TOYSTOR .ES TOYS FOR CHILDREN

Children and toys safety standard guidance & labelling

Age must be stated for each toy

Toystore 40 safety and labeling of toys of various kinds: One in five fails safety standards, and most offer mislabeling or improved
Of the 40 toys tested only five passes all tests and adequately informed of the appropriate age range for use. Toys spark the imagination of children, teach them to think and are vital for their development. Puzzles, stuffed animals, dolls, remote control cars, costumes ... supply is very large and the regulations governing the safety of these products, particularly severe. The reason is clear: Children are very vulnerable and may at any time make an improper or unintended use of the toy. After analyzing in the laboratory 40 different characteristics and toys for babies and children up to 14 years, eight have been found, ie one in five, breach of safety regulations apply to them. These are the dolls Pepo Paint me, Boxing Mocosete Nenuco King, the creative toys with magnets and stickers Barbie, Painting Briefcase Mickey Mouse, remote control helicopter Giro Marketing & Sales, Discman Imaginarium microphones and Widmann clown hat. Both manufacturers and the competent authority on consumer were informed of these failures so that they could take appropriate action. Design and construction: no small parts or dangerous points. Pepo Paint me a blue dog with yellow on the bag that can be painted with a special pen full of water (the fabric changes color when wet). The doll withstood the tensile tests at various points, but when they did the same in the bag broke, resulting in small parts that can be swallowed or aspirated. As a toy for children under 3 years is within the conventional use children can pull it and break it. Moreover, by applying on the Giro Remote Control Helicopter Marketing & Sales force of 48 newtons was exposed propeller shaft, a tip that can pose a hazard.

The standard requires support of 60 newtons traction. Of the 40 toys, but only two magnets include the board game does Picadotty safely (size prevents magnets could be swallowed). The creative toys with magnets and stickers Barbie Clementoni includes small magnets that can be eaten by children. Although not prohibited, it does so without warning in the labeling of this circumstance, where the rule itself requires it to report the danger of internal injuries that carries swallow these objects. Phthalates: a toxic banned but still used- The analysis of toxic substances in the 20 toys that were considered could contain phthalates revealed in two samples: the plastic bag that serves the 56 paintings Mickey Mouse Club House, Poessa, and articulated figure Boxing King Color Baby. Phthalates, chemicals that increase the flexibility of plastic, are toxic (can cause abnormal behavior and infertility hormonal) and that is why the regulations so severe limits its use in toys and childcare articles: Allows only to 0 , 1% of phthalates. The case of the paintings Mickey Mouse (7.9% of phthalates) and Figure Boxing King (3.4%) are the only toys that exceed the limit compared to phthalates. None of the manufacturers seen as intended use of these toys that children suck or bite, but neither is possible that younger children do.

Some fail as years no maximum age reported

The Administration was informed of the security breaches that could take appropriate action. Laboratory technicians caused short circuits in the 12 electric toys made up this comparison. The microphones discman blue and yellow buttons and Nenuco Duo Mic Imaginarium Mocosete Famosa, the batteries were heated above 45 º C allowed by the standard. It seems unlikely that the use of toy for the child to cause this short, but the rule is specific in this regard. Flammability tests, conducted in the 14 toys when necessary, revealed shortcomings in the clown's hat Widmann. Flame was applied for five seconds at the fringe of wool hat and found it took four seconds off (the standard requires that less than two seconds). In addition, the flame traveled more than 70 mm before being extinguished, when this route must be lower. In the fabric of the cap, the flame spreads to 24 mm / second (not allowed more than 10 mm / second). Problems with labeling. Three out of four signs of age, although correct, are considered better because if they indicate from what age can use the toy, do not set a recommended maximum age. They are least seven of the 40 tested, which do not provide any indication of age and only two recommended age has been considered inadequate: the comet-shaped Imaginarium airline says it is suitable for children of 3-8 years, but educators advising the magazine six years judged necessary to make real use of this comet and not simply play the role of spectator. The Sesame Street toy claims to be suitable for newborns, but experts say the baby should have at least nine months to enjoy the toys. The most serious failure was seen in Creative Toy Barbie magnet, which has no mandatory safety warnings. In addition, the address of the manufacturer or importer was incorrect on the labels of the carpet foam puzzle "safe," a wig cap Widmann, Graco baby stroller, the bag of paintings and puppets Mickey Mouse Snow White. The plush Sesame Street does not indicate that all must be removed before giving it crimps the child.

Experts guidance recommended labelling magnets and small pieces for months babies

Creative Toy molds, magnets and stickers Barbie.
* Age stated: Over seven years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
* Fail to safety standard: does not include mandatory warning of serious risk and sometimes deadly illness that can lead to the ingestion of magnets.
* Includes dual flexible plastic sheet with a thickness less than that indicated by the standard (0.02 mm, when they should be at least 0.038 mm to avoid the risk of suffocation).
* Labelling wrong: Does not include special warnings are required first aid chemicals in toys. There are letters of smaller size than required.
Imaginarium microphones Discman
* Ages given: 5 to 10 years. Right.
* Fail to safety standard: When the battery short circuit is heated above 45 º C indicated by the standard.
* Labelling wrong: It did not include an obligatory mention of the need to disconnect the transformer before cleaning.
Boxing Wrestling Figure King
* Age stated: Over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
* Fail to safety standard: Contains phthalates, a toxic substance banned in products for children because it may cause hormonal disorders.
Clown wig cap Widmann
* Age specified: None.
* Fail to safety standard: When you apply a flame on the fringe for 5 seconds it took 4 off (should not be more than 2 seconds).
* The flame traveled more than 70 mm allowed by the standard before and the tissue off the cap spread to 24 mm / second when the law requires that not more than 10 mm / second.
* Incorrect Labelling: Includes the CE symbol on their labels, but smaller than the norm.
Helicopter remote control
* Age given: 8 years and above.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
* Fail to safety standard: The propeller shaft is out and expose a dangerous point if they apply a force of 48 newtons (should withstand 60).
Mickey Mouse painting case
* Age specified: None.
* Fail to safety standard: Contains phthalates, a toxic substance banned in products for children because it may cause hormonal disorders.
* Labelling wrong: The address of the importer is in disposable plastic and store it.
Paint me Pepo
* Age specified: Over 18 months.
* Slight delay as recommended by the experts.
* Fail to safety standard: The small pieces generated yellow bag to pull it.
Mocosete Nenuco
* Age specified: None.
* Fail to safety standard: not passed the test for electrical safety, as the batteries were heated above 45 º C allowed to cause a short circuit.

The 21 toys that should improve the information age (& phthalates indicated)

1. Board Game, Who's Who?
* Age stated: Over six years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
2. Dummy with MTB, Action Man
* Age given: For over four years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
3. Baby doll, Baby Born
* Age stated: Over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
4. Disney removable Tunnel
* Age stated: Over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
5. Hot Metal Car Replica Wheels
* Age stated: Over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
6. Pocoyo bath doll
* Age specified: Over 18 months.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
7. Manta games, Chicco Baby
* Age specified: From 0 months.
* Slight delay as recommended by the experts.
8. Toy Train, Geo-Trax
* Age stated: Over 2.5 years.
* Slight delay as recommended by the experts.
9. Toy helicopter is towed Bonny Pilot
* Age specified: Over 12 months.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
10. Electronic Gaming Pokémon
* Age given: For over six years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
11. Snow White Puppet Once Upon a Time:
* Age indicated, no.
12. Fantasy Toy Palace Palace:
* Age indicated, no.
13. Playmobil Soccer Field
* Age stated: Over five years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
14. Mask with light and Spiderman glove:
* Age indicated, no.
15. Aquadoodle drawing slate:
* Age shown, over 18 months.
* Slight delay as recommended by the experts.
16. Barbie Mariposa
* Age given: For over three years.
* Slight delay as recommended by the experts.
17. Sassy Rattle cupping:
* Age indicated, no.
18. Pocoyo Scooter
* Age stated: Over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
19. Game Play-Doh Play-Doh
* Age stated: Over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
20. Aim Toy Buzz-Bee Toys
* Age stated: Over six years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
21. Game table with magnets Picadotty
* Age specified: For children 3-6 years.
* Slight delay as recommended by the experts.

The six toys mislabelling. A foam toy needs to be age specified for children

Mat puzzle Except
* Age given: For over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
* Incorrect Labeling: Include the name of the importer but not its direction.

Barbie Bike

* Age specified: None.
* Labelling incorrect: The toy did not include instructions.
* The responsibility may be the manufacturer or trade.

Replica Graco stroller

* Age stated: Over three years.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
* Labelling incorrect: Indicates the address of the manufacturer but not the importer in Spain or the European Union.

Airplane-shaped kite Imaginarium

* Age specified: From 3-8 years. Wrong.
* Children under 3 are too small to use actively, can only be mere spectators.
* Labelling wrong: The CE symbol is larger than specified.

Moto Feber Toy

* Age specified: Over 18 months.
* No maximum age reported for guidance.
* Labelling incorrect: The toy cell indicated that the speaker were replaced, but did not explain how.

Sesame Street Plush

* Age specified: From 0 months. Wrong.
* The child needs at least nine months to enjoy the toy.
* Labelling incorrect: Lack of a warning for the linkers are removed before giving the toy.

The five toys that meet all standards

1. Connect 4 Board Game: Ages given: Over six years.
2. The Costume Lunnis: Age shown: 1 to 3 years.
3. Loro Loro sounds Molón: Age stated: Over five years.
4. Circuito Scalextric car racing: Age stated: Over four years.
5. Hanging cradle of Fisher Price: Age indicated: 0-5 months.

Campaign to collect toys: Play is a right, not a privilege

Nothing is more Christmassy than toys, which arrived this time become the protagonists of the campaigns of organizations supporting poor people, to remind us that all children have the right to play. And even though that right will attend all year, is at Christmas when children do not open gifts are never more aware of their difference. No forget that, according to latest official figures, eight million people are poor in our country. Other figures, such as those in its latest study provides the foundation FOSSA speak of half a million families below the poverty line. When working on these initiatives, the dilemma is hit with the toy.Should deliver the unwrapped toys and classify their age before being packaged.Specialists in Education for Development and Cooperation offer a clue: "That the children accompanying their parents to buy the toy they want to give, they choose what they would want to give away to them." Those who decide to deliver toys will find that there is increasing demands of individuals and organizations dedicated to collecting gifts, are churches, Red Cross, neighborhood associations or any other organization. And it is to deliver a toy is not to give charity, or recycle empty cupboards at home gimmicks that annoy. It is a little justice to provide solidarity and generosity and free.

Four prerequisites for a good toy: labelling, age recommended & children experts guidance

* New, hopefully. Despite hiding consumerism, holiday gifts born the youngest of the cultural tradition of rewarding the good boy. And economically disadvantaged also watching. What is new and current impact on the goodness of the gift to the extent that no distinctions or categories.
* Education. It should strengthen the capacities of the child. A toy is a basic development tool of intelligence and sensitivity of children. And education does not mean boring, not only the puzzle always fulfills the obligation to train. More and more suitable and attractive toys at once, without having to choose those in which explicit or implicit violence arouses the interest of the child.
* Do not sexist. It is necessary to leave behind once the topic of giving away games for girls female and male children. It is not just opt for the politically correct. This is a pedagogical error: if boys and girls are prevented from enhancing their skills, you will be limited to men and women of tomorrow. Similarly, can derail their social relationships and their ability to communicate outside the stadium set, and will perpetuate stereotypes.
* No electricity. Avoid buying toys that require electrical or other element to be used or complete. It is likely that your recipients can not return to play with them once the batteries run out, or fix them if the mechanisms are damaged.

Delivery Logistics: There are many collection points and hundreds of volunteers who enable the functioning of the gathering chains and toy giveaway. Some even extend until 5 January. The collection process, whether one or another association rule begins with war toys, sexist, discriminatory and which are not new. Subsequently, classified by age. Who delivered the toys often make the mistake of calculating the age of the game from four years and extend it to 10. Therefore, the organizations stressed the need to provide for babies and kids up to 16 years. To facilitate the work of packing is preferable to provide toys, unwrapped, since volunteers must sort them by age, pack them and decorate them with paper. Once sorted begins delivery, taking into account the two-night surprise on 24 December and 5 January. How do the toys to the children? Most of the toys collected will be allocated to families without sufficient resources to purchase them. But if for any reason are not distributed all or late delivery, are distributed in playgrounds, childhood centers, schools and hospitals. Large organizations and those with more resources toys are sent by deal-if any remain, to international cooperation projects. However, before opting for this alternative always try to meet the needs of groups closer. Data on the needy families seeking associations, social partners, governments, municipalities and even Apymas (parents' associations). Confidentiality is guaranteed, but to prevent abuse is always required identification, confirmation that the toy will come at the hands of someone who is waiting for: a boy or a girl. The figures offered by charities listed on last year talking about the participation of thousands of people in small towns and big cities. Adding collected by the Red Cross and other small institutions, met 300 000 toys, although this figure does not include small but significant liability partnership initiatives.

Reuse, another way to collaborate. So far we have stressed the importance of the toys are new, but there are organizations, mostly small neighborhood or cultural, that encourage the recycling of used toys, forgotten or better or worse, to give better fate than the container or storage. This is another equally valid formula but with different goal, which is to take the Christmas period consumerism star, to educate the kids in the culture of not wasting, and at the same time, raise awareness among adults about the desirability of reuse resources. Campaign Consumer magazine participates in the National Radio campaign has organized this Christmas. The initiative, which began on November 28, 2001 and close on January 5, 2002, aims to raise funds to make toys for children that support extreme situations of poverty in India, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Mexico, and is based the intention to promote the spirit of solidarity of the society especially among children. This has released a basic toy that all children want to buy to feel participants in the solidarity campaign: a bubble tube (toy for making soap bubbles), which is in stores and supermarkets at a price of 3 euros (500 pesetas). On January 5, coinciding with the celebration of Three Kings all around the country, we will proceed to launch bubbles symbolic and read a manifesto that will end the campaign. Questions that help the child make the decision To succeed in the purchase of toys, it is preferable that those who choose to be children, as the recipient of the games will be another child. Reflecting on a few questions will help you hit.