Toy Safety

It’s that time of year again.  The trees are decorated.  The tinsel and stockings are hung.  Presents are wrapped and neatly placed under the tree.  Children want all kinds of presents.  What kind of presents are safe and age appropriate?  Here are some gift buying tips from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Stuffed toys should be washable.
• Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint.
• Art materials should say nontoxic.
• Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that they’ve been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
• Steer clear of older toys, even hand-me-downs from friends and family

            For infants, toddlers and preschoolers

o   Look for toys that are sturdy enough to withstand pulling and twisting.

o   Make sure squeeze toys, rattles, and teethers are large enough that they won’t become lodged in a child’s mouth or throat.

o   Avoid toys with cords or long strings, which could present strangulation hazards.

o   Avoid thin plastic toys that might break into small pieces and avoid jagged edges that could cut.

o   Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are 1.75 inches in diameter or less because they present choking hazards.  

For grade-schoolers

o   Always provide the proper safety gear when purchasing items such as a bicycle, scooter, skateboard and inline skates.

o   Nets should be well constructed and firmly attached to the rim so they don’t become strangulation hazards.

o   Toy darts or arrows should have soft tips or suction cups at the end, not hard points.

o   Toy guns should be brightly colored so they cannot be mistaken for real weapons, and kids should be taught to never to point darts, arrows or guns at anyone.

o   BB guns or pellet rifles should not be given to kids under the age of 16.

o   Electric toys should be labeled UL, meaning they meet safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories. 

Keeping toys safe at home is also an important process.  By making sure kids know how to use them and what not to do with them is vital.  Here are some tips parents can take to teach their kids how to play safely.

o   Teach kids to put toys away.

o   Check toys regularly making sure they are not broken or unusable.

o   Keep toys clean to prevent germs from spreading causing illness.

o   Throw away broken toys or repair them as soon as possible.

o   Store outdoor toys when they are not in use so that they are not exposed to rain or snow. 

If you suspect a toy is unsafe, it is important to report them.  The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has the latest information about toy recalls and a hotline to report a toy you think is unsafe.  For more information contact the hotline number (800) 638-CPSC or visit their website www.cpsc.gov.  Healthy Holidays from our Health Department family to your family.