During the holiday season our kids get more toys, but are they safe? Studies show that in 2010, there were an estimated 140,700 emergency room treated injuries related to toys among children. WOW! Is that scary or what?
Thankfully, most toy manufacturers are labeling toys to make sure that we are aware of choking hazards and the like. But, we wanted to share some tips on toy shopping. As well as the top hazardous toys for kids! 🙂
However, just remember that it is up to YOU to decide whether your child is mature enough and ready for the certain toy.
Top hazardous toys for your child-
- Non-motorized scooters and riding toys – Riding toys, skateboards, and even shoes with wheels go fast and falls could easily cause injury at any age. Helmets and safety gear, including elbow and knee pads, should be worn properly at all times and be sized to fit the child.
- Small balls, coins and toys with small parts – Government regulations specify that toys for children under the age of three cannot have parts less than 1 1/4 inches in diameter and 2 1/4 inches long as these small objects can pose a choking risk. Any ball with a diameter of 1 1/4 inches or less should not be given to a young child.
- Balloons – Deflated or broken balloons are another choking risk. Deflated balloons should be kept away from children younger than eight years old and broken balloons and the balloon string should be immediately discarded.
- Art materials – Crayons, paint and other art items should not be given to children under the age of three. Make sure art supplies are non-toxic and marked ASTM D-4236 to indicate the product has been reviewed by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Products that conform to D-4236 have been tested for toxicity. However,  this does not mean they are non-toxic, but rather any toxins contained within the product are listed on the packaging.
- Chargers, batteries and adapters – These items can pose electrical and burn dangers to children of all ages. Special attention should be given to instructions and warnings for these items. Some chargers also lack mechanisms to prevent overcharging so do not leave the home when charging.
- Play swords, guns and other weapons – These toys should be given only to mature, grade school age children. They should be bright colors so they are easily differentiated from real weapons and should not be sharp or come to a point.
- Flying toys – Toys that are meant to be airborne can result in serious eye or head injury if not used properly. It is recommended that children under eight not play with projectile toys.
Shopping Tips
- Be aware of the store where you are purchasing toys. Second hand stores and yard sales can be spend-savvy places, but second hand toys may be broken or defective, becoming dangerous. Also, without original packaging, age guidelines and warning are not available. Examine each toy carefully looking for cracks, paint chippings or even leaking battery fluid.
- Be aware of what toys are made of as some products have dangerous substances that can be harmful when ingested.
- For toys that produce sound, look for toys that have a volume level to protect children’s hearing. A noise rating may also be listed on the product. If there is not a rating listed, you can contact the toy manufacturer and request this information. An extremely loud toy for children is 90 decibel.
Quick tip- Remember to tell your children to put away their toys properly after they are left out. And do supervise your children as they play!
Consumers can find up-to-date toy recalls and report dangerous toys and injuries caused by a toy on the CSPC website, www.cpsc.gov/.
