Trouble in the toy box

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Mattel announced another major recall of toys made in China, feeding international worries about the safety of products made in China. What can you do to keep your child safe?

To get the full list of toys that have been recalled, log onto the recall section of Mattel's web site or the Consumer Product Safety Commission's web site.

The company recalled 18.2 million Polly Pocket, Doggie Day Care, Batman, Barbie and One Piece toys that can shed small, powerful magnets that may harm kids.

"Sarge" die-cast miniature toy vehicles were also recalled because their paint may be toxic. Go through the toy box carefully. Keep in mind these toys were produced between May 2003 and November 2006. Those made after November 1, 2006, are not affected.

To find the model number, look on the bottom of the item. If you can't find a model number, contact Mattel at (888) 597-6597.

If you do find one of the recalled toys, take it away immediately and contact Mattel to receive a voucher for a replacement toy of the same value. Even if you don't have the original receipt, some big box retailers may be giving refunds.

The company recalled its toys for both lead paint risk and loose magnets. Experts say that lead can't be absorbed through the skin, so just touching the toy won't pose much of a health hazard.

But if your child chews on the toy and the paint is eaten away, that could be a sign your child has ingested lead. Get on the phone to your pediatrician to have a blood sample taken.

If more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnets can attract each other and cause severe problems. Request an X-ray exam if you suspect that your child has swallowed a loose magnet.

Read the packaging to find out what age child the toy is meant for. For small children, avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal choking hazard. Keep up with the CPSC's toy recall list.

And for more guidelines on toy safety, check out the American Academy of Pediatrics.