Welcome to CPSC’s Podcast for Wednesday, November 21, 2007. I’m Patty Davis.

With the holidays fast approaching, consumers are gearing up for their search for the perfect holiday gifts. Joining me is CPSC’s Nikki Fleming with tips for shoppers.

Thanks for joining me Nikki. Toy recalls have been in the spotlight recently. How concerned should consumers be about buying recalled products?

[Nikki]: Recalled products should not be on store shelves. We work with directly with manufacturers to remove the products from store shelves. Consumers should be more concerned about checking for recalled products in their toy boxes and storage chests to make sure they don’t have any recalled products.

[Patty]: What are the biggest hazards with toys?

[Nikki]: Although lead has been in the media lately, one of the largest toy-related problems for toy-related deaths is small parts and choking. One of the things parents should keep in mind is to make sure you use age appropriate labeling information that’s directly on the packaging to help you as a guide when shopping this holiday season.

[Patty]: What should consumers look for when they go to buy holiday gifts for their children?

[Nikki]: In addition to small parts and choking, the Commission has also seen increased deaths with ride-on toys. When consumers give a child a ride-on toy, it gives them access and mobility to places they normally wouldn’t have access to. So it’s important for consumers to supervise their children if they choose to use that type of item.

[Patty]: And older kids?

[Nikki]: For the older kids, if you do choose to use ride-on toys such as bicycles, scooters, inline skates, you want to make sure you buy the safety gear with it.

[Patty]: All right, thank Nikki. You can find more holiday shopping tips at www.cpsc.gov as well as information about recalls announced by CPSC.

That’s it for this week’s podcast. Thanks for listening.

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