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Toy Safety Tips

Published: Sunday, October 26, 2008

We all want our children to have a great holiday season, which usually means toys and lots of them. With the holidays right around the corner, take a minute to brush up on some toy safety tips that keep your family safe. The following tips include choking hazards, general safety and age appropriate gifts. Also, these are great tips for grandparents and caregivers as well as anyone else giving a gift for your child.

When shopping this holiday season make sure you keep the following in mind as you pick the perfect gift for that special boy or girl on your list. 

• Before shopping for toys, consider the child’s age, interest and skill level.
• When shopping, read labels. Look for well-made toys and follow age and safety information on the warning labels.
• Keep toys with small parts away from children under age 3. They can choke on small toys and toy parts.
• Carefully read instructions for the assembly and use of toys.
• Always remove and discard all packaging from a toy before giving it to a baby or small child.
• Supervise children when they play, and set good examples of safe play. A toy intended for an older child may be dangerous in the hands of a younger child.
• Remind caregivers, including grandparents, of play-related safety concerns.
• Separate and store toys by age levels. Teach children to put toys away after playing. Safe storage prevents falls and other injuries.
• Check old and new toys regularly for damages such as sharp edges or small parts. Make any repairs immediately or throw away damaged toys.

 

As we know, small children love to put things in their mouths. Make sure you keep the following tips in mind as your children play. Again, tell your caregivers and especially grandparents of the risk of choking hazards.

• Read age and safety labels. Toys that are labeled for children 3 years and older should be kept away from children under age 3. These toys may have small parts and could cause choking if placed in the mouth.
• Keep un-inflated balloons and broken balloon pieces away from children.
• Small, rounded and oval objects (such as balls and marbles) easily can fit into a child’s mouth and throat. These pose a choking hazard.

 

Another great tip is making sure you are buying age appropriate toys. This is a list of a few ideas for each age group.

Age Group	Suggested Toy Ideas
Newborns to 1 year	Floor activity centers Squeaky toys Soft dolls or stuffed animals (make sure there are no added pieces i.e. eyes, nose, as this is a choking hazard) Crib gyms
1 to 3 years	Push and pull toys Soft blocks Large blocks Books
3 to 5 years	Pretend toys (play money, play groceries, play cash register, play telephone) Outdoor toys (tricycle with helmet) Stuffed animal or dolls For 5 to 9 years Dolls and action figures Non-toxic art supplies Puppets Arts and craft projects For 9 to 14 years Model kits (check for age appropriate) Board games Sports equipment Hand held electronic games

Again, make sure you are checking for choking hazards and age appropriate games and toys. Also, make sure you are aware of toy recalls or game recalls. This season be more aware of possible hazards to your children and have a happy and safe holiday!

Resources
www.safekids.org