Mouth, nose and eyes open when buying (and selling) toys

Customers can be critical in the toy department, and often feel uncertain. It´s quite easy for sellers to give them peace of mind. As long as they understand the rules of the game.

If you want to be convincing, you need to know what you´re talking about. Every seller must be ready with knowledge and good arguments. Reassuring words are necessary. These tips help everyone recognize the quality of a product.

HEAD TURNER. The warning "Not for children under 3" must be taken seriously. Children at that age put everything in their mouths. The product may not have parts that could come loose.

EXPERT APPROVAL. The search for quality seals is worth it. If the CE symbol is missing from the toy or packaging, it´s better to move on.

SNIFFING AROUND: If you detect a strong chemical smell, choose a different product. It could contain hazardous heavymetal laden paints and materials.

READING MATERIAL . The packaging or label must include the complete manufacturer’s or importer´s address. This lets customers know where to turn if there´s a problem.

TECHNICAL JARGON . PVC often contains hazardous plasticizers, lead, organotins, or nonylphenol. These can be dangerous if a toddler sucks on them. Plastic toys are ideally made of materials like polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), all of which are considered safe. If the product or packaging does not specifically state the composition, then it is probably made of PVC. The note "PVC-free" or "phthalate-free" is a good sign.

CLEANLINES. Soft toys should be washable. Be sure to let them dry out well afterward to prevent mildew from forming. Wash cloth dolls for small children prior to first use. They might have been treated with biocides.

BUZZING IN YOUR EARS . Babbling teddies or music boxes are beloved bedtime helpers. Yet kids´ ears are sensitive, so the toys can´t be too loud. Adults should hold them right up to their own ear. If it´s too loud for you, it´s too loud for your child too.

GOOD WOOD . Wood toys are environmentally friendly and solid. Untreated, waxed hardwood building blocks are the best choice for toddlers. For painted toys, check how saliva- and sweat-resistant they are. If it stains your hands, then it´s not for you.

FINGER GAMES. A Swiss study reveals that one in five fingerpaints contains too much of MI/MCI, a preservative linked to allergies. The best paints are based on food or vegetable dyes and without preservatives.

IN GOOD COMPANY. Board games and puzzles are only subjected to rudimentary testing. Consumer testers have often turned up concerning levels of biocides or dyes. 2007 even saw some wood puzzles recalled from stores. Here too adults should trust their noses: if it smells off, then leave it alone. If you detect a strong smell when it´s already home, then air out the game thoroughly.