Safe Toys for Tots: Five Tips for Giving

It's been a rough year for toy makers who have tried to cut corners by using toxic materials in manufacturing. Thousands of kids suffer toy related injuries every year. So how do we know what toys are safe?

The American Academy of Pediatricians offers guidelines for safe toy giving:

1. Avoid toxic items like small batteries, toxic paint or other materials that can cause poisoning.
2. Choose something that is solidly constructed. If it wobbles or has loose parts before you get it home, imagine it in the hands of a child. Eyes on stuffed animals should be secure. Seams should be tight. Avoid loose ribbons or anything that can result in strangulation.
   
3. Avoid things that shoot projectiles and make shrill noises. Protect children's eyesight, hearing and your sanity by not choosing these types of toys.
4. Choose large toys - too large to fit into a child's mouth, ears or nose. Look at a toy and think of the worst possible scenario. If you can think it, they can do it. Don't buy it if images of calling 911 dance into your head.
5. Hobby kits, chemistry kits and items with multiple parts are for children older than 12 and be prepared to supervise them. If you don't have the bandwidth to supervise their use of glue that could splash into their eyes, resulting in a trip to the ER, don't buy it.

Happy holiday hunting. Remember, if your kids are playing safely and contentedly, you get to relax and read a book, surf the internet, or watch the Lakers lose to the Warriors.

Thank you alexthompson for use of photo.

Labels: holiday shopping, safe toys

Permalink | Email Post