 Toy
Safety
How
can I be sure I am buying toys that are safe for my child?
Children
can have a lot of fun playing with their toys. However, it’s important
to keep in mind that safety should always come first. Each year thousands
of children are injured by toys. Read on to learn what to look for when buying
toys and how a few simple ideas for safe use can often prevent injuries.
How to
prevent injuries
Most injuries
from toys are minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. However, toys can cause serious
injury or even death. This happens when toys are dangerous or used in the
wrong way.
Tips for buying toys
Here are 10 tips to help
you choose safe and appropriate toys for your child.
- Read the label.
Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what
ages the toy is safe for. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the
right way.
-
Think
LARGE.
Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child’s mouth to
prevent choking.
-
Avoid
toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries
or choking.
-
Avoid
toys that are loud to prevent damage to your child’s hearing.
-
Look
for stuffed toys that are well made. Make sure all the parts are on
tight and seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable.
Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Avoid toys
that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or
suffocation if swallowed.
-
Buy
plastic toys that are sturdy. Toys made from thin plastic may break
easily.
-
Avoid
toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning. Make sure the
label says “nontoxic.”
-
Avoid
hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years. They
can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make
sure your older child knows how to safely handle these kinds of toys.
-
Electric
toys should be “UL Approved.” Check the label to be sure.
-
Be
careful when buying crib toys. Strings or wires that hang in a crib
should be kept short to avoid strangulation. Crib toys should be removed
as soon as your child can push up on his hands and knees.
Gift ideas by age
Age recommendations on toys can be helpful because they offer guidelines on
the following:
-
The
safety of the toy (for example, if there any possible choking hazards)
-
The
ability of a child to play with the toy
-
The
ability of a child to understand how to use a toy
-
The
needs and interests at various levels of a child’s development
Important information
about recalled toys
One of the goals of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is to protect
consumers and families from dangerous toys. It sets up rules and guidelines
to ensure products are safe and issues recalls of products if a problem is
found. Toys are recalled for various reasons including unsafe lead levels,
choking or fire hazards, or other problems that make them dangerous. Toys
that are recalled should be removed right away. If you think your child has
been exposed to a toy containing lead, ask your child’s doctor about
testing for elevated blood lead levels.
If you are not sure about
the safety of a toy or want to know if a toy has been recalled, see the CPSC
Web site (www.cpsc.gov) for photos and descriptions of all recalled toys.
Published online: 6/08
Source: A Parent's Guide to Toy Safety (Copyright © 2008
American Academy of Pediatrics)
Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby and
Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP
Bookstore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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