Is China Toy Scare Warranted?

Try telling a panic stricken parent that theyre overreacting when it comes to their childs safety. Its not the response Toys to Treasure owner Kathy Beaman gives concerned callers when they ring her Evansville store. What she tries to do is calm their nerves about the massive recall of Mattel toys due to magnate and lead issues. Beaman doesnt sell any of the recalled products in her boutique toy shop. But the majority of toys she does sell are made in China. It is an inescapable fact of the business these days: an estimated 80-90% of the toys sold in the U.S. come from China. But the thought of trashing all of your childs toys over this latest recall seems a bit much to Beaman. "Some people are just scared, and when youre scared, sometimes you overreact," says the 20 year toy seller. So how nervous should a parent be? The latest round of recalls includes millions of toys. Kathy Beaman says the watchful parent should be able to determine what is, and what isnt a risk. "Check your toys for small parts," advises Beaman. Choking hazards are almost always labeled on toys. Parents should pay close attention to the age range the toy is recommended for, and that will go a long way towards cutting down on the danger. Looking for paint that might flake is also a good way to assess the risk. And if that doesnt set your mind at ease, she recommends shopping for toy brands made by smaller companies. They historically have a closer eye on quality control. One of Toys to Treasures suppliers actually put its CEO in charge of quality control. "You cant be 100% on anything," says Beaman. But a careful approach to toy buying can bring you piece of mind. Perhaps the best way to ensure safety, says Beaman, is to teach your kids not to put things in their mouths.