This month we observe safe toys and gifts month as recognized by the Prevent Blindness America organization. Toys that are sold in the U.S. are regulated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) including strict toy testing requirements and stringent toy creation standards. In spite of this, there are still hundreds of thousands of toy injuries reported each year. Most of these injuries are to people less than the age of 15, and injuries are what prompts recalls of toys each year.
When selecting gifts for the holiday season, we have five important tips for you to consider.
- Ensure your gift is age appropriate. Many gifts can present hazards to children who are not yet at the developmental stage needed for the toy. Be sure to check online or on the packaging for recommended ages.
- Look for ATSM labels. The ATSM represents that the toy has been approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- Beware of small magnets. Magnets when ingested can be deadly for small children, so be sure to consider others in the household when selecting gifts.
- Avoid strings or ropes. These can present a hazard for all ages.
- Remember the helmet. Falls from bikes, skateboards and skates can be severe and a helmet can prevent deadly injuries.
When bringing new toys and gifts in to your home, be sure that all packaging is properly disposed of immediately. Ensure that younger siblings are not exposed to toys that can be a hazard for their environment. Oversee children when using riding toys and make sure safety equipment is worn each time.
For more information:
www.preventblindness.org/children/safetoys.html
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/safe_toys.html