[spiritofthings]

One in three toys, bought at the major chains, was found to be toxic. On that note, anyone know about Melissa and Doug? I heard there was a recall of one of their toys. Paint contained barium, or something. And they're made in China? I'm kicking myself 'cause we have quite a few of their products.

 

[e&tsmom]

Melissa and Doug say they meet all the current US standards. Many of their products also say that they are made responsibly in China. I avoid it all. I have been for a while, but after the lastest scandal with the melamine in the baby formula I have decided that nothing that comes from China will be in my home. Really. I have a lot of toys from Plan Toys, Pintoys (both made in Tailand from recycled rubberwood and non-toxic paint), Haba (though some of their stuff is made in china so you have to look) and toys made inthe USA. The standards for toys are higher in Europe than here, so if you can find toys that meet their standards then you should be okay.

 

[talia rose]

US Safety Standards for toys means very little.
I stopped buying Melissa and Doug when my toddler began sucking on their pressboard puzzle and it came apart in her mouth. I called and asked if they tested for formaldehyde (because all particle board has it) and they said no, but their toys all tested for US Safety Standards. They have never even considered the formaldehyde angle.
I trust Plan Toys and sell them and Haba, but I limit my Haba to wood toys which are made in Germany. What I notice is even the "good" companies have toys that test good and toys that test bad. And even Melissa and Doug has toys that they say test "best". But healthytoys.org does not test for formaldehyde!

www.healthytoys.org

 

[slsurface]

Quote:

Originally Posted by talia rose US Safety Standards for toys means very little. I stopped buying Melissa and Doug when my toddler began sucking on their pressboard puzzle and it came apart in her mouth. I called and asked if they tested for formaldehyde (because all particle board has it) and they said no, but their toys all tested for US Safety Standards. They have never even considered the formaldehyde angle. I trust Plan Toys and sell them and Haba, but I limit my Haba to wood toys which are made in Germany. What I notice is even the "good" companies have toys that test good and toys that test bad. And even Melissa and Doug has toys that they say test "best". But healthytoys.org does not test for formaldehyde! www.healthytoys.org

I have some MD and Plan toys for DS. I prefer Plan. They are better quality. I found some good prices at: www.kidsurplus.com - they have free shipping over $80 right now.

 

[alinajoy]

I have been really disappointed with the quality of Melissa & Doug Toys. There are so many great toymakers out there that I don't buy mass manufactured made in china toys for DD.

Plan Toys, Maple Landmark there are lots of great one out there.

Alina

 

[Cutie Patootie]

Definitely no to "Melissa and Doug" toys. We try to stay with the really good names, Kinderkram, Spiel and Holz, Holztiger, Ostheimer, Selecta(no longer selling to the US

), Maple Landmark, Haba(made in Germany items). Unfortunately, many of the moms in my local and online group have found Plan Toys to be less than sturdy. They fall apart with gently play within days of usage.

They are just not made very soundly.

 

[pinkpeone]

I also say no to Melissa and Doug. Too many instances where the toys have fallen apart or paints have come off etc. I try to stick to Camden Rose (although they have a small selection), Spiel und Holz and other non-mass manufacturers or other toys that are NOT mic. Another company that I recently ordered from is Georgianwoodtoys.com and I must say I am thrilled. Not sure if I will let the kids play with them though (they are really gorgeous and well made imo).

hth

 

[pinkpeone]

to the OP, I also heard about the Barium issue with M&D. There were also other chemical issues regarding the paint as well

 

[ellairiesmom]

I was going to post a question today on M&D toys. Just found this thread. I am so disappointed. We got DD (15mos) an Elves & Angels kitchen (made in maine-all real wood) & while we were getting her mostly Plan Toy accessories, I didn't want to ask others to do that because I thought it was easier to ask them for more accessible toys. So we asked for the Sandwich making kit & the Pizza Party set from M&D which I knew could be found at Toys R Us (ick). (We do a grab big with my extended family for Christmas-everyone picks one name-it's cute & it keeps things from getting out of hand.)

I also got her the Sushi set from M&D because DH loves Sushi & I thought it would be cute.

As we were playing with the ones I opened so far, I looked at the back of the crates & see MIC. I could have sworn M&D was all about being Made in the USA, safe paints etc. Now I have the Sandwich kit & the Sushi kit opened? I didn't open the other 2, but didn't ask for the receipts either. And she is putting everything in her mouth of course.

Come to think of it, our M&D stacking boxes edges dissolved very easily in her mouth. ICK-OH NO!!!!

Toys R Us refuses to take anything back without a receipt but now I want to get these out of here & get her more Plan play food instead.

When is MIC safe? Haba insists that their products that are MIC are under close supervision & I feel like they are a company that can be trusted. Am I nuts? She got 2 Haba dolls, the pram & bed from my Mom this year & we love them! And their play food is adorable too.

I feel sick.