Holiday Toy Safety
Toys are an important part of holiday giving. Shopping for them during the holidays can be exciting and fun, but it can also be frustrating. There can be thousands of toys to choose from in one store, and it's important to choose the right toy for the right age child. Toys that are meant for older children can be dangerous for younger children. By always reading label and being safety conscious, parents and caregivers can help prevent toy-related injuries.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requires labels to be placed on all toys marketed for children from three to six years old if the toys pose a choking hazard to children under age three. These labels tell consumers two critical things: a toy is not safe for younger children and why it is not safe.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 120,000 children are treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries each year.
Choosing Appropriate Toys
The following tips will help you choose appropriate toys this holiday season -- and all year round:
- Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
- Avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard for infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects.
- Avoid toys that have sharp edges for all children under age eight.
- Toys with heating elements are not for children under age eight.
- Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide.
- Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.
- Check instructions for clarity.
- Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, which can cause suffocation.
By using common sense and these safety suggestions, holiday shoppers can make informed decisions when purchasing toys for children.
