Let’s be realistic. Parents have to accept the fact that we’ll never be able to guarantee safe toys for our children. It’s good to know that politicians are starting to campaign for safe toys as a political agenda. As for now, we can do our best to safeguard our children from unsafe toys through knowledge and common sense.

Sign up for emailing lists to get yourself informed of the latest toy recalls at the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Another good site for such information is U.S. PIRG.

When you happen to own toys that are being recalled, take it away immediately. Then, make sure you wipe and clean every toy that has come in contact with the recalled product.

Read the label. But be aware that parents could never be sure the toys they buy are free from harmful chemicals. Even toys labelled non-toxic are found to contain chemicals like lead, bisphenol A or phthalates, according to scientically done tests.

Generally, painted toys manufactured in China are more likely to contain lead than those made in the US. Then again, huge number of toys are manufactured in China and exported worldwide. In the US alone, more than 80% of toys sold are manufactured in China. Toy companies in the US could easily outsource parts to be manufactured in China, shipped to the US, assemble it in-house and call it ‘Made in USA’. Therefore, good luck trying to avoid China-made toys. It won’t be easy.

Cross PVC plastic toys out of the list. Plastic toys are almost always made of poly vinyl chloride (PVC). Especially cheap plastic toys from vending machines, fake or even real metal jewellery set which are often found coated in lead paint.

Phthalates can be found in softer plastic. It is a chemical used to soften plastics during manufacturing. It could leak out when mouthed by infants and gets absorbed into the bloodstream. Phthalates could cause liver and kidney damage, endocrine disruption, reproductive system damage and in some cases, cancer. Babies and children, with their bodies still developing are particularly at risks. Lead and cadmium is found to be used in plastic materials.

Go for plastic toys from reputable retailer and brands. lego, Toys R’Us and IKEA are among toy manufacturers and retailers who have committed to sell phthalates-free plastic products.