Choose Safe Toys: Parenting Advice to Protect Kids While Playing

Kids absolutely love toys and getting your kids toys to play with is an important part of their development. With millions of different toys on the market, though, how can you be sure that all of them are safe? There are numerous reasons that toys can be dangerous to your children, most of which aren't usually brought up. Some toys may have small parts which are a chocking hazard. Toys with ribbons could be a risk for strangulation. Toy guns that fire projectiles can also be very dangerous.

As a parent, it's your job to make sure your child gets toys that are not only fun, but also safe. That's why we'll be looking at how exactly you can tell if a toy i

How to Choose Safe Toys for Your Child

Each year, the injury and death rates surrounding children hurt and killed by unsafe toys are startling.  Annually, 155,400 young children aged 14 and younger are treated at hospital emergency rooms for injuries sustained by unsafe toys, with half the injuries being in children younger than 4 years of age.

Toys are not supposed to cause injury to a child, but sadly it does happen often.  The best way to ensure your child has the right age-appropriate toys is to follow manufacturer’s guidelines and labels and to check toys regularly for broken or missing pieces, loose parts or sharp edges.  Any toy made in America, or imported into the country must comply with the guidelines set up by the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards which include the following:

• Stuffed toys must be able to be washed.
• Toys must be made of flame retardant or resistant fabric.
• Toys that have paint should contain no lead.
• Crayons and paint products for children must contain the following label: ASTM-4236, which means a certain standard of testing, has been performed.

A parent should stay away from borrowed or out-of-date toys which could contain lead, or loose or missing parts which can pose a choking or laceration hazard.  Even though it can be tempting to purchase toys from a yard sale or resale shop, it is best to also avoid purchasing these because of the chance of the toy being worn out or damaged.  Make sure if a toy contains a squeaking mechanism that it is not so obnoxiously loud that it might cause hearing damage.

Parenting Advice to Protect Kids While Playing

Always be aware of safety labels and select age appropriate toys and use proper judgment when selecting toys for your child to play with.  Consider the development, temperament and general overall behavior of a child when choosing toys and remember that each kid is developmentally unique. Sticking with toys that are labeled for the child’s developmental age will provide enjoyment and stimulation for the youngster. 

For babies, toddlers and pre-school aged children it is best to steer away from toys with long cords, small pieces, thin plastic, guns or toys that shoot or have flying parts, and always avoid marbles, coins and games with small balls or parts which can present a choking hazard.  Since young children are prone to putting everything into the mouth, it is wise to purchase a small-parts tester which will determine if an object is small enough to be swallowed and become lodged into the windpipe of a child.

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Keeping these things in mind when purchasing toys will allow a parent to make the wisest and most conscientious choice when selecting items, and helps protect the child from any possible danger.  Remember to always supervise your child when playing, always choose safe toys and check them regularly in order to make sure that parts remain intact and have no qualms about discarding questionable items as quickly as possible to avoid any accidents.