Total Recall

I have been working on this post for over two days now. I figured it was past time to do a round-up on all the toy recall news and resources for finding the recall news and safe toy alternatives for the holidays.

Needless to says, writing this was as fun as a barrel of monkeys. And the barrel was made in China, and the monkeys all had the zombie virus from 28 Days Later.

There's almost SO MUCH information out there right now about the recalls, it's hard to know where to start.

The latest recall (you may have heard) are the extremely popular and made-in-China Aqua Dots. More lead? Oh! Ha! No, we've moved past lead-based paint. Now our toys are testing positive for the DATE RAPE DRUG.

*sighs, glares at monitor, gets up to pace the house again*

So yeah. I've having a difficult time typing anything other than sputtering, incoherent rage.

Luckily, Kirsten is a mind reader and sent me a couple links that are worthy of sharing.

Consumers Union (the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports) is rounding up all the recalls in one easy place: Not in My Cart. Toys, furniture, electronics, you name it. I thought I was pretty up-to-date on all the toy recalls, but I was shocked to see some of the stuff listed here. Take a few minutes to scroll down -- they include pictures for most items so it's easy to spot anything you might own.

They're also teaming up with the Parent Bloggers Network for a "Get the Lead Out" Blog Blast tomorrow to help spread awareness of the recalls AND offer "safe shopping" alternatives.

So, this Friday, November 9, please tell us what you’re doing about the recalls — emptying your toy box and starting over? shopping online with small businesses and local retailers? boycotting toymakers with recalled toys? petitioning your local politicians? shopping like you usually do?

Click here for all the details if you'd like to participate.

And of course, check out Cool Mom Pick's Safer Toy Guide 2007. Kirsten is dreading a Christmas full of DVDs and plush toys from frightened grandparents, but it doesn't have to be that way.

I admit that even after all the recalls, I bought Noah some Thomas the Tank Engine sets. They are his pride and joy and without a doubt, his favorite toys in the world. Obviously none of his pieces have been recalled...YET, and it really was out of laziness that I went for the licensed character instead of taking the time to research other compatible wooden railway alternatives.  After looking at this page, I realize this is no time for laziness. This is time for action, because ENOUGH. IS. ENOUGH.

Comments

[Andy]

Thanks for the helpful links. I knew there were a lot of products but when I saw that list I had no idea it was that many.

I put up my post today since tomorrow is my birthday and blogging is not on my list of ways I'd like to enjoy my day. It's fun and all, but, yeah.

[jozet from Halushki]

I LOVE Holztiger wooden toys from Germany.

http://www.padilly.com/animaltoys.html

We have a collection, and they will see the hands of my grandchildren and beyond.

Also, as a bookseller, I can recommend books. Lots and lots of books.

Check out Barefoot Books

http://www.barefoot-books.com

And Chinaberry

http://www.chinaberry.com

Good stuff!

Speaking of the holiday, this would be a wonderful holiday gift for the kids: http://tablefivedesigns.com/index.php?cPath=9_78 I Think I might trade in my house for this one. I have never seen anything like it.

[Beth]

So I just looked at the list and found toys that we have! I have been lazy too and now I am freaking out. I will probably be checking every day...

[michelle]

The aquadots recall is horrible but I have to wonder how much sense people have. I saw an interview with a mother whose 20 month son was affected - which they discovered when he threw up the aqua dots (thankfully he is ok now)- considering these are tiny little things, why in the world was a 20 month old playing with them in the first place, and if they are intended for much older children why are they trying to eat them? Still awful and unacceptable and shouldn't be happening but you still have to wonder!

[jody]

a friend just sent me this site:
http://www.chinafreechristmas.info/
which details more stuff not made in china.

[The Mommy Blogger]

It is horrible how many recalls there have been this year...looks like books and dvd's this christmas!1

[liz]

How about lead in power chords, christmas lights,vynil lunchboxes? I already wash my hands a million times a day...

http://nontoxickids.blogspot.com/2007/11/how-bad-could-it-be-lead-in-electrical.html

http://www.cehca.org/TestYourChildsLunchBox.htm

[x-ray fluorescence]

Hey
Good stuff.I just looked at the list and found toys that we have! I have been lazy too and now I am freaking out.