Millions of toys are out there, and hundreds of new ones hit the
stores each year. Toys are supposed to be fun and are an important
part of any child's development. But each year, scores of kids
are treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related
injuries. Choking is a particular risk for kids ages 3 or younger,
because they tend to put objects in their mouths.
Manufacturers follow certain guidelines and label most new toys
for specific age groups. But perhaps the most important thing a
parent can do is to supervise play.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closely
monitors and regulates toys. Any toys made in - or imported into -
the United States after 1995 must comply with CPSC standards.
Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when
toy-shopping:
- Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or
flame retardant.
- Stuffed toys should be washable.
- Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint.
- Art materials should say nontoxic.
- Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package,
which means that they've been evaluated by the American
Society for Testing and Materials.
Steer clear of older toys, even hand-me-downs from friends and
family. Those toys might have sentimental value and are
certainly cost-effective, but they may not meet current
safety standards and may be so worn from play that they can break
and become hazardous.
And make sure a toy isn't too loud for your child. The noise
of some rattles, squeak toys, and musical or electronic toys can be
as loud as a car horn - even louder if a child holds it
directly to the ears - and can contribute to hearing damage.
The Right Toys at the Right Ages
Always read labels to make sure a toy is appropriate for a
child's age. Guidelines published by the CPSC and other groups
can help you make those buying decisions. Still, use your own best
judgment - and consider your child's temperament, habits, and
behavior whenever you buy a new toy.
You may think that a child who's advanced in comparison to
peers can handle toys meant for older kids. But the age levels for
toys are determined by safety factors, not intelligence or
maturity.
Here are some age-specific guidelines to keep in mind:
For Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
- Look for toys that are sturdy enough to withstand pulling and
twisting. Make sure that eyes, noses, buttons, and other parts
that could break off are securely attached.
- Make sure squeeze toys, rattles, and teethers are large
enough that they won't become lodged in a child's mouth
or throat, even if squeezed into a smaller compressed shape.
- Avoid toys with cords or long strings, which could present
strangulation hazards to young kids.
- Avoid thin plastic toys that might break into small pieces
and leave jagged edges that could cut.
- Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are
1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters) in diameter or less because they
present choking hazards.
Since choking is such a big risk in the early years, if your
child is 3 years old or younger, consider buying a small-parts
tester, also known as a choke tube. These tubes are designed to be
about the same diameter as a child's windpipe. If an object
fits inside the tube, then it's too small for a young
child.
For Grade-Schoolers
- Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and inline skates should
never be used without helmets that meet current safety standards
and other recommended safety gear, like hand, wrist and shin
guards. Look for CPSC or Snell certification on the labels.
- Nets should be well constructed and firmly attached to the
rim so that they don't become strangulation hazards.
- Toy darts or arrows should have soft tips or suction cups at
the end, not hard points.
- Toy guns should be brightly colored so they cannot be
mistaken for real weapons, and kids should be taught to never
point darts, arrows, or guns at anyone.
- BB guns or pellet rifles should not be given to kids under
the age of 16.
- Electric toys should be labeled UL, meaning they meet safety
standards set by Underwriters Laboratories.
Keeping Toys Safe at Home
After you've bought safe toys, it's also important to
make sure kids know how to use them. The best way to do this
is by supervising play. Playing with your kids teaches them
how to play safely while having fun.
Parents should:
- Teach kids to put toys away.
- Check toys regularly to make sure that they aren't broken
or unusable:
- Wooden toys shouldn't have splinters.
- Bikes and outdoor toys shouldn't have rust.
- Stuffed toys shouldn't have broken seams or exposed
removable parts.
- Throw away broken toys or repair them right away.
- Store outdoor toys when they're not in use so that they
are not exposed to rain or snow.
And be sure to keep toys clean. Some plastic toys can be
cleaned in the dishwasher, but read the manufacturer's
directions first. Another option is to mix antibacterial soap or a
mild dishwashing detergent with hot water in a spray bottle and use
it to clean toys, rinsing them afterward.
Dangerous Objects
Many non-toys also can tempt kids. It's important to
keep them away from:
- fireworks
- matches
- sharp scissors
- balloons (uninflated or broken balloons can be choking
hazards)
Reporting Unsafe Toys
Check the CPSC website for the latest information about toy
recalls or call their hotline at (800) 638-CPSC to report a toy you
think is unsafe. If you have any doubt about a toy's safety,
err on the side of caution and do not allow your child to play with
it.
Reviewed by:
Kate Cronan, MD
Date reviewed: May 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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