The recent toy recalls have many parents wondering whether they should trust toys made in China.

More: Other Recalls, Safety Info

The reason to be concerned is clear. The Consumer Product Safety Commission conducted 61 toy recalls in 2007, 19 of which involved violations of the lead paint standard. The other recalls mainly involved magnets or other small parts that could fall off and become ingestion or choking hazards.

In 2006, by comparison, the commission had 40 toy recalls, only 2 involving lead paint.

Yet keep in mind that recalls have been done "continuously, forever," many having nothing to do with China, noted Marianne M. Szymanski, publisher of Toy Tips, a quarterly magazine and online Guide. Avoiding toys made in China would be difficult anyhow, she said.

"A billion toys in the country are from China. A lot of toys made in China are fine," she said.

With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, a top Bush administration official provided some common-sense advice for parents worried about the safety of the overwhelmingly foreign-made toys available on store shelves.

"Buy from people you trust," said Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt

In recent months, toy makers and retailers have stepped up safety measures. Mattel is testing every production run for lead paint, among other measures. Moves by Wal-Mart Stores Inc. include testing more toys in independent labs.