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Toy
Safety Article: The information you need to make safe toy choices and
valuable tips on what you as parents and caregivers
can do to protect
your children from unsafe toys!
Safety Christmas Toys Tips
By Ron King
As the holidays approach, many of us are planning gifts for our
loved ones. If you have a toddler on your gift list, you need to make
sure the toys you buy are safe and appropriate for the child's age.
Consider The Skill Level Of The Child
Check the packaging to make sure the toy you are buying is
appropriate for your tot's age and ability. A game that is meant for a
5-year-old can be perplexing for a 3-year-old. Also, check out the
instructions. If you can't understand them, then a child probably won't
be able to figure out how the toy works either.
Check Safety
Safety is something you should always check. Small parts can be a
safety risk. Parts small enough to fit easily into a toddler's mouth
can be a choking danger. This may seem to be an unlikely problem when
you're looking at that ideal toy, but remember, small children and
infants automatically put items in their mouths.
Check For Attachments
Stuffed animals are ideal for small children, but make sure they are
safe for your tot by looking at the construction of the toy. Are the
eyes, nose, and other small features fastened on tightly? If not
tightly secured, these items can come off when a child inevitably puts
it in their mouth.
Are There Any Sharp Edges?
Toys with a sharp edge can be a potential safety hazard for a
toddler. A child walking or running with such a toy can fall and be
injured by it. Again, toddlers like to put things in their mouths, so a
sharp-edged toy could cut their lips, gums or tongues.
Are There Electrical Or Heating Units?
Only children over 8 years old should receive electric toys with
heating elements. Don't be tempted to buy these for a younger child
just because they're a bargain and would be fun to play with. When
children are playing unsupervised, a toy with an electrical heating
element can be hazardous.
Has The Toy Been Recalled?
Before setting out on going shopping, find out what toys have been
recalled. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can tell you if a
toy has been recalled that could pose a serious safety threat to your
tot. You can call toll-free (800) 638-2772. You might be surprised to
find out that some of the leading toy makers have recalled toys. It
would be a good idea while you're at it to check older toys your child
already has to be sure they're not on the recall list. The CPSC website
will tell you what to do if a toy you have is on the recall list.
Remove Dangerous Packaging
Check for those twist-ties that keep toys secure in their packages.
They keep the toy looking good on the shelf, but they become a danger
when the toy is removed from the package. Even if your toddler's toys
don't have these, check older sibling's toys for them. They need to be
properly removed to avoid any danger to a younger child. On Christmas
morning, you can eliminate a suffocation hazard to your tot by
immediately throwing away all plastic wrappings from the toys.
Research Is Essential
Toys and games that are creative are almost impossible to resist
when you have a special toddler in mind. You can help keep the holidays
happy and safe for your toddler by doing your research before you buy.
For more information, see Safe Toys. See more info at Safety Toys. Ron King is a web developer; visit his website Writers WebSite.
Copyright 2007 Ron King. This article may be reprinted if the resource box is left intact and the links live.
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