Why is toy safety important?
Toys can be dangerous, leading to hundreds of thousands of injuries each year to children age 14 or younger. There are straightforward ways to make sure that the toys kids are playing with are safe to use and appropriate for their age. Whether you’re a parent yourself or you’re trying to figure out a holiday gift for a child you know, taking these steps can help reduce the number of toy-related injuries, and it can give peace of mind to whoever gifts toys to children.
Checklist for safe toys for kids:
Check for choking hazards
Little kids will put things in their mouths, and toys with small parts are choking hazards. One, quick rule of thumb: If the toy or any of its parts can fit through an empty toilet paper roll, it can be swallowed. Their eyes are sewn on, so buy dolls or stuffed animals with sewn-on eyes; plastic eyes have a tendency to pop off. Also, look out for games with little pieces. These games are amazing for older kids, but present a potential threat for younger, curious siblings.
Be cautious with batteries
Batteries are built with chemicals that can kill. Ensure that batteries are sealed inside the toy — in the case of a battery that has to go behind a compartment that can be opened only with a screwdriver — and that they can’t get loose. Watch out for things like remote controls or musical greeting cards that may have button batteries inside of them. If you buy a toy that takes batteries but give it without also including a pack of batteries — in the package with what a child will unwrap. Instead, deliver the battery package to the child’s parent or guardian.
Ride safely
And if you are getting any riding toy for a child of any age, be sure that skateboarder has a helmet on and knee and elbow pads, as well. Children younger than 8 years should be supervised closely, and should use the toys only on dry, flat surfaces and away from traffic. Round 2- Riding Toy – What to Look For Check age and weight recommendation: Make sure you have an age and weight recommendation that is suitable for the child.
Assist in preparing toys for kids
Weekend Reads: Many toys come with small parts, tags or string. Many of these parts are ingestible or pose a hazard. That is why toys should be unwrapped before children are allowed to play with them. Ensure that every piece of packaging goes straight to a secure trash bin. Do not allow small children to remove their own toys from packaging. While the typical older child might be able to handle this, they might leave small parts of the packaging behind that could pose a danger to a younger sibling or other young family member.
Take note of toy labels and age suggestions
The labels and instructions on the toys can indicate whether it is a safe toy for kids. Many toys also specify a recommended age range. If you are buying for a child under 14 make sure the recommended age of the child you are buying for falls within the recommended range listed on the toy packaging. Overall, reading labels and instructions can prevent injuries and provide usage instructions.
