(WWJ) With Christmas just a week away, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is warning the pandemic may make it even harder to know if your children's presents under the tree are safe, urging parents to do extra research this year.
She has issued a consumer alert on toy safety and 2020’s Dangerous Toy Guide. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) inspectors are to review and intercept dangerous toys before they reach the market. However, COVID-19 is waylaying inspectors across the country.
“Parents must exercise caution when purchasing toys for children this year as some of the traditional safety protocols that we’ve become accustomed to may have been compromised due to COVID-19,” Nessel said. “My office is committed to protecting consumers from a variety of concerns, and I urge anyone who’s shopping for toys to do their research and review the guides and tips on how to safely make purchases.”
She said choking and swallowing risks are among the biggest hazards with children’s toys, along with lead paint and flammability.
Nessel said toys with small parts are often not safe for children two years old and younger. Latex balloons have been the leading cause of toy-related choking fatalities in children, according to Nessel.
She urges parents to be careful of used nursery items and toys bought at yard sales, flea markets, or resale and consignment shops.
The guide also warns of the following hazards:
High powered magnets— Some magnets are part of toy building sets marketed for children as young 3 years old, even though many children of that age don’t know not to eat or inhale them. The number of magnet ingestions reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers has gone up significantly since 2016 when a ban on small, high-powered magnet sets was lifted.
Batteries—Button batteries can cause severe internal burns or deaths if ingested. They are often found in remote controls, key fobs, flameless candles, flashing decorations, and even musical greeting cards.
Cords—A cord can wrap around a child’s neck, leading to strangulation. Once your child becomes mobile, remove crib gyms and hanging mobiles from the crib.
Loud noises—Experts warn some toys—including a firetruck found for sale on Amazon—can be so loud they lead to permanent hearing loss.
Nessel named the following toys and children’s product in her office’s 2020 Dangerous Toy Guide:
The Ron John Surf Shop Sippy Cup-recalled by Porter World Trade (October 28), because the plastic characters contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content and are toxic if ingested by young children.
Morfboard Skate and Skoot-recalled by by Jakks Pacific (October 2), because the “Y” shaped handlebar joint can break causing a fall hazard.
Super Soaker XP 20 & XP 30—recalled by Hasbro (August 19) because the decorative sticker on the water tanks contain levels of lead in the ink that exceed the federal lead content and are toxic if ingested by young children.
Thule Sleek Stroller--recalled by Thule (August 12) because the handlebar can detach, posing an injury hazard to children.
Salt Lounge Chairs—recalled by Bed, Bath and Beyond (October 21) because the locking mechanism on the frame can disengage posing a fall hazard.
Go Forward Carrier 4-in-1 Evolved Ergonomic Flip Front2Back—recalled by Infantino (February 6 2020) because the buckles on the carrier can break posing a fall hazard.
Graco Little Lounger Seat—recalled by Graco (January 29) to prevent risk of suffocation. Infant fatalities have been reported after infants rolled from their back to their stomach or side.
Manhattan Ball—recalled by Manhattan Toy (July 22) because the plastic tubes can detach from the center ball and release the small silicone teethers that are threaded on the tubes, causing a choking hazard.
Miniware Teething Spoons—recalled by Bonnsu (June 11) because the spoon can break inside a child’s mouth when used as a teether posing a choking hazard.
Children’s Grocery Cart—recalled by Step2 (February 2020) because the cart’s basket can break into sharp pieces posing a laceration hazard.
If you have one of these products, you are eligible for a refund through the manufacturer.
You can check for recalls here through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
You can can sign up for alerts on recalls on children/infant products here.