Toy Safety
/Toy Safety Tips
With the holiday season just around the corner here are some Toy Safety Tips to keep in mind as you shop for toys this season.
When shopping for second-hand toys – or if you receive them from friends or relatives - be savvy about their safety. Check the CPSC’s homepage, www.cpsc.gov , for a list of recalled toys that you can search by product.
Make sure your child’s toys are appropriate for her age. Read the label for information on appropriate ages. Show your child how to use the toy properly.
Do not buy toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause eye injuries and choking.
Avoid very loud toys because they can cause hearing damage.
Choose stuffed toys that are well-made, with tight and secure edges and seams. Take off any loose string or ribbons to avoid a child becoming strangled. Be sure the stuffing is not made of small bean-like pellets or other material that children could choke or suffocate on if swallowed.
Look for the word nontoxic when buying toy and art supplies.
When buying electrical toys, look for the label “UL Approved” and be sure to select toys recommended for your child’s age.
Teach your child to put toys away when he is done playing, so no one will trip over or fall on them.
Choose bath toys that can handle being exposed to the water for long periods of time and won’t fall apart or mildew.
Broken and uninflated balloons are a choking hazard.
Avoid toys made with lead-based paint.
Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!