Every time I turn on the news, I see another product recall. Lead based paint is the latest, but there are always recalls for safety. Date rape drugs in toys given to toddlers, toys that can cause strangulation, paint that causes mental retardation, small magnets that cause intestinal perforation or choking - it almost makes a mother want to let her child play with measuring cup, twigs and sticks. Wait - that plastic in that cup could be chemically treated, and those twigs and sticks might be coated in pesticide. What’s a mom to do?

Well, for starters, check out these lists, published by the manufacturers. Mattel, one of the affected companies with many recalls, has a safety list here - and there is an exhaustive list over here at the CPSC. Most of the major toy manufacturers have their own websites, and a quick peek at their lists of recalls would help to relieve your concerns. If you have toys that are recalled, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Return or destroy the affected item.

Your baby still needs something to play with, though, and that’s where you can use something like The Cool Mom Picks Safer Toy Guide. There is a multitude of products listed, from birth up to school age, and all are certified safe and non toxic. Some of the companies offer discount codes.

Don’t forget to look here on Zwaggle - there are lots of toys listed that are certain to fit the needs of your family, keeping everyone entertained, happy, and most importantly, safe.