Selecting Safe Toys for Your Child

The holiday season is the time when most of the toys and games are purchased.

Here are some tips from the National Safe Kids Campaign for buying safe toys for children:

• When selecting toys, consider the child’s age, interests and skill level. Look for quality design and construction, and follow age and safety recommendations on labels.
• Consider purchasing a small parts tester to determine whether small toys may present a choking hazard to children under age 3. Small parts testers can be purchased at toy or baby specialty stores.
• Toys are frequently recalled for safety reasons. Check the National Safe Kids Campaign website www.safekids.org for updates and information on recent toy recalls.
• Use mylar balloons instead of latex to eliminate the risk of choking or latex allergy reaction.
• Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, toys that produce loud noises, and projectiles (such as darts)
• Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7 inches that may pose a risk for strangulation for young children.
• Avoid electrical toys with heating elements for children under age 8.
• Avoid cap guns that use caps that can be ignited by the slightest friction and can cause serious burns.

Other Tips to Keep Children Safe From Toy-Related Injuries

• Inspect toys regularly for damage and potential hazards such as sharp edges. Make any necessary repairs immediately, or discard damaged toys out of children’s reach.
• Supervise your children to keep them safe from toy-related injuries. Get involved and actively play with your children rather than watching from a distance.
• Make sure toys are used in a safe environment.
• Teach children to put toys away safely after playing.

Source: National Safe Kids Campaign, www.safekids.org.