6 Oct, 2007
Following our previous five star review of the Kids II Baby Einstein Discover Play Color Blocks, the manufacturer has announced a product recall.
Kids II is voluntarily recalling our Baby Einstein Discover & Play Color Blocks in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because our expanded testing detected lead traces that are higher than the Federal limit. The recall only applies to the Blue block included with products that contain certain date codes, which can be found on the sewn in labels attached to the Green block.
For further details, please refer to the manufacturers Web site. Many thanks to Upset Parent for spotting this.
13 Sep, 2007
We have found a story from Reuters that may be of interest to our readers.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Retailer Toys “R” Us said on Wednesday that it is expanding its efforts to inform shoppers of the latest toy recalls after a slew of Chinese-made toys were recalled this summer due to unsafe levels of lead paint.
The retailer said it has launched a toy safety Web site that includes information about its safety procedures and specific recall information. Toys “R” Us also said it is introducing an e-mail notification system for recalls and adding bilingual recall notices.
Toys “R” Us is owned by a consortium that includes Bain Capital Partners LLC, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co and Vornado Realty Trust.
(Reporting by Nicole Maestri)
The toy safety Web site can be found here.
We previously commented on the number of recalls of Chinese made toys.
23 Aug, 2007
It seems there have been a recent outbreak of media frenzy regarding the constant product recalls and safety concerns of products that are made in China.
The following list provides a roundup of the top stories for the last couple of days:
It will be interesting to see how this pans out. It seems that the rapid growth of the Chinese economy has allowed companies to operate outside of the controls and regulations that are commonplace in a western society. China does not have health and safety standards that can enforced. However, the flip-side argument is that western companies have obviously given too much control and have too must trust in their Chinese manufacturing partners. I do not think the blame solely lies with China.
Some thoughts … Is this the tip of the iceberg ? Is this just a knee-jerk reaction ? Have toy and clothing companies been complacent with their quality controls ? Will this lead to increases in costs for parents ?
I welcome your comments on this issue …
19 Aug, 2007
The Chicago Sun-Times has published an article written by Rachel Beck, offering a very insightful view concerning the recent recall of toys manufactured in China.
It does raise some interesting points about how modern businesses have been reducing costs to provide cheaper toys to the consumer. However, reducing costs has also reduced the product quality and removed many processes that provided quality assurance. To be honest, it was only a matter of time before the ‘Made In China’ brand becomes somewhat tarnished, as it is not just toys that are today manufactured to a lower quality than previously. It seems that many of todays clothing and consumer goods have a shorter and shorter shelf-life. Whilst the manufacturers are partly to blame (they want you to buy more products), manufacturing technology has improved to allow for higher quality products to be produced. Should this not balance itself out ?
Rachel Beck’s article is recommended reading for any parent.
It will be interested to see if we see a ‘Made In USA’ brand being pushed here ?
16 Aug, 2007
The parents of three year old Mia Bergman have created a new product after Mia’s fascination with burying items inside Play-Doh and then re-discovering them. Mia’s mother created Treasure Dough using her own recipe of lavender scented dough, available in a range of colors and themes, including ‘Princess Loot’, ‘Under The Sea’, ‘Zany Zoo’, and ‘Dino Diggers’ (see photos).
The dough is made from a harmless mixture of flour, water, salt, and lavender oil for the scent, and is provided in a large plastic bucket. Each bucket retails at 14 USD and includes around 12 small toys that children can discover to play with and rebury at will. As the items can be a choking hazard, Treasure Dough is recommended for children ages three and up and can be purchased online or pickup from the Denver area.
Check out Treasure Dough at Treasure Dough. It is really encouraging to see a small startup coming up with such a simple and effective idea. We wish them the best of luck.
16 Aug, 2007
An interesting new idea is being marketed in Germany. Lütte-Leihen is a German company that offers rental of newborn and baby clothing for a fixed monthly fee.
When your baby starts to grow out of their clothes, they can simply be exchanged for the next size up. Whilst the clothing may be used, they will have only been worn for such a short time, they are still ‘new’. It can save parents from the expense of buying clothing that will only be worn a few times.
The cost of the service is between 17 to 26 Euro (23 to 35 USD) per month. Clothing is 100% organic cotton and comes in a range of neutral colors and patterns. Clothing is available in 9 to 11 piece sets, and covers the range of essential styles that parents will need, from bodysuites and singlets to socks and hats.
Whilst this service is currently only being offered in Germany, it may take off on a global basis. Check out their (German) web site at www.luette-leihen.de. We will keep you informed if such a service becomes available here.
14 Aug, 2007
An interesting story is coming out of Australia. Each winter, Australia has a higher than normal incidence of flu (influenza), with flu vaccinations being regularly given to all residents, and not just the young or aged.
It seems that this year the number of cases where people become either seriously ill or die from flu has increased dramatically. The latest victim is a 2 year old toddler from Bathhurst, NSW, who died on friday 10th August. Five other children have died across Australia so far this year, with a total of 14 flu-related deaths. This is double the number recorded in the previous year, and is causing concern in the Australian health authorities.
With the emergence of bird flu over the last few years, it seems that the strength of traditional illnesses, such as flu, is becoming much greater, resulting in more serious illness and deaths.
Visit the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper for the full story.
