Submitted by tony on March 7, 2008 - 8:47pm.
With
the recent lead paint and other toy scares from manufacturers overseas, it can
be mighty scary trying to decide what toys are safe for children. And those
fears don't lessen when you hear that the United
States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are about
150,000 toy-related accidents
and injuries in any given year. From sharp edges to flammable products and
everything in between, you might feel that it's just best to have your toddlers
play with a large Nerf ball in the middle of a padded room. Luckily, you don't
have to be that extreme. Follow these tips to help ensure that the toys you
choose are at least somewhat safe for your small children.
- Look at the recommendations on the packaging. Toy
manufacturers put recommendations
on their toy packages for a reason. If you see "Not intended for ages 3 and
below," it's a pretty safe bet that the toy is unsafe for small children. It
might have small parts that young ages like to put in their mouth. This could
lead to choking or other serious problems. Take the suggestions on the packages
seriously.
- Choose the toys carefully. Don't just pick out toys that you think
will be fun for your children. Give them a thorough examination before you buy
them. If you have time at home, research them on the Internet before buying
them. Read consumer reviews on sites like Amazon.com
and others to see if other parents have reported any problems with the toys you
want to buy. The Internet is a great way to find out if the toys you are
considering are safe for your child's age.
- Consider every child in the household. Buying one of your older
children a chemistry set or other toys that are designed for their age group is
great, but remember that the younger children in the house might also get their
hands on it. Be mindful of this when making your purchasing decision. If you're
in doubt, consider something safer. It's always better to err on the side of
caution rather than waiting until a bad accident happens.
- Supervise your children as they play. Toy safety isn't just about they children
and the toys. It's also about being a responsible parent by supervising them
while they play. Even toys that are considered safe can be dangerous in the
hands of some children. That's why it's important to learn to "anticipate"
accidents so you can prevent them from happening.
- Teach responsibility with toys. Teach your children that toys come with a
certain amount of responsibility. They are to be used for their intended
purpose and those purposes only. Also, teach them to put their toys away when
they are done playing with them. Even the safest of all toys can turn into a
"death trap" if left on a staircase or somewhere else where they can be tripped
over.
- Look for quality and durability. Everybody wants a bargain, but that has no
place when buying toys for children. Look for sturdy construction and quality
when deciding
which toys to buy. Cheap toys can break easily and, as a result, have sharp
and jagged edges. In a matter of seconds, cheap toys can provide a few minutes
of fun to becoming a weapon. Be prepared to spend a few extra dollars to ensure
peace of mind and safety.
- Avoid the following potential dangers:
- Sharp edges
- Loud noises that could damage hearing
- Small parts
- Sharp points
- Projectiles
- Electric wires
- Age inappropriateness
- Poor construction
It's
almost impossible to find the "perfect toy." With a child's imagination and
curiosity, many toys can become dangerous objects in a matter of seconds.
Following the above precautions can help solve some of the safety issues that
parents have about choosing the ideal toys for their children. But being a
responsible and proactive parent by teaching responsibility is also important.
Check out our post especially for new dads.
