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Toy Safety Guidelines
According to the most recent
data compiled by the Consumer Products Safety Commission,
there were 21 toy-related deaths to children and 150,000
injuries (1995 figures). So parents and other adults obviously
must be safety experts and examine toys carefully for
dangerous components. Also, youngsters model their behavior
on adults around them and learn safe play habits from
grown-ups. Taking care of toys makes them safer to play
with, but it also teaches children responsibility. The
tips below may help you when choosing and maintaining
toys for the children in your life.
•
Follow recommended age ranges found on toy packaging.
These ranges are developed because of safety and developmental
issues.
• Look for other package warnings such as "small
pieces," "toxic," or "requires supervision."
• For children under age three, avoid toys with
small parts, sharp points or rough edges.
• Check for sturdy, well-sewn seams on stuffed
animals and dolls. Be sure the eyes, noses and other
decorations can1t be bitten or pulled off.
• Look for labels such as "machine washable"
and "surface washable" and, on electric toys,
"UL [Underwriters Laboratories] Approved."
• To prevent a child from becoming trapped or pinching
fingers, purchase toy storage that has a removable lid
or a hinge that allows the top to remain open.
• Supervise the use of balloons with any child
under the age of six.
• Remove and discard all packaging from a toy before
allowing a small child to play with it.
If
you feel you have an unsafe toy at home, call 1-800-929-TOYS
or report it to the Consumer Product Safety Commission
in Washington, D.C. at 1-800-638-2772.
Toy Safety Tips
Toy safety should be an
important part of the decision-making when it's time
to buy toys for children. Consider the following guidelines
when choosing a toy.1. The toy should be DURABLE, made
of strong materials that can withstand chewing.2. Infants
and small children tend to put things in their mouths.
Rattles with long handles shaped like a lollipop pose
the potential for choking. They do NOT pass U.S. safety
regulations. Be sure everything you give a child is
safe enough to go into the mouth.
3. Any toy given to children under age 3 should be free
of small parts that they might put in their mouths and
choke on. Check the eyes, noses, and other small parts
on stuffed toys and dolls to be sure they can't be ripped
off the toy and end up in a child1s mouth.
4. Detachable doll clothes are not suitable for children
under age 3. And any doll clothes should be made of
a flame-resistant material such as polyester. (Cotton
is flammable.) Stuffed toys should be filled with a
soft, pure stuffing. If you are unsure of the type of
fabric, call the manufacturer before making the purchase.
Most toy companies have an 800 number printed directly
on the package.
5. Toys shouldn't have jagged edges or sharp pieces
that can prick a finger or injure any other part of
the body.
6. Loud musical toys or other loud toys can damage a
child's hearing if used for an extended period of time.
7. Video toys or toys that shoot objects can endanger
the eyes, so adults should monitor any use of these
toys to keep situations safe.
8. Electrical toys and toys with corroded batteries
can cause harmful or fatal injury so adults should supervise
the use of these toys and explain the potential dangers
to children.
9. All firearms, B.B. guns, slingshots, bows with arrows,
and motorized vehicles, regardless of size, are not
toys. If children want to use them they should wear
protective gear and be supervised by adults or they
may suffer severe injury or even death.
10. All painted toys, toys to develop art ability, and
toys containing liquids should be NON-TOXIC. If not,
don't buy them.Happy Toy Shopping!
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