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Toy Safety
 Toy
safety is not something most of us think about too much -- until
we hear of a toy safety related accident that might have been prevented.
And according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there
are about 150,000 of those every year -- many of which could have
been prevented.
Every year, about 5000 new toys come to market, and by Christmas
time, there could be in excess of 100,000 different kinds of toys
for sale across the country.
Toy safety is important at any time of year, but at Christmas,
it's even more so.
Since 1970, toy safety has been legislated, and over 1500 toys
banned from the consumer market.
In spite of this, individual toys may still be unsafe for various
reasons. Some things to look out for include:
- Sharp edges and points, especially if a toy gets broken.
- Tiny parts that could be swallowed, or end up in ears, nose or
eyes.
- Toys that make so much loud noise that they damage eardrums.
- Anything that can be propelled or create a projectile.
- Electric toys that can burn or shock a child if something goes
wrong.
Here are eight tips to help you focus on toy safety in your home:
1. When you are buying toys, get into the habit of reading the
labels. Many toys have age-appropriate recommendations. In addition,
you may not want to give a small child a toy with a label that says,
"Stuffing material may be toxic."
2. Look for name brands that are known to have quality construction
and solid design principles. Plastic is usually the best choice
for material, then wood, and finally metals.
3. If you are buying anything electrical, make sure it has the
'Underwriters Laboratories' (UL) seal on it, indicating that electrical
parts have been tested and deemed safe.
4. Read the instructions yourself, and make sure the child understands
how to play with, and care for, the toy. Talk in general terms with
your children about toy safety -- not to alarm, but to inform.
5. Check your children's toybox on a regular basis for 'preventive
medicine.' Throw away anything that's suspect!
6. Make sure the toy storage method is age appropriate and safe,
too. For example, check shelving units from time to time to make
sure they are sturdy. Make sure a toy box lid is lightweight and
can be opened and closed easily, etc. Check to see if heavy toys
are stacked on top of others.
7. Teach children to routinely put toys away appropriately so they
won't be stepped on or tripped over. (Stressing the toy safety aspect
may make it easier to gain their cooperation in this regard -- but
don't hold your breath.) ;-)
8. If you have a baby or toddler, remember that everything automatically
goes into the mouth. Make sure the child isn't playing with anything
with detachable parts, or pieces that are too small.
If you are buying toys for a child you don't know particularly
well, here are a few general guidelines for age-appropriate toys:
Babies and Toddlers. Rattles; pounding, stacking or squeaking toys;
floating tub toys, large blocks (preferably plastic); push-and-pull
toys, cloth books.
8 months-3 years. Wagons, ride-on toys or tricycles; balls, outdoor
'sandbox' or pool toys; play furniture.
3-6 years. Small trucks, cars, planes, boats; simple construction
toys; backyard gym or swing sets; dress-up outfits; art-related
supplies like coloring books or sketch pads.
7-9 years. Books, action figures, puzzles.
Don't let toy safety become an issue in your home. Educate yourself
and your children so that they can do what they're supposed to do
with toys -- have fun!
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