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By Ron
King
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As the holidays approach,
many of us are planning gifts for our loved ones. If you
have a toddler 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 Skill Level
Check the packaging to make
sure the toy you are buying is appropriate for your
child's age and ability. A game that is meant for a
5-year-old can be mystifying for a 3-year-old. Also,
look at the instructions. If you can't comprehend them,
then a child probably won't be able to figure out how
the toy works either. |
Check Safety
Safety is another aspect you
should always check. Small parts can be dangerous. 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
animals 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.
Check For 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, tots like to put things in their
mouths, so a sharp-edged toy could cut their lips, gums
or tongues.
Any Electric Or Heating
Involved?
Only
children over 8 years
old 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.
Has The Toy Been Recalled?
Before setting out on going
shopping, 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. A good
idea would be 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
Watch 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 capture
the imagination are hard to resist when you have a
special toddler in mind. You can help keep the holidays
happy and safe for your child by doing your research
before you buy.
More
Information...
About the Author
For more information, see
Safe Toys. See more info at
Safety Toys. Ron
King is a web developer; visit his website
Writers WebSite. |
