(WHAS11)-The anticipation of Christmas morning is building as kids everywhere are holding out hope for that one perfect toy. However, many parents know all toys are not created equally. In fact some of them are dangerous.
WHAS11's Andy Treinen talked to Kentucky's Attorney General about a new tool that parents can use to make sure your child doesn't open one on Christmas morning.
The concept of dangerous gifts is nothing new this time of year. The movie a Christmas Story made the Red Ryder rifle legendary but Ralphie's Red Ryder is not one of the 465 toys recalled in 2009.
"A lot of this is common sense. A lot of this is look for something that's removable that could easily get down a child’s throat," says Attorney General Jack Conway.
It's no secret that the economy is down, but charitable giving is up. And for some, toy giveaways are replacing the traditional Santa Claus delivery system which makes them less likely to be spotted through a recall.
"The recalls are pretty effective but as Attorney General I've seen that sometimes these toys get re-stocked on shelves, either erroneously or by a way that's inappropriate," Attorney General Jack Conway says.
Many toys are recalled for choking hazards including My Pal Scout toy dog from LeapFrog. The decals on its paws can be removed and ingested. It was recalled in July.
With High School Musical manicure kits and Zebco fishing poles, the problem is lead paint. Both were pulled from the shelves in the first half of 2009.
The World Against Toys Causing Harm, also known as W.A.T.C.H. reveals its 10 worst toys each year.
Wall-E foam rocket launcher, Dark Night Batman figure and Viper Blaster all made the list in '09. But sometimes it's what’s around the gifts that parents need to be aware of.
"Watch the wrapping paper, watch the bows, watch the string. I've been around toddlers opening presents and once it's all said and done, they're not interested in the present, they're interested in the wrapping paper. Don't leave them alone with the wrapping paper which can be a choking hazard," says Attorney General Jack Conway.
So track the recalls, and most importantly, use common sense. Because your Christmas story is up to you.
For more information:
Attorney General Jack Conway's website at: http://ag.ky.gov/
Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov/
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