Which toys are safe for my child
While the safety requirements for toy manufacturers are more strict now than in the past, it’s still important to consider whether the toy you’re buying is safe for your child.
Remember that some items which may look like toys, such as certain gift teddy bears, are actually not intended for play and may not meet toy safety standards. Here is a list of points you may want to consider when buying toys:
- Check for small parts. Babies and toddlers can choke on small toys, so be guided by labels that state toys are unsafe for under-threes and avoid giving your baby or toddler toys or balls with a diameter of two inches or less. Remember that balloons are also choking hazards if they burst.
- Avoid toys that appear to be poorly made and easily breakable – if small pieces break off your child could put them in his mouth.
- Don’t give your baby or toddler toys that might shed fluff, dye or paint if he tends to chew them.
- Frequently check that any pieces that could detach from favorite toys – such as eyes – are still securely attached.
- Avoid overly loud toys, which can damage your child’s hearing.
- Check toxicity – buy crayons, paint and play dough labeled as being non-toxic.
- If buying used toys at a yard sale, Goodwill or via online auctions, check they’re in good working order and cone complete with the instructions.
- Be sure to dispose carefully of any packaging from new toys.
Keeping toys safe
Once you’ve bought toys it’s important to look after them properly and maintain them. A good way of helping to do this is to encourage your child to take responsibility for tidying them away and looking after them himself.
- With battery-operated toys, check regularly to ensure that batteries are not leaking. Store and dispose of batteries responsibly.
- Avoid letting small children play with toys designed for older children.
- Broken toys can be dangerous for children to play with, so check toys regularly for wear and tear and dispose of dangerous toys.
- Baby crib mobiles are a great way to get your baby off to sleep, but they must be taken away as soon as your baby starts to sit, as he may be able to reach them.
- Always follow the washing instructions on soft toys.
- Don’t allow toys that aren’t designed for bath use to be used in the bath, as repeated exposure to water can damage some materials.
- Avoid leaving toys in the yard, where they may be damaged by exposure to rain and sun.
Go to gurgle's kit section where there are reviews on baby gear, including play equipment. Have your say on which products you rate by posting a comment.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Related Articles
Last Modified: 15/06/2007
Related Chat
You'll need to be logged in to post new Comments and Answers or to Chat.
Login or
Register