| |
Toys are the treasures of childhood, but they must be chosen with care. But are
toys really hazardous?
Here are some tips\suggestions to help you choose safe toys and keep playtime a
safe, fun time.
When Buying Toys
-
Read and follow the age label, warnings, safety messages and assembly
instructions for the toy. Look for safety information such as “Not recommended
for children under 3 years of age”, or “non toxic”
-
Choose carefully. Look for good design and quality construction in the toys you
buy.
-
Look for sturdy, well-made toys. Watch out for toys that have sharp edges,
small parts, or sharp points.
-
Avoid toys that produce extremely loud noises.
-
Buy toys that suit the child’s age, interest, and abilities.
-
Look for toys that are well put together.
-
Avoid toys with cords that are long enough to wrap around a child’s neck,
especially stretchy cords- the cords could strangle a child.
-
Remember that toys for older children may not be safe for younger children
Note: Check home-made toys for all of the same hazards listed here.
-
Look for name and address of the manufacturer and keep it for future reference.
Choking Hazards:
-
Children under three years of age tend to put things in their mouths - small
toys, small balls or small loose toy parts are choking hazards for these
children
-
Check squeeze toys for loose or removable squeakers
-
Check toy cars and trucks for loose or removable wheels, tires or other small
parts
-
Check the eyes, nose and other small items on stuffed and plush toys to make
sure they cannot be pulled off
-
Check that infant toys like rattles and teethers are large enough that they
won't get stuck in an infant's throat
Proper Use of Toys- After Buying Toys
-
Always supervise children and teach them how to use toys safely
-
Promptly remove and discard all toy packaging such as plastic bags and plastic
wrap, foam, staples and ties - these can suffocate or choke a child
-
Check the instructions and explain to the child how to use the toy.
-
Keep all toys, especially plush and soft toys, away from heat sources like
stoves, fireplaces and heaters - they could catch fire and burn a child
-
Check toys periodically for broken parts and potential hazards. A dangerous toy
should be repaired immediately or thrown away. Check outdoor toys for rust and
weak or sharp parts that could become hazardous.
-
Teach children to put their toys at proper place so the toys do not get broken
and so that no one tips and falls on them.
Toy Storage
-
Store toys and games for older children separate from those for younger
children
-
Use a toy box without a lid, or one with a lightweight lid that will not fall
on a child
-
Toy shelves are another storage possibility. Open shelves allow the child to
see favorite toys and return them to the shelf after play. Be sure the shelf is
sturdy and won’t tip over if the child climbs on it.
Extra Care for Toddlers toys
Choose toys for very young children with extra care. Playthings that are safe
for older children can be hazardous to little ones. Keep in mind that toddlers
trip and fall easily, and that, with infants, “everything goes into the mouth.”
When choosing a toy for a toddler or infant, make sure it:
-
Is too large to be swallowed.
-
Does not have detachable pieces that can lodge in the windpipe, ears or
nostrils.
-
Will not break easily, leaving jagged edges.
-
Has no sharp edges or points.
-
Has not been put together with easily exposed pins, wires, staples, or nails.
-
Can’t pinch fingers or catch hair.
Checklist for Evaluating Toys
-
Is it suited to your child’s developmental level?
-
Is your child physically ready for this toy?
-
Is the toy in good condition?
-
Does the toy have sharp, cutting edges?
-
Is the toy constructed so small parts could be removed and swallowed?
-
Will it make loud noises that can damage hearing?
-
Does it carry full information about the manufacturer- Name, address, and
necessary warnings etc.
More on Making Play Safe
-
Keep small household items like broken crayons, coins, paper clips, pen caps,
jewellery, hair clips, screws, buttons, keys, gum, etc. out of the reach of
children under three years of age - these items are common causes of choking
-
Decorations and collectibles can have loose small parts that could choke, or
sharp parts that could cut - keep them out of children's reach
Raj Kumar
|
|