We have the M&D Dino magnets, and they have survived for 4 years and two kids, including a current 10mo who likes to treat them as chew toys. Very little degradation of the image and none of the magnet gone. (The magnet on these is a thinner sheet that covers the whole back, so its not really a swallowing hazard anyway unless a piece broke off, and I don't see how it could do that through normal use. Even if it did, the magnets aren't very strong.)

Assuming the letter magnets are the same as the dinos, they're fine.

DS (11 months) dropped one of his (the animal ones) in the dog's water bowl. As I dried it with the kitchen towel, the colors on it were definitely rubbing off. He hasn't really tried to put them in his mouth but if your LO is doing it regularly, I wouldn't buy these.

We have some magnets made by Djeco that have the magnet covering the entire back of the shape, rather than little magnets that could be swallowed. Also, the image is applied thermally so the paint doesn't come off. Excellent Amazon reviews.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O1379G/ref=oh_details_o00_s03_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Isn't all their stuff made in China?

I would advise against getting magnets until your child grows out of that phase. If he still puts things in his mouth, magnets can be very dangerous if swallowed. Paint is the least of your worries. We have the Melissa and Doug Dinosaur and Letter magnets but my son is much older and I don't think we got them until he was at least 2-2.5.

Wait a little bit. No need to rush to get them.

Do you have some reason to believe the amazon reviewers are lying?

I want to get fridge magnets for my 15 month old, but he still puts things in his mouth.

I am looking at getting these: http://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/melissa-doug-reg-letters-and-numbers-magnetic-bundle/1041089668?Keyword=magnets (I have a gift certificate to BuyBuyBaby). But, I read reviews on Amazon that the paper/paint comes off pretty easily if your toddler still puts things in their mouths. If you have these, have you found this to be true?

Thanks!