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eInsights - October 2009Latex Free ToysThe holiday season is near and finding the perfect gift for that beloved child can be so rewarding. Anticipating a child's joy heightens the holiday spirit. However, if you plan to give a gift to someone living with Spina Bifida, know the challenges. Children and teens with Spina Bifida cannot enjoy many mass marketed toys due to hazardous allergies to latex, a natural product from the sap of rubber trees. This means giving latex free toys. The bright side is that some toy manufacturers produce items containing latex alternatives such as silicone, plastic, and vinyl, but some stores still need to be educated. Tell toy stores about latexSince many toy store personnel are not familiar with latex allergies, use this holiday season to educate them. Ask to speak with the store manager and explain what latex allergies are. Emphasize the fact that latex allergies not only affect children with Spina Bifida but the whole family. When you visit your retailers, ask the salespeople if the items contain natural rubber latex. If they do not know, you may need to do some extra research for clarification. Make contacting manufacturers part of your process before shopping at the stores or online for your buying confidence. Change attitudesAlthough toy manufactures may see the Spina Bifida community as a small niche market that doesn’t need special attention, you can work to change that attitude by talking to the personnel at your local toy stores this holiday season. Every child deserves safe toys. The gift giving season for these special loved ones may take a little longer, but the joy on their faces will be worth it. Happy Holidays! Important links
If you would like to provide feedback, please email eInsights@sbaa.org. Want to review past eInsights stories? Visit our archive. eInsights is an electronic newsletter brought to you quarterly by the Spina Bifida Association.
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