5 Important Things To Consider When Buying Children's Products



Today I am partnering with Little Tikes, a trusted manufacturer of children's products for nearly fifty years, to talk about five important, dare I say, critical, things to look for when buying children’s products. All opinions are my own.


Product featured in photo: My First Seat 


With the holidays in full swing, and many of us searching for the perfect gift for our children, nieces, nephews, and best friends newborn, I thought I'd remind everyone of the five most important things to look for when purchasing chidren's products:


Country of Origin When buying a product outside of the USA, be aware that the manufacturer is most likely not held to the same standards and laws of the USA. I have three words for you: Lead Paint Poisoning. Besides, it’s always best to buy local. 


Safety Tested. Nobody likes to be the guinea pig. Dare I say this is one of the most important things to look for. Make sure whatever product you buy has been safety tested and approved for the age you are buying for. 

The brand name. While I’m all about supporting the small mom-and-pop shops, when it comes to buying a solid child's product, especially one that cost more than $40, sticking to a brand-name, even if it costs a few extra dollars, I highly recommend. Children's Product Manufacturers like Little Tikes, have been around for half a decade for a reason, their products are solid and backed up by a warranty. If for any reason the product is defective the chances of you getting a full refund from a brand-name are pretty damn good.




The product should grow with the child. 
Whether it’s, my first seat, or a flashing toy with buttons, you want to get your money's worth, and since children are ever-growing and changing, you want to make sure the product offers 'Multi-Stage Features' for continued use through multiple growth stages and milestones. Offered add-on features are great for multi-stage growth, too! 



NOTE: ALWAYS! Buy for the age range of the child. The age rating is there for a reason, because nine times out of ten, it's spot-on. 




The Danger Factor: Avoid giving any child the opportunity to gnaw away on metal, wood that can splinter, or something that will crumble underneath their destructive little fingers. Most of all, make sure the product is free of hidden sharp edges, pieces that can fall off, or can be used as a weapon in anyway shape or form. Think creatively, that's how children come up with their crazy ideas.


The product featured today is My First Seat, from, Little Tikes. To learn more about, My First Seat and where you can buy it in-store at Walmart or online at buy buy Baby, click here.
 

April is an award-winning writer and blogger. Her work has been published in over ten countries and four languages. From books to newspapers, to print/online magazines and everything in between, you can find her work. For more on April, Visit AprilMcCormick.com