Parents Take Extra Caution with China Made Toys This Holiday Season

Today I found myself wandering around Big Lots. As I walked in, there was a sign talking about how concerned Big Lots is for Children's safety, and that all toys involved in any recall are immediatly taken from the shelves.

As I walked around, my mind was flipping through typical topics ranging from Christmas gifts, to decor, to baby items, to new underware for the kids, etc. One thing I've been wanting to do is get my neice Alex for a weekend, so I can spend some time with her. I was looking over baby items thinking about picking up a small toy or two for her when she comes.

The sign up front was recalled to mind, and with all the rash of China based recalls, and lead paint, I was curious. As I wandered down the baby toy aisle, I started randomly checking toys.

Out of 15 different children AND infant toys I checked, only 1 was made somewhere other than China, and that was in Thailand. I was shocked- this included toys like Playskool, Fisher Price, Barbie, Polly Pocket, some no-name toys, and even Leap Pad items.

I couldn't believe how many toys were made in China. I decided not to get a toy just yet for her. While I can see that the toys recalled are only a fraction of the toys produced, it makes me wonder how bad other toys might be- especially older toys from China. Most of the recalls cover toys produced over the past 2-3 years.

What about Chinese toys from 5 years ago? Or 10? If they use lead NOW, then it's highly likely it was used THEN as well. With more and more items being imported into the United States, it's harder and harder to ensure quality.

The manufacterures just want them cheap, so they can turn a quick profit. They in turn hand over the actual production to the people who will do it the cheapest way.

I don't want to flat out say that I believe that the toy companies KNEW about the lead paint, but I have to believe they turned their backs to the possibility that it might have happened. After all, if 1 company bids in at a much lower rate for supposedly the same product, doesn't it make you wonder where they are cutting corners at?