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Choose Safe Toys This Holiday
December 17, 2013
December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. Keep your family’s holiday safe and fun by giving your child age-appropriate toys. Toys should be selected based upon the age, interest and skill level of the child. When selecting gifts this holiday season, keep these toy safety tips in mind:
For Younger Children:
- Confirm toy is labeled appropriate for age group (ex. 0–3,3–6, 6–8)
- Read all safety labels and warnings
- Select sturdy toys: not fragile or easily broken
- Select toys that are self-contained and battery operated, to reduce risk of electrical shock
- Select toys without small parts or strings to avoid choking or strangulation
- Avoid items easily placed in mouth:
- Marbles, balloons, mini building blocks, bouncy balls, or items including button batteries, buttons and easily detachable eye
- Avoid items that include strings
- Kites, yoyos, toy paratroopers, and dolls with pull string
- Select toys that are stable: unable to easily fall on children
- Select toys that are flame and mold resistant
- Select toys without small holes or hinges that could trap or pinch little hands
- Avoid items easily placed in mouth:
For Older Children:
- Confirm toy is labeled appropriate for age group (8–12, 12+)
- Avoid hobby and sports equipment designed for adults; select version of item appropriate for child’s age and skill level
- Read all safety labels and warnings
- Beware of sharp objects, cords, strings and fragile items
- Avoid items that produce excessive noise that may damage the ear, or items that produce excessive heat that may cause burns
- When selecting equipment such as bicycles, skates and skateboards, please be sure to provide the child with properly fitted protective gear- a helmet, elbow and knee pads.
Be Safe: Practice Proper Use, Handling and Supervision
- Provide proper supervision of child when using the toy to ensure proper handling/use
- Discard all wrapping and packaging of the toy immediately after opening to avoid risk of choking or strangulation
- Read all safety and warning labels, assemble toy according to manufacturer’s instructions, and place play equipment in a safe environment free from obstructions and other hazards
- Check all toys periodically for breakage or wear
- Store toys safely to prevent falls or items falling on child or parent
- Keep older child’s toys away from younger children to avoid choking and other hazards
- Ensure the child is wearing proper protective gear for their activity
- Helmet, knee and elbow pads, safety glasses, gloves, etc.
The Federal Consumer Project Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates U.S. toy safety and provides recommendations for consumers regarding age-appropriate toys:
For updated information regarding recalls and hazards, or to report a toy safety violation to the CPSC, please visit: www.saferproducts.gov.
Additional Links:
- CPSC Three Toy Tips to Remember
- CPSC Play It Safe: English and Spanish
- How to Fit Bicycle Helmet Properly (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): English and Spanish
- Toy Safety (Safe Kids Worldwide)
- Toy Safety Tips (Safe Kids Worldwide)
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