Toy Safety

Buying age appropriate toys to reduce the risk of introducing toys in which the child can handle safely. There are some small toys that may be choking hazards. For example, make sure balls is large enough that it cannot fit in their mouths to prevent choking (larger than 1.75 in diameter). Families with children in different age groups; toys must be stored away from younger children to avoid any misuse. It may not be easy, but it will save a lot of headaches down the road.

2. Become more knowledgeable on how certain toys can affect your health. Some plastic toys are made with phthalates, which makes them soft and flexible. Plastics and the chemicals that they are composed of phthalates can have an effect on our health. There have been studies around links to asthma and behavioral issues as children grow up. 

Chemical in toys that does not contain phthalates or if it’s marked for recycling, avoid ones marked with recycle #3 or the letter V.

For more information: http://www.center4research.org/toys-r-dangerous-need-know-childrens-products-recalls/

Visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Web site at cpsc.gov and the manufacturer and retailer where the toy was purchased from may also have information about the recall. If the toy was recalled, immediately remove the toy from the child and reach out to CPSC or the retailer/manufacturer for more information.

Especially for toys that require assembly. This will ensure it’s properly assembled to prevent any injuries and the toy will be used as it was intended for.

There are all kinds of toys that may not fit your liking. Parents sometimes purchase toys and end up returning them when do they not spend time researching or reading the label description. There are toys that requires water, paint, nail polish or even make-up which can be messy and not appropriate for your child. Toys with strings or cords can become entangled causing injury or worse, or even death. Make sure it’s kept away from cribs and not accessible for young children.

It may be tempting to purchase used toys since its much cheaper, but there are risks involved such as the condition it’s in and the toy is no longer covered under manufacturer warranty. Before purchasing used toys, it’s best to evaluate these two factors.

Toys are often abused and roughed up. Toss out any toys that are damaged beyond repair immediately. Especially those with chipped paint, and broken pieces which can be sharp and hazardous for child’s play. Toys that operate on batteries will frequently needs to be replaced or it will have batteries corrosion.   

Supervision of child’s play is essential in promoting a safer environment for children. It will also reduce improper use of toys

This will prevent any further injuries and provide the proper safety precautions when riding bikes and similar ride-on toys.

Toss all packaging materials away especially anything that can cause suffocation and avoid children from using them as toys. Kids can find large boxes (which can be dirty) for building houses and even slide down stairs which can be extremely dangerous.  

Toys should be cleaned up to avoid accidental falls