For many children, the holiday season means, among other things, toys. It is an exciting time for children and for parents as well. And toys are not only fun, but can be educational and can contribute to a child's development as well.
While the majority of toys are safe, parents need to keep safety in mind when purchasing toys and when supervising their child's play. In 2002, over 165,000 children were treated in an emergency room for toy-related injuries, some of whom suffered permanent disabilities or died from their injuries. What do parents need to do? Here are some helpful tips:
- Keep in mind that over half of toy-related injuries, and the majority of deaths, occur in children under 4, and that the main risk to these children is choking.
- Read the labeling on the toys (which is required by Federal law) which warns about choking hazards to children under 3 years. If you have any question about small parts, you can purchase a small parts tester in many stores and use it to determine if a part is a choking hazard for young children. You can also just use a cardboard toilet paper roll as a tester. If it fits inside, then it is a choking hazard.
- Choose age-appropriate toys. Consider not only the child's cognitive abilities and skills but also his maturity and capacity to handle a toy safely.
- Be sure that toys are being used correctly, as they were made to be used.
- Be sure that toys given to older children do not end up in the hands of younger siblings, especially toys which pose choking hazards.
- Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, particularly in children under 8.
- Inspect older toys for damage leading to sharp edges, choking or other potential hazards.
- Avoid toys with strings, straps, or cords longer than 7 inches. These can strangle children.
- Electrical toys are potential burn or shock hazards. Avoid them in children under 8, especially items with a heating element.
- Avoid toys that produce noises loud enough to damage children's hearing.
- Monitor toy recalls on a regular basis; the best source is the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website. Also, if you send in the registration for toys, you will often be notified directly if there is a recall.
- Riding toys cause more accidents than any other toy. Be sure that children wear proper safety equipment, especially helmets when riding bikes, skates, skateboards, and scooters. Supervise them, and be sure they avoid riding near stairs, swimming pools, and streets.
- Do not allow children to ride motorized vehicles on streets.
Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.
