Toy Safety Tips
During the holiday
season as during the rest of the year, it is important to put safety
first when purchasing toys. Taking
the time to choose the safest toys and gifts will help to keep your
holiday memories happy.
Product
Alerts | Choosing
Toys | Things to Avoid | After
Opening Gifts
Choosing Toys
- Make sure that gifts are not recalled toys or
children’s products. Check the Consumer Product Safety
Commission’s website www.cpsc.gov
(exit DHS)
for more information.
- Be a label reader. Look for the letters
“ASTM.” This means the product meets the national safety standards
set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- Choose washable toys. Many
stuffed toys can trigger asthma and allergy attacks as they are a
common source for dust mites and other substances. To find asthma
friendly toys, look for the asthma and allergy friendly™
certification logo.
- Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills,
and interest level of the intended child. Look for sturdy
construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential
small parts.
- For all children under age eight, avoid toys that
have sharp edges and points.
Things to Avoid
-
Magnets
– For children under age six,
avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries
and/or death can occur.
- Small Parts – For children younger than
age three, avoid toys with small parts.
Young children tend to put toys in their mouths which can cause
choking.
- Ride-on Toys – If you are giving riding
toys, skateboards and in-line skates, you should provide
properly-sized helmets and other safety gear.
- Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such
as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper
use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
- Imported Toys – Give careful consideration to giving toys
imported from countries with less strict manufacturing standards. Many
have been found to contain lead which can harm children.
For more information,
visit the product recall alerts about toys and other products that contain
dangerous amounts of DHS lead website.
- Chargers and Adapters – Charging
batteries should be supervised by adults. Battery chargers and
adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
- BB guns - BB guns should not be considered
toys. Children require proper safety lessons on BB guns just like with
other guns.
After Opening Gifts
- Promptly
and properly dispose of plastic wrappings and other gift wrapping to
avoid choking and suffocation.
- Keep toys appropriate for older children away
from younger siblings or neighbors.
- Pay attention to instructions and warnings on
toys and batteries.
- Repair or throw away damaged toys.
- Make a list of safety rules with your child, and
be sure to share them with all children playing with your child.
Last Revised:
March 12, 2013 |
