Buying safe toys for children is always a concern for parents, but increasing numbers of toy recalls have made safety an even greater concern. Parents do not want to spend a small fortune for toys, but they do want quality toys that will stay in one piece during play, and they do not want toys to pose a danger to the child. Fortunately, there are alternatives to most retailer offerings that can help parents meet all of those goals.

One of the easiest places to find safe, quality toys for children is through online retailers. Online retailers are often more able to offer unique, quality toys than retailers who are subjected to the limitations of corporate purchasing. At 1888toys.com, for example, there is a wide selection of toys for all ages, including toys and furniture for bedrooms and waiting rooms, which are tested not only by the manufacturer, but also by the merchant, in order to ensure quality and safety. Such retailers are also able to offer a variety of toys that have been designed, and tested, to be safe for children.

Among the quality toys that parents can look for are handmade wooden toys and wooden puzzles. Wooden toys and puzzles are painted with water-based child-safe enamel, although some may be purchased with an organic natural finish. The enamel used meets all government standards as a lead-free paint, and is perfectly safe for use by children. In addition, the toys are more durable, and generally have few to no small parts, helping to eliminate choking hazards.

Of course, wooden toys are not the only options for parents. Because babies tend to chew on everything, educational baby toys must pass government standards regarding the possibility of transmitting any toxic elements to the baby. Hand puppets and marionettes must meet the requirements of flammability and heavy metals testing. Most board games are required to pass certain standards regarding the safety of the ink, paper, and game pieces.

Finding safe, quality toys may not always be easy for parents, but there are specific things they can look for in toys. Typically, toys that are made in the U.S.A. are less likely to be subject to product recalls. The U.S. government has imposed strict regulations regarding flammability, presence of lead or heavy metals, and general safety of toys. Any toys that fail to meet government standards may not legally be sold or purchased.

Parents should also look for toys from reputable manufacturers. Individual toymakers, craftspeople and artisans are also good option as the manufacturer of safe and quality toys for children. An individual typically does not make a toy simply to make money. Instead, the toys are expressions of their creativity, and they are made with a genuine love for the toy and the child in mind. Toys made by individuals will rarely contain parts or chemicals that are harmful to children.

There are options for parents who want to buy safe toys for their children, and who also desire a quality toy. Knowing where to look, as well as knowing what to look for, can help parents find safe, quality toys. While those toys may not be on the shelf of the local mass retailer, they are well worth spending the time to find.