It is common for us to not give our sons dolls and our daughters toy guns. Toys usually have a gender indicator. One wants to give his/her child the proper concept of sexual category to avoid gender confusion in the future.

5. Price

If we can get a certain toy at a cheaper price, but with the same function with one that is more expensive, we will usually purchase the former. Do not invest in very expensive toys, especially if your child's stage is at a rapid state of change - there is a possibility he will lose interest in the toys in very little time.

6. Quality

Although we want to opt for a lower-priced toy, what about the quality? You must be able to weigh the two. We are used to the notion that quality comes with a price, and that is right. Our responsibility, as always, is to be practical.

7. Accessibility

Get the toys with ease. If the toys come with a warranty, and you acquired them from another country or state, you will have a problem. Try to keep the toys at a reachable level.

8. Nature of Toy

When you purchase a quality toy, are you confident that it will indeed suit your child - that it is quality in a non-violent way? If your child insists on playing with something didactic but has negative effects on your child's intellectual and emotional behavior, you must stick to your judgment and try to look for alternatives - toys that will provide your child with education at a positively safe level.

 

Once you have thought these factors through, you will be able to choose the right quality toys for your child. It is imperative that you listen to what your child needs, weighing that with his wants, but never forgetting to add in, as a caring and responsible parent, on what you think is best.

 

Protect Your Kids---Safe Toys

Protect Your Kids-Safe Toys

Ages 1 to 2

This stage is an important time for developing independence and important social skills that will never be lost. Between the ages of 1 and 2 it is surprising how rapidly a child develops from a tentative toddler saying only 1 or 2 words, to a confident child able to easily run and speak around 50 individual words.

From the age of 1, infants begin taking an interest in the effects of their manipulation, and it is very fun to sit back and watch children at this age. They particularly enjoy throwing toys and building things, so building blocks are fantastic toys at this age for encouraging hand and eye coordination, as well as a sense of balance.

From around 18 months, infants are able to walk very well and can run to an extent. When objects are in the way - running can prove difficult. However, with their newfound freedom, children love to explore and try everything out, without a sense of danger, so toys that encourage active play at this age are well received. Balls, Sit n' Rides , Activity Stations, toys that speak or make noises and toys of characters they see on TV are advantageous additions to a toy box at this age - they will encourage children to play actively, and it will also help them sleep well at bed time (an added bonus!).

Language progression is also crucial at this age. Children will begin responding when spoken to and chattering away when playing. This makes it important for adults to talk to children in conversations, read stories and sing nursery rhymes whenever possible.

Ages 2 Years +

As a child turns two years old their abilities in counting and speaking becomes clearer, and bodily strength in running and climbing becomes more refined.
At the turn of two years old, toys that have movement and sound and allow the child to throw and drop are ideal, as they will help to refine their physical strengths. Toys that allow the children to push themselves along, such as sit 'n' ride toys that allow children to steer are very desirable.

As they approach 3 years old, outdoor toys such as climbing frames and garden swings are great. Children at this age have good spatial awareness, and refined bodily strength. They can move large toys easily, kick balls forcefully and they also have the ability to use pedals on a bike.

An infant's imagination will develop greatly at this age as well, which is why dressing up and a fascination with make believe is noticeable. Doll sets, action figures, train sets and such toys are favorable at this age and help children express themselves and explore their independence. Children will also start to play with others and learn social skills through play. Cooperation and taking turns are examples of skills that will become extremely important both at a young age and throughout life.

Showing off new skills to family is also a very common trait for children around 3 years and upwards. Toys that mimic adult tasks, such as vacuum cleaners, cookers, shop tills and lawn mowers are especially good for engaging with a child.

The toddler age group encompasses those children at the age ranging from two to five. This is the period wherein child being to grow physically and mentally. This is also the period which is said to be hard for the parents. Why is this so? It is because the children at this stage are at the peak of their curiosity. They are very inquisitive on almost anything. They are also full of energy and vigor that sometimes parents find it difficult to keep pace with them.

Because of this, it becomes even more challenging to find the right gift for your child. A great gift for child is something that helps stimulate their liveliness and interest in a very creative way.

However, with the toy scares that are happening these days, it becomes even tougher to choose toys for your children. Many toy makers recall their toys in the market when they are found to be hazardous to children. For this reason parents are faced with a taxing challenge on what toddler toy to buy. How to do it?

First and foremost, you need to check the quality of the material from which the toy is made. Is it made from cotton or wood? It is best if you opt for toys that are made from natural materials. Toys of this sort are proven to be safe for child since they do not contain harmful chemicals like lead. With natural toys, you can be sure that your toddlers are out of harms way.

If you are going to shop for a toy for toddlers, you must keep in mind to opt for the toy that is safe and child friendly. Among the safest toys that you can give as a present are wooden toys. Toys that are made from wood are guaranteed safe for babies as well as toddlers. There are many kinds of wooden toys to choose from. These usually include wooden trains, play kitchens and others.

On the other hand, you may also choose soft toys as gifts for your little ones. What are soft toys? Soft toys are those toys that are manufactured from all natural soft materials such as linen and cotton. As a matter of fact, the most popular soft toys for babies are those which are made from organic cotton. These include soft chew toys like teddy bear and puppets.

Toys play an essential role in a child's development, so it's important that you make sure they are not only educational but also that they pose no threat. However, don't go overboard with this. It's ok to be concerned and careful, but don't get into the over protective mode! Or, at least don't appear to be so.

So here are ten tips to help you chose safe toys for your child:

1. Consider your child's age. This is obvious, and it will determine the range of toys you need to look for. If you're out of ideas, most toy stores have their shelves organized on age groups so you can easily get huge list of appropriate gifts for your child.

2. Read the labels. These provide lots of useful information like instruction of how to play with the toy, how to assemble it, the age groups it is recommended for, whether adult supervision is required or not and so on. Be flexible with the age groups. If your child is 3 and the toy is labeled for child of age 4, it's still a good idea to choose that toy, given you're supervising the play.

3. Check for the sturdiness of the toy. If there are small parts that are very likely to come off after a light drop, it's a good idea to look for something else. Think of the wheels of toy cars, eyes from teddy bears and so on.

4. Are they easy to clean? It's a good practice to clean the toys at least once a month to avoid any germs that may spread this way. For stuffed toys, they should be easily washable because they tend to gather lots of dust. Bath toys should also be washed pretty often because they tend to be covered in soap and leftovers from the bath. Given the pleasure young children get from chewing toys, it's a good idea to have them clean all the time.

5. Chose toys that have large parts for younger children. Toddlers and babies like to chew things. Having a great selection of teething toys is great, but most often, they just grab any of the toys they have and have their way with it. Get toys with no detachable small parts and watch for any potential flaws in the toys when they are playing.

6. Avoid toys that make sharp noises. Young children are more sensitive to powerful noises and it is possible to damage hearing. It may also be a powerful shock that will psychologically traumatize them and make them scared of everything.

7. Avoid toys that shoot things in the air, like arrows or small balls. Toy guns are a definite no!

8. Still in the same category, toys with sharp edges should never be found in your child's toy collection. They sometimes throw toys and if there's another child close, they might get injured.

9. Be careful with crib toys. If there are any cords attached to the toys, remove them. Never tie a toy to the crib because there's a very high risk of strangulation. Just leave the toys with the child and they'll play with them if they want.

10. Store toys in a safe toy chest that does not automatically lock when closed. It should be pretty difficult for the child to climb in, but they should always be able get out of it easily.

And there are much more safety tips you can consider, but as previously mentioned, don't get overboard with it. Focus on making play a fun and educational experience for your child and you'll have a happy child

Fun Educational Toys

Fun Educational Toys

American Made Toys

American Made Toys