When you shop for presents, make sure you select safe toys for children. The Baltimore County Injury Prevention Program has some ways to help you find safe toys:
The federal government has established a size for safe toys for children under three. A small part should be at least 1-1/4 inches in diameter and 2-1/4 inches long. Any part smaller than this is a potential choking hazard.
Labels such as "for ages 3 and older" often indicate that the toy might have small parts or sharp edges which could be dangerous for a young child.
Make sure you choose toys that can take it. Test buttons, bells and stuffed animals' eyes to make sure they won't pull off. Make sure rattles are strong enough that they won't come apart, and that squeeze toys don't have squeakers or whistles that can be pulled out.
Don't buy glass or hard plastic toys that could break and leave jagged edges.
Babies can get tangled up in toys with long strings or elastic. If a crib toy has strings longer than 12 inches, don't buy it. Any toy with elastic can be dangerous, and crib gyms are not safe for older babies who can get up on their hands and knees.
A child who is old enough to ride a bike or who rides in a bike seat needs a helmet.
(IT'S THE LAW!)
A toy that can hurt is no bargain. Avoid broken toys which may have sharp edges and toys with small parts that pull off. Be especially careful to avoid used or hand-me-down toys for children under three. Many older toys were made before there were safety standards.
Keep children away from darts, lawn darts, projectiles, air rifles and guns. Electrical toys can be dangerous too; young children should be discouraged from playing with or near electricity.
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If you're not sure about the safety of a toy or game, don't buy it.
Don't let your celebrations be spoiled by a preventable injury. ~ Please, choose children's toys carefully! ~ |
Revised May 16, 2006
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