Do you let your kids actually drink out of a plastic tea set? My husband thinks they aren't made to actually use and that they could have lead paint if they are made in china! What do you think?
Just wanted to add... this is basically the set we have (just different colors, and I can't remember which princess set). it's made by disney, and I don't see anything anywhere that says not to use them!
http://www.amazon.com/Disney-Princess-Special-Deluxe-Dinn...
I've not put any drinks in my kids tea sets , not because I have thought of a safety issue with it but because the cups are not big enough , they just pretend they have a drink
I just did a search for stainless steel tea sets and I found an adorable one on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/Pottery-Barn-Kids-Pink-Enamel-Tea-Set...
This one is WAY overpriced, but I'm sure there are cheaper ones out there if you are wanting something safe enough. Or search for a bpa free plastic one. I loved actually drinking out of my tea set, My mom would buy me ginger ale when I planned a party. Oh I miss the good times.
**** Oh I just saw this on overstock.com!!
http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Tin-Tea-Set-and-Trav...
I want a little girl now. . .
It's possible your husband is right. According to the new CSPIA law, everything has to be lead free for children under the age of 12, but things still keep getting through. Often times, the box the set came in or underside of cup will say not for food, for decoration and 'pretend' only, and other times it will state that is is food safe. So it just depends on the set. If you are unsure, don't put anything hot or acidic in there, otherwise it will leach the lead into the liquid.
Yes. Never gave it a thought.
Do you have a pottery/ceramics place near you? They should have tea sets you can paint whatever color you want and add whatever decals you want, then pay for them to fire it. Thats what I had as a kid, and thats what I am going to make for my little one. Only problem is you have to supervise because it is breakable, or wait until they are a little older. (I was just really careful of mine when I was a kid). Honestly I wouldn't have given it a second though but my boyfriend would be like your husband, and come up with that idea.
On a side note, I did have a plastic tea set when I was a kid that the cups changed colors when you poured liquid in. The plastic butter knife also was temp. sensitive and appeared with jelly on it after you dipped it in the jely container (which was filled with water, not real jam). So that set was meant to be used with liquid. =)
Our doll house party place serves out of the tea sets, but they are glass. However, the large pitcher she uses for the adults is the hard plastic colored ones. I never gave it much thought, but bet he is right. Probably better to just pretend.
We had a tea party last night with my 3 daughters and we used water in the teapot and had mini-cupcakes as our snack. My 5 year old would be extremely disappointed if I didn't let her pour the "tea." It is a rite of passage in our house.
They're made for children to use, but safety is another thing. This would be a great thing for you to google. When I look for tea sets for my granddaughters, I tend to look for non-plastic ones and check all the consumer reviews online.
I think as long as you only use water and not anything remotely acidic, it should be fine. You aren't drinking a gallon and you aren't letting it sit for hours on end.
We had many different tea sets around here. We had plastic, ceramic, pottery, metal, and more... We only drank water and only when I said it was okay.
LBC
Yes use them. Mine have always used theirs. Just because they're made in China doesn't mean they're not safe. If they weren't safe they would have been recalled. Have your husband check to see if there's a recall on them to calm his nerves. As long as they're not leaking they're fine.
K. B
mom to 5 including triplets
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I used to love drinking out of my tea set when I was a kid! My little sister and I would make brownies or muffins in my easy-bake, then we would have kool-aid for tea! Some of my favorite childhood memories with her! :)
I wouldn't, just to be safe, unless you contact the manufacturer and ask.
You could always get a home lead test kit at the grocery store and test it.There is no rigorous testing done on children's products and just because it hasn't been recalled doesn't mean that it is safe.
Ikea makes a darling tea/coffee set that is ceramic and has been tested and is safe for food. Here's the link: http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90130163
