Toy Safety For All Children At Home

Toy safety is no amusing matter.  The U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission stated in 2010, more than 250,000 children visited the emergency room for toy-related injuries. Innocent toys that might seem appropriate are presenting safety issues and pose risk being made with toxic chemicals. So how do you know if a toy your child is playing with is safe? Here are some guidelines when choosing toys.

Avoid Toxic Toys.

Some parents find toys labeled age-appropriate for their child, but are buying toys made with toxic chemicals that could potentially harm their child. When manufacturers make toys, most use phthalates (plasticizers), used for making toys durable and flexible. Action figures and dolls could contain chemicals such as, cadmium, lead, mercury or arsenic, which are all dangerous for your child.

Avoid Strings.

I like to limit any toy that has a string, as it could be dangerous for any small child, causing strangulation. Be vigilant of mobiles and hanging toys in crib once your child can climb up on their hands and knees. Also, look around the house to see if there is any toy phones or toys with cords that could be dangerous.

Age-Appropriate.

Toys produced by manufacturers are required to have an “age-appropriate” sticker, which tells parents the maturity level of a toy. Toys that may be suitable for older children aren’t suitable for a toddler, no matter what. They wouldn’t be suitable for a toddler that is 3, who still puts things in their mouth.

Be Physically Ready.

Parents have a tendency to buy toys that are older for the child so their able to be “challenged.” When this happens, serious risk could pose, leaving a parent fully responsible. If your child is ready for a bike, make sure you buy the right size. Serious injuries could result in children riding a bigger bike than what their physical skills can control.

Avoid Magnets.

These are the most dangerous when one or more is swallowed as they could be attracted to each other by twisting intestines, causing holes, infections and blockages in the body.

Avoid Balloons.

Even though most children love to bounce and chase balloons, stay clear of these, as they are one of the main causes of toy-related choking fatalities in children. If ingested, they form a tight seal in the airway, making it impossible to breathe.