Top 10 Toy Safety Tips
EFFINGHAM, IL-(Effingham Radio)-When shopping for holiday gifts this Black Friday, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and HSHS Medical Group encourage you to prioritize safety over popularity. While it can be exciting and enticing to buy the latest and greatest toy or gadget, it’s important to remember to check the safety and age range of the toy.
“When giving a toy to a child, it’s important to recognize the age group it’s intended for,” said HSHS Medical Group family physician Dr. Andrew Poulos. “A toy’s age range is determined by a child’s developmental stage, as well as safety issues such as small parts that could pose a choking hazard. This is especially important for young children. children who are more likely to put objects in their mouths,” he said. “Older children should also be supervised when playing with toys to avoid injuries such as cuts or broken bones when playing. falls.”
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and HSHS Medical Group encourage parents and loved ones to follow these tips from healthychildren.org on how to buy safe toys:
- Read the label. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and at what age the toy is safe.
- Think BIG. Make sure all toys and parts are larger than the child’s mouth to prevent choking.
- Avoid toys that throw things up in the air. They can cause serious eye injury or choking.
- Avoid noisy toys to avoid damaging the child’s hearing.
- Look for well-made stuffed animals. Make sure all seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable.
- Buy sturdy plastic toys. Thin plastic toys can easily break into sharp pieces.
- Avoid toys containing toxic materials that could cause poisoning. Make sure the label says “non-toxic.”
- Avoid hobby kits and chemistry kits for children under 12. They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make sure the older child knows how to handle these types of toys safely.
- Electronic toys must be “UL approved”. This indicates that the toy meets industry safety standards. Check the label to be sure.
- Be careful of toys with small batteries or loose magnets. If they come off, young children may be tempted to put them in their mouths, noses or ears, which can cause serious injury.
To learn more about toy safety, visit cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/toys#resources.
