Tips For Keeping Play Toys Safe For Your Kids
The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission reports there were a whopping 232
,900 toy-related injuries resulting in emergency room treatments in 2007. There were also 18 toy-related deaths among children under age 15. To help prevent these hazards, the CPSC has developed mandatory safety standards for manufacturers in the $30 billion play toys industry. The manufactures have added to these standards with their own voluntary standards. Together these standards have greatly reduced risks of choking, lead poisoning and other potential hazards.The tips shown below can help parents do their part in protecting their own kids:
1. Read the age and safety labels on all toys before purchasing. Hazards can be greatly reduced by making sure toys are appropriate for the age of the child. This is widely considered to be the single most important safety measure for parents. This is especially important for children under age 3 because toys labeled for older kids can have small parts that could cause choking if they get into the hands and mouths of younger children.
2. Do not buy toys that contain magnets because magnets have lead, which is a poisonous substance. Magnets can also pose a choking risk if they become detached from the toy.
3. Keep uninflated balloons out of the reach of children. These are a serious choking hazard.
4. For younger children, check all toys to make sure no small parts are detachable because this is a potential choking hazard. For example, stuffed toys can sometimes have detachable eyes.
5. For young children, the safest toys are ones that are solid, all one piece, and too large to be swallowed.
6. Keep all small round toys like marbles and small balls away from the reach of children.
7. When babies get old enough to get up on their hands and knees, remove all crib toys with strings, cords or ribbons due to strangulation hazards.
8. Check all toys routinely to dispose of damaged toys which could small parts that could break off and get swallowed or sharp edges that could cause lacerations or loose strings that could be strangulation hazards.
9. Teach kids to put their toys away to avoid tripping hazards. Provide kids with storage boxes or spaces where they can put toys away for safety.
10. If you purchase a toy that appears to be unsafe, notify the Consumer Products Safety Commission so they can investigate the toy further. Their phone number is 1-800-638-2772.
By following these common sense guidelines, perhaps play toys can be safer for everyone and few kids will require trips to the emergency room this year.
by: Kanooga How To Buy The Right Baby Musical Toys Kids Develop Skills By Playing With Wooden Building Blocks Learning Toys Offer Five Key Benefits In Child Development Melissa And Doug Alphabet Blocks Help Kids Develop Skills Learning Toys Stimulate Different Types Of Child Development Thomas Wooden Railway Helps Kids Develop Cognitive Skills Ben 10 Toys Available In Europe Attractive Bead Crafts For Children The Truth About Child Abuse Reporting Gaming For The Child And Adult Educational Toys To Help Your Children Learn About The World This Xmas Keep Your Children Happy With Outdoor Play Equipment Dual System Baby Video Monitors - Review Of Our Top Choice