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ABC’s OF TOY SAFETY
Awareness is knowing what poses the greatest risks. The leading causes of toy-related fatalities include choking and aspiration of toy parts.
The Benefits to consumers of recent recalls is that the increased scrutiny of toys has led the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to increase the inspections of toys and take the actions to remove products that don’t measure up, forcing more companies to test their products and report and correct possible safety problems.
Consumers should stay informed and be aware of recalls by signing up to receive direct email notification of recalls at www.cpsc.gov. Consumers can also be more aware by shopping with CPSC’s Top Safe Shopping Tips for this year:
*Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit. *Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. *Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur. *Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries. *Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
To choose appropriate toys for children: *Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide. *Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts. *For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points. *Allow a Toy Specialist to assist you with any questions you may have about specific toys and to make recommendations for developmentally appropriate toys.
We, here at Fun Things Etc., hope that these guidelines will assist you in making appropriate and safe toy purchases for those children and “children at heart” in your lives! Please let us know if we can be of any assistance to you. |
