I went shopping for new toys for my 2 year old granddaughters the other day and was absolutely appalled by the choice of unhealthy toddler toys readily available for our children. I was so disgusted by the vast selection of unhealthy baby toys I felt I needed to vent here, both for myself and for those of you who want to leave comments at the end of the post.

It's risky enough that we adults are bombarded on a daily basis with sneaky marketing tactics meant to brainwash and instigate hyper-consumerist tendencies, but so many of the ploys intended to hook kids through their toys is just plain wrong! We as adults can at least detect the rouse. We may still partake, but we have the decision making skills and (for the most part) the capacity to decipher when we are being catered to for our betterment or our harm. Our children simply don't have that skill; which is why it is up to us to cut out the destructive baby toys.

One flagrant violator was the McDonald's McKids toy line. Within the french fry and burger cases, the backpack, and the kitchen structure were several dozen mini milkshakes, burgers, fries, and cookies. I can't blame the McDonald's corporation for trying to profit and let's be honest, they would not sell these toys if people didn't buy them; but we have to realize that this is how our youngsters distinguish the logo and affiliate the golden arches with fun as a juvenile. This type of brand recognition marketing will maintain the obesity rate at a steady incline until we as role models stand up and take the issue into our own hands and begin to say no to unhealthy child's toys.

I also saw a donut shop toy set...yup, donuts. Let's face it, any child that recognizes custard filled donuts and iced mocha the inside of the store is destined for cavities and diabetes... and that's the most positive scenario.

Like I said, I can't blame these billion dollar corporations for doing what they do first. We already know what they're all about. We know that for the most part they are cold, methodical, profit machines that will do whatever is necessary to ensure their fiscal well-being. Building unhealthy habits in our children only helps their future bottom line.

It is up to us to educate and inform our children so that these marketing firms that are successfully initiating brand recognition at such an early age do not continue on to feed the unhealthy baby habits that feed into the childhood obesity epidemic through unhealthy toys for our children and babies. They will continue to fabricate and market these toys to our children, but we need to keep in mind that the authority is always in our hands to say NO!

We can stop purchasing these unhealthy toys for our children and help our children form healthy habits; or we can continue down the same path. Let our children be influenced by people who don't care about them or their well-being. Allow them to be an additional unhealthy statistics in a growing unhealthy society. Or we can do what is right rather than what is easy. We can value our children by valuing our purchases for them. We can keep our honor by giving our children a fighting chance against the illness and dysfunction both instigated and ignored by the fast food industry. Nevertheless, it all starts by what we choose to surround our children with.

The Lil' Shopper Play Set: Review Healthy Routine Forming Toys For Our Children
Before I came across the Lil' Shopper Play Set I was shocked at some of the baby toys I saw. I am a firm believer that healthy habits start at a young age, and one of the best ways to stress these healthy habits are through the toys we buy for our baby.

Early Years Lil' Shopper Play Set Is My Favorite New Baby Toy
The Early Years Lil' Shopper Play Set is a fantastic toy for your baby for many reasons. Here are just a couple of reasons why it stands head and shoulders above the crowd.

Kids Will Like A Lego Advent Calendar As Well In The Build Up To The Holidays
Why not try a Lego advent calendar this year? The advent calendar is always special as it counts down to Christmas with kids the world over trying not to get too excited as the big day nears.

Transformers Leader Optimus Prime? - This Model Is About To Become One Of The Most In-Demand Toys Of The Year.
If you have boys to buy presents for this Christmas you should check out Transformers Leader Optimus Prime.

Lego Batman Video Games On DS, Nintendo Wii Or PSP3. Looks Set To Become A Bestseller And Popular Present This Christmas.
If you are wondering what your kids are going to be playing this Christmas, the Lego Batman game is already a favorite. Kids love Lego and the fact they can combine their favorite toy with their number one super hero is a recipe for success.

Piggy Banks For Adults - Now Adults Can Enjoy Saving Money And Rediscover Their Childhood Days
Piggy banks for adults can come in many different shapes and sizes and will allow you to rediscover the joys of saving up money for that special gift or prize instead of using credit to buy it.

Shopping For Angry Birds Toys For Sale?
Unless you've been living on cloud cuckoo land you can't fail but to have noticed that the Angry Birds are dominating news in so many ways at the moment - but where do you find the angry birds toys for sale?