CAPE CORAL, Fla. — There is an important consumer alert for parents who have started their holiday shopping for kids.
The annual Trouble in Toyland report is out. With online shopping dominating this season, the report is warning about recalled toys still available on some sites.
Experts are warning that you listen up before putting some toys in your online shopping cart.
Just because somethings available online doesn't mean it's safe to purchase.
The covid-19 pandemic has changed the way many are shopping this holiday season.
Black Friday sales have been going on long before the traditional date, and that's turned many holiday shoppers entirely virtual.
Pay attention to the warnings in this year's annual "Trouble in Toyland" report. Starting with the fact that several unsafe recalled toys are still being sold on some sites.
An eBay search showed this stuffed "Doctor Duck" still for sale, even though it was recalled because the toy buttons contain unsafe lead levels.
The same goes for this play grocery cart, which was reported after several baskets broke into sharp pieces, which can pose a serious safety risk.
You may also find Barbie's Dream Camper for sale, despite the issue with the sticking foot pedal, which has led to crashes for some kids.
Toys that are too loud also made the report. The more your kids play them, the increased risk of hearing damage, according to experts.
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission says that it's documented upwards of two hundred and twenty-five thousand emergency room visits involving toy-related injuries for each of the last five years.
That number is likely to grow with more kids homebound during the pandemic and some of that time. With less supervision, parents work to juggle work-from-home life and supervising their kids.
A helpful tip from experts since you probably don't have the equipment they used to test the toy's sound levels is to avoid any toy that sounds too noisy. Or look for toys that have the option to turn down the volume. You can also place tape over the speaker to muffle the sound.
That's just the start of the warnings that made this year's report.
Experts also say not to trust the recommended age suggested on the packaging. And to test out the product yourself to see if it poses a choking risk.
This year's focus is on the pieces of plastic film some toys have to protect mirrors and parts of the toy.
Experts say this also creates a dangerous choking hazard and should be removed before giving to children.
