There are countless things parents have to worry about. Until lead paint toys began to surface a couple of years ago, the safety of their children’s toys was rarely one of them. Most parents assume that the packaged toys that have been purchased from a store have been rigorously tested and are safe for the age range specified on the wrapping. Sometimes these types of issues with product safety are isolated to a small area where a defective batch has accidentally gone out.

A local toy-maker has recalled about 122,000 units of the Rock 'N Ride plush rocker because of potential injuries to children. The Southlake-based company has received 35 reports of the rocker tipping over, with 10 such incidents resulting in injuries like bumps, bruised and lacerations. The culprint? A faulty plastic base that could make the rockers unstable.

8-30-2007

Toys -R- Us is recalling thousands of art kits made in China. The packaging and paint contain dangerously high lead levels. The Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases were sold by Toys -R- Us stores nationwide since October 2006.

These 27,000 Imaginarium Wooden Coloring Cases are the latest to a long string of childrens' toys to be recalled due to lead poisoning risks. recently Mattel recalled millions of toys due to high levels of lead in the paint.

Fisher-Price announced a voluntary recall of the Laugh & Learn Learning Kitchen Toys. Parents should immediately take the toy away from children and contact Fisher-Price for a free repair kit.

The choking hazard comes from pieces of the faucet or the clock hands can detach, and young children may swallow them.

There have been 48 reports of small parts separating from the toys, including two reports of children gagging on pieces, two reports children who choked on a piece.

August 14, 2007

Mattel, manufacturer of popular toys like Poly Pockets, Doggy Daycare, and Barbie, is recalling 9 million of its toys in the United States , over 18 million worldwide. Toys including popular characters such as Batman, Barbie, Polly Pockets and a toy from Pixar's "Cars" movie are being pulled off shelves because of hazards to children.

Some of the recalled toys have magnets that can become dislodged and swallowed, and at least one has hazardous levels of lead in its paint. Most of the recall involves Polly Pocket dolls and accessories, which contain small magnets.

August 3, 2007

Nearly one million Fisher Price toys were recalled due to the possibility of lead poisoning. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, and other children's toys.

The surface paints could contain high levels of lead. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of Easy Bake Ovens. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately.

Name of Product: Easy-Bake Ovens

Units: About 1 million

Manufacturer: Easy-Bake, a division of Hasbro, Inc., of Pawtucket, R.I

Hazard: Children can insert their hands into the oven's front opening, and get their hands or fingers caught, posing burn hazards.

A recall of Magnetix building sets has been expanded after more children swallowed the tiny magnets in them and were seriously injured.

In March 2006, Mega Brands Inc. recalled nearly 4 million building sets after a child died and four others were seriously injured from swallowing the magnets. One death, one aspiration, and 27 intestinal injuries are known to be caused by the magnets.

The expanded recall includes all sets except Magnetix sets sold since March 31, 2006. Attraction of magnets in the body may cause serious injury and require immediate medical care."