Andrew Adam Newman reports on the front page of the NY Times Business section today that some parents are so distracted by the threat of lead-contaminated toys, they forget the old-fashioned dangers--like toys with many small pieces that can pose a choke hazard for younger children. At least that's what I was thinking as I read the piece:
Even in the market for new toys, shoppers are puzzled. Is a toy that is assembled in China from parts manufactured elsewhere any safer than one made entirely in China? Does a “made in Indonesia” label inspire any greater confidence?Meanwhile, in the sidebar, Conscientious Dad AJ is testing his kid's toys with an at-home lead detection kit.“I think people are kind of stunned because they don’t know what to do,” said Greg Allen, who writes a blog for fathers, daddytypes.com, and has a 3-year-old daughter. “You can’t just cut out every made-in-China toy. It’s just not realistic.”
On a recent visit to the Toys “R” Us in Times Square, Mr. Allen paused at a section of Playmobil toys, which he said are popular at his house. He trusts the brand because the toys are made in Europe and known for high quality...
What's A Parent To Do? Recalls Make Toy Shopping a Source of Anxiety [nyt, thanks andy and annie]
Some Parents Test Toys at Home [nyt]
Previously: Playmobil Disaster at Times Square Toys R Us
Geez.. I'm glad I don't read this Greg guy's blog...
[you'd be so screwed. -ed.]
The caption under the photo reads like the news people are studying animal behavior in the wild...which I guess they sort of are.
But look at you - you're famous!
I've been wondering why you made that trip to the Times Square toys-r-us. The times photographer didn't want to get on a subway!
[they had these Onesies that said, "My first visit to New York City" on them, and I was all, "they should have some that say, 'I #@(*&-ing live here, pal." -ed.]