Toy Safety For The Holidays

As the holidays approach, many of us are getting gifts for our loved ones. If you have a tot on your gift list, you need to make sure the toys you buy are safe and appropriate for the child's age.

Check Age And Ability

Check the packaging to make sure the toy you are buying is appropriate for your toddler's age and ability. A game that is meant for a 5-year-old can be perplexing for a 3-year-old. Also, look at the directions. If you can't understand them, then a child probably won't be able to figure out how the toy works either.

Check For Hazards

Safety is something you should always check. Small parts can be a safety risk. Parts small enough to fit easily into a toddler's mouth can be a choking hazard. This may seem to be an unlikely problem when you're looking at that ideal toy, but remember, small children and infants automatically put items in their mouths. 

Check Construction

Stuffed toys are ideal for small children, but make sure they are safe for your tot by looking at the way the toy is constructed. Are the eyes, nose, and other small features fastened on tightly? If not tightly secured, these items can come off when a child  inevitably puts it in their mouth.

Are There Any Sharp Edges?

Toys with a sharp edge can be a potential safety hazard for a toddler. A child walking or running with such a toy can fall and be injured by it.  Again, toddlers like to put things in their mouths, so a sharp-edged toy could cut their lips, gums or tongues.

Any Electric Or Heating Elements?

Only children 8 years of age or over should receive electric toys with heating elements. Don't be tempted to buy these for a younger child just because they're a bargain and would be fun to play with. When children are playing unsupervised, a toy with an electrical heating element can be hazardous.

Find Out What's Been Recalled

Before setting out on your toy shopping excursion, find out what toys have been recalled. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission can tell you if a toy has been recalled that could pose a serious safety threat to your tot. You can call toll-free (800) 638-2772. You might be surprised to find out that some of the leading toy makers have recalled toys. It would be a good idea while you're at it to check older toys your child already has to be sure they're not on the recall list. The CPSC website will tell you what to do if a toy you have is on the recall list.

Remove Dangerous Packaging Immediately

Check for those twist-ties that keep toys secure in their packages. They keep the toy looking good on the shelf, but they become a hazard when the toy is removed from the package. Even if your toddler's toys don't have these, check older sibling's toys for them. They need to be properly removed to avoid any danger to a younger child. On Christmas morning, you can eliminate a suffocation hazard to your tot by immediately throwing away all plastic wrappings from the toys.

Do Your Research

Toys and games that are creative are difficult to resist when you have a special tot in mind. You can help keep the holidays happy and safe for your toddler by doing your research before you buy.