Moms Voice Their Primary Concerns to Manufacturers
 |
The Giggle Guide® asked 26 moms “What is one thing you think manufacturers of children’s products should know or consider changing? Our moms stood united on their soap boxes to broadcast their chief concerns for quality, durability and safety in children’s products. Even though The Giggle Guide® knows that most manufacturers in the children’s business share the same concerns, hearing the moms’ insightful and potent message is paramount.
The Question:
Chris from Brooklyn, NY - Age 49 / Girls - 3 years & 1.5 years
“Cribs should come with a feature to elevate one end to alleviate nasal congestion due to colds. Wind shields should be integral to the design of strollers.
”
Shauna from Churchbridge, Saskatchewan - Age 29 / Girl - 17 months
“The quality and safety of the material.
”
Denise from Pleasanton, CA - Age 32 / Boys - 8 years, 6 years & 1 year
“People do not want mass produced toys that are cheaply made in China that will last for a day or two. I also don’t want noisy toys.
”
Jovie from Lancaster, CA - Age 33 / Girl - 15 months
“They need to remember that these are product for kids. They need to be safe and eco-friendly.
”
Lucy from Brooklyn, NY - Age 38 / Boy - 10 months
“At this point in time, I don’t have any suggestions.
”
Natasha from Breckenridge, CO - Age 34 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 2 years
“Make more green products.
”
Heidi from Vallejo, CA - Age 37 / Girls - 3.5 years & 1 year
“Products need to be more durable. Parents spend a lot of money for them. It’s hard to find products that last through more than one child.
”
Heather from Farmington, CT - Age 36 / Boy - 2.5 years / Girl - 8 months
“Not sure, but cheaper products would be useful.
”
Brandi from Colorado Springs, CO - Age 36 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 3 years
“Use softer materials. Children’s skin is sensitive; use products that are comfortable for them. Same goes with toys.
”
Christine from South Orange, NJ - Age 30 / Girl - 13 months
“A lot of children’s products are overpriced these days, especially clothes. These kids grow so fast! Why do we have to pay so much for something they may only wear a few times?
”
Sherrie from Truro, Nova Scotia - Age 35 / Boys - 12 years, 10 years & 10 months
“I believe that perhaps with all the recent issues with recalls that manufacturers be more aware of where products are produced and ask yourself, Would you allow your children or grandchildren to use or play with this product?”
”
Patricia from Monroe, LA - Age 45 / Boys - 6 years & 4 years / Girl - 19 months
“When they say certain items should fit or go together, then they should and stay attached.
”
Karen from Angleton, TX - Age 47 / Girls - 11 years & 9 years / Boy - 7 years
“Make toys and electonics kid tough, they should know they will be dropped and stepped on.
”
Margaret from Great Falls, MT - Age 46 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 4 years
“We can’t stand unpacking the toys from the boxes! Reduce packaging! Big Box stores should carry more educational toys for older kids. Manufacturers ought to know how to best market their goods when people are searching on the Internet.
”
Angela from McLean, VA - Age 43 / Girl - 6 years
“There really is an undercurrent of “how do I keep my child safe against bad products?” I think assuring the prospective buyer that the products sold are safe would be a good idea.
”
Patty from Nashua, NH - Age 42 / Girl - 2 years / Boys - newborn twins
“Making sure that products are completely safe.
”
Maureen from Dublin, OH - Age 43 / Girl - 2 years
“The parts and pieces should be safe, meaning, there should be absolutely no lead paint, harsh or lethal chemicals that could kill a child.
”
Danielle from Lowell, MA - Age 39 / Girl - 18 months
“Packaging for children’s products are impossible to get into. Do we need all that?
”
Michelle from Fargo, ND - Age 38 / Girl - 18 months
“Packaging – by the time you get the toy out of the package the night is over.
”
Stephanie from Culpeper, VA - Age 37 / Boy - 6 years / Girl - 2 years
“The price doesn’t always drive the purchase. If you see a child that is heartbroken because their new toy broke, that is enough to rethink your next purchase.
”
Ande from Dallas, TX - Age 26 / Girl - 4 years / Boy - 6 months
“If I could talk to the manufacturers of children’s products I would suggest that they keep with the trends and great ideas, but maintain a higher standard for safety and durability in their products.
”
Erica from Philadelphia, PA - Age 30 / Girl - 2 years / Boy - 9 months
“I think that childhood obesity is a serious problem in this country. I think that makers of children’s food products should work towards the healthiest options possible.
”
Emily from Surrey, British Columbia - Age 29 / Girl - 2 years
“Better testing standards for quality and safety!
”
Joanna from Boston, MA - Age 40 / Girl - 2 years
“Be more “green” at affordable prices.
”
Heather from Sacramento, CA - Age 35 / Boys - 6 years & 18 months
“Ease up on the flashing media crud!! Really, childhood is a dreamy time, let kids be little!
”
Katie from Big Pine, CA - Age 29 / Boys - 3 years & 8 months
“Be more age appropriate for each age group and tone down commercials that are not appropriate for all ages
”
The Wrap-up
Many moms voiced general concerns, with a few specific recommendations. Safety is by far foremost on these moms’ minds. The general consensus indicates these top priorities for manufacturers to consider:
Safety – 12 moms
Durability – 6
Eco-friendly/green – 3
More economical – 3
Better packaging – 2
More age appropriate - 2
For our next survey, The Giggle Guide® asks the moms, “What types of children’s products do you purchase locally vs. online and why?”
Let us know what you want us to ask the moms! Comment below.
