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There are a few toy safety guidelines that are important now that you and your child are involved in the world of toys, for they are a huge part of your children's lives (and yours!). They can entertain them, educate them and provide them with endless hours of fun.
Toys brighten our world with their many colors and stimulate our children’s imaginations.
Unfortunately, not all toys are safe for our kids.
Here are some general toy safety guidelines for buying and maintaining toys.
Buying Safe Toys- Pick toys that are age appropriate for your child. For example, don’t buy a bike that is too big for your child thinking he will grow into it. Accidents can easily happen when they are trying to control the “too-big” bike.
- When buying bikes, skateboards, roller skates, etc., buy the accessories to keep him safe. Helmets, knee pads, elbow pads become second nature to your child if you insist they wear them from the very first time.
- Read all warning labels and heed them. Many toys will say they are not appropriate for children under 3 because they contain small parts.
- Discard all packaging after opening. Many toys are packaged with wires and plastic that can be a danger to your child. Toy safety even includes the packaging!
- Keep aware of toy recalls. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains accurate recall information. Click here to check for toy recalls.
Maintaining Their Toys- Check all old toys for needed repairs.
- Repair them or throw them away.
- Make sure there are no sharp edges or sharp parts.
- Make sure that no small parts have been exposed.
- Check wooden toys for rough edges or splinters.
- If you repaint a toy, be sure to use lead-free paint.
- Check outdoor toys for rust or weak parts that could become hazardous.
Child toy safety is an on-going process. Your child will get new toys; old toys may break or become rusty; a beloved toy needs to be repaired in order to be safe. This important step in babyproofing your home is easily manageable by following the simple steps above. The next step is to become aware of some hazards associated with certain toys and age levels. Click here for basic child toy safety.
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