This holiday season, when purchasing toys for your own children or to give as gifts, keep safety in mind. Many toys have unexpected hazards that many people tend to overlook. Here are a few tips to help you buy safer toys.
Be sure the toy is age appropriate for the child for whom you are buying it . Also, for certain applicable items, make sure the product conforms to safety standards and is non-toxic. Keep safety in mind when buying for a child who has younger siblings or lives with other younger children. Younger children may gain access to the older child’s toys, which may put the younger child in danger, so I tend to play it safe when purchasing for them to make sure no one gets hurt.
Look the item over before you buy it. Are there any small parts that may come loose? Any sharp edges or points? Will the paint chip off if a child chews on the toy? Is the toy much too loud? Is there something about the toy that could be dangerous if swallowed? Make sure any battery compartments are secured by screws to keep a small child from accidentally accessing batteries. Note any safety precautions listed on the toy packaging and decide if the gift is appropriate for the child in mind. These are all good things to consider before buying. Use your good judgement and really think things through before purchasing a toy.
Be aware of any toy safety recalls posted online or in stores to make sure you haven’t purchased one on the list. Toys are all about having fun, especially around the holidays. Do your best to ensure you are giving only the safest toys possible. Obviously, sometimes things beyond our control can still go wrong, but by being informed and thinking things through, you can help eliminate many potential safety risks.