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Families want their holidays to be special and happy
for everyone, especially the children. You can help to ensure that
your child, close relation or the child of a neighbor stays out
of harms way by following a few simple suggestions when buying
toys and products for children.
For children under the age of 8 select toys to suit the age,
abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Look
for labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that
information as a guide. You're not doing the child a favor by buying
him or her a toy for an advanced age group. The age-appropriate
level for a toy is determined by safety factors and toys too advanced
may pose safety hazards to younger children.
For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects,
avoid toys with small parts, which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses,
car wheels and other potential small parts and avoid toys that
have sharp edges and points. It is not a good idea to purchase
electric toys with heating elements for this age group.
Toys made of fabric should say flame resistant or flame retardant
on their labels. Stuffed toys should be washable. All toys should
be painted with lead-free paint, and art materials (including crayons)
should say nontoxic somewhere on their packaging.
When buying a gift for a child over the age of 8 do not forget
to buy safety equipment. Bike helmets and other recommended safety
equipment protects against injuries. Look for toys with suction
cups or soft tips. Toys with sharp points could cause facial injuries
(especially eyes) if thrown.
If you are considering electric toys be advised that all electric
toys must meet certain safety standards for construction and wiring.
Look for labeling that states the toy is UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
approved.
Safety does not stop with these tips. After the gift is opened be sure to immediately
discard plastic wrappings on toys, which can cause suffocation, before they
become deadly playthings. Regularly inspect your child's toys to make sure
they are not broken or do not have broken seams where small removable parts
(such as squeakers in squeeze toys) could be exposed. If your child receives
an older toy (like hand-me-downs or toys purchased
used) check for sharp edges, jagged pieces, and small parts. Second hand products
might be on a recall list for safety concerns.
Consumer product safety regulations requires that toy manufacturers
follow specific labeling standards with regards to potential hazards
as it relates to choking, strangulation, noise, projectile and
toxic hazards. Be a label reader and use your best own judgment
when following the guidelines and packaging labels. Despite best
efforts, dozens of toys are still on its recall list because of
safety concerns that were realized after the toys were already
distributed to stores. To find a list of government recalls try
the web at www.recalls.gov or www.healthyvermonters.info.
To report a defective toy you can:
Call 1-800-638-2772
Go to the Web: cpsc.gov/incident.htm
Or send mail to:
Office of the Clearinghouse
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, DC 20207
Providing a safe place to play with toys and being aware of potential
dangers in toys can prove just as important as all of the safety
tips listed above. The safe purchase and supervision of toys is making
high-quality investment in a child's future learning and play. Have
a safe holiday.
Catherine Hagadorn Director of the Learning Tree at SVHC |
