For the past week, we parents have been inundated with emails, websites, blog posts, news programs, etc. regarding the massive toy recall from Mattel. Immediately upon hearing the news, I went to Mattel’s website to check the recall list. Nothing we have in our home matched the description of toys that were being recalled but at the same time, I felt I should be safe rather than sorry. We threw out a set of little Dora the Explorer figurines. I’d rather waste $5 dollars than have something bad happen to my baby. The more I hear about the recalls, the more I am concerned about the other toys we have in the house. Probably close to 90% of Hailey’s toys are Mattel and made in China. So what do we do? Do we pack them all up and toss them? How can we be 100% sure that her other toys that are made in Thailand or Ohio aren’t dangerous?

Remember when you wanted to become a parent and hold and nurture that tiny little baby? I do. That’s all I thought about. The baby books don’t tell you that you have to be aware of everything else, like toy recalls, what your child is consuming, the air they are breathing. That all just comes with the territory and it is our responsibility as parents to educate ourselves on everything related to raising our children. Not just what kind of potty training seat to use.

Here is my unsolicited advice for the next appendage to the “parenting books”:

1. Know your facts. If you’re going to post about something, make SURE you get the facts straight. Rumors spread like wild fire across the blogosphere and somewhere along the way, something is going to be misinterpreted.

2. Don’t panic! Panicking isn’t good for you or your children and family. It all goes back to doing your research.

3. Research is EASY. Just do a Google search on “toy recalls” or “recalls” or on the specific subject matter you are concerned about. Make sure you browse the list that is generated and be sure the information is from a trusted site. Remember, you can’t believe EVERYTHING you read on the Internet, so double-check.

Here is some information that I found from THIS news article:

How To Test For Lead Poisoning

Symptoms of lead poisoning range from headaches to a coma, and sometimes do not appear until weeks after exposure, NBC11′S Marianne Favro reported.

“Lead in some cases can cause developmental problems and in severe cases, can lead to coma and death,” said pediatrician Dr. Peter Contini. “If the paint is cracking and they’re putting it in the mouth and biting down, then the risk is higher and asking your doctor to do a simple lead screen is a good idea.”

A home test kit is available at most hardware stories for about $6. A swab is used on the toy in question, and if it remains yellow, there is no lead.

Offending toys turn the swab pink.

Parents can also send toys to a Bay Area lab for analysis for about $38.

iVillage has some lead exposure resources listed on their website that are worth checking out.

Here are some things that I’ve been reading about this week that I think you all should be aware of. Remember, don’t panic, just do your research.

Walmart issues vinyl bib recall

Toys R Us vinyl bib recall

More info on the vinyl bib recall

BPA (Bisphenol-A) and clear plastic baby bottle concern
More on that…

As for me, as sick of hearing about it as I am, I’m going to calmly continue my research to make sure that anything we have in our house is safe enough to be around the most precious thing in our lives.

*If any of you feel inclined to do so, you can scroll down to the bottom of this page under “bug FLAIR” and click the “Sk*rt This” button. =)

Technorati Tags: toy recalls, Bisphenol-A, mattel, chicago moms blog, vinyl bib recall, lead exposure