Choosing Safe Gifts for Children

Being a good parent entails a lot of things. One of the most important is the childs safety. Do you know if your childrens gifts are safe?

With all the scary stories in the news, it's natural to be concerned about safety when you're buying gifts for children. Although some consumer products may contain potentially harmful substances, children are especially at risk because they often put toys in their mouths. Here are some of the most common safety concerns, and how to avoid them.

Beware of lead paint when choosing childrens gifts. Lead is a soft metal that occurs naturally in the earth. It is sometimes used as a binding agent in paint, and then accidentally ends up in children's toys. Lead is a toxic substance that can cause terrible behavior developments which can sometimes be permanent.

Some lead toys can be spotted right off the bat with a simple glance. The best way to research toys that have been recently recalled is to visit www.usrecallnews.com before you go shopping for childrens gifts.

Plastic gifts for children have also come under recent scrutiny. There is some scientific evidence suggesting that chemicals in plastics—especially a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC—may have damaging health effects, particularly among young children.

Some plastic toys list the material content, but many don't. If the type of plastic isn't listed, a good guideline is to avoid "soft" plastic gifts for children, as these are most likely to contain vinyl. Also, pay special attention to food-storage or serving items. If they don't say "dishwasher/microwave safe," avoid exposing them to excess heat, as this may speed the release of harmful chemicals.

Rethink children's gifts with small parts. Small parts—such as beads, pegs and magnets—can pose a choking hazard for very young children. If you're buying gifts for children in a household of several siblings, consider the age of the youngest child as you think of gift ideas. The majority of toys have secured warning labels that can tell consumers of small parts. If in doubt, check the packaging carefully.

The hazards may seem scary, but fortunately they're relatively easy to avoid. Wood toys serve as fantastic options that have been around for ages. If a wooden toy is sealed with a clear, water-based coating, it is more than likely that it does not contain PVCs or lead. Wood gifts for children are also usually larger, so they tend to pose less of a choking risk.

Kids personalized clothing is another great safe option if you are shopping for gifts for children. Options range from baseball caps to backpacks, but personalized tshirts are among the most popular.