Toy safety and children. Babies should have constant adult supervision when playing with toys with an older sibling to avoid choking hazards. Toys are fun playthings for children but should always be inspected...
Toys are fun playthings for children but should always be inspected by adults to see that the item is safe for little ones to have and enjoy. Martin Simenc is a web consultant and 15-year veteran of the safety and risk management industry. He often addresses issues involving the safety of children in their homes when speaking publicly. He offers these suggestions: "Make sure all toys are age appropriate, keeping an extra eye out for the integrity of the toy and potential choking hazards, especially with younger children. One of the greatest challenges is allowing an older sibling to play with a younger sibling, because the older child's toys tend to have very small components to them, which poses a choking hazard to the younger child. Be extra vigilant to physically separate your older child's toys from your younger child's play area."
In 1972, Congress created the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to serve as a regulatory agency. The CPSC sets safety standards, issues product recalls, provides the public with educational information, and monitors injuries related to toys. The CPSC also evaluates and assigns an age rating for toys. If the CPSC has printed any type of product warning on a package please read and follow the instructions carefully. According to the CPSC, "Effective January 1, 1995 products that are manufactured in or imported into the United States on or after that date must comply with the Child Safety Protection Act (CSPA)" The CSPC also states, "Any ball with a diameter of 1.75 inches (44.4mm) or less that is intended for use by children younger than 3 years of age is banned." These are just a few of the safety measures the CPSC enforces to help protect children from injuries resulting from toys. Many toys are required to carry strict warning labels as well.
In 1986, a non-profit organization called the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) was formed. The ASTM sets safety standards as well and also sets guidelines for toy makers. In addition they establish safety guidelines for testing these products. These are both valuable resources to parents and children alike, but their regulations and safety checks should not solely be relied upon. Adult interaction and supervision is critical in child safety. Children should be shown the proper way to use and store their toys to reduce accidental injury.
Toys that attach to a baby's crib or are hanging just above it can be enchanting and cute, but they can also be dangerous. The risk of strangulation occurs when the child is old enough to sit or pull up in the crib and gain access to these items. If the child becomes tangled in the item or pulls it down an injury or death may result. It is best to limit the number of items in the crib and to remove them when the child is asleep.
Toddler toys should be large enough that they cannot be swallowed, will not pinch fingers, will not break easily, have no sharp edges, be well assembled, and have no detachable pieces. Appropriate toys for children 18 months and younger include things like rattles, floating toys for the bathtub, blocks, nesting cups, board books, and many others. For children that are over 18 months but younger than three years, you may want to consider toys like large crayons, wagons, balls, puzzles with a few large pieces, stuffed animals, play food or dishes, or games for this age group to name a few. By the time children are three to six years old they can begin playing with items like puppets, dolls, farm or house sets, small vehicles, wheeled ride-on toys, backyard gym systems, coloring and activity books, and more. As the child graduates in age so does the selection of toys that become available for him or her to use safely.
Many small children like to put things in their mouths and small pieces from toys present a significant choking danger. Always keep deflated balloons and tiny pieces away from small children. A small piece of a broken balloon can cause suffocation; however, it is not believed that a fully inflated balloon is a hazard unless it breaks. Remember that all toys are not made for all children to use. Please follow the package guidelines before purchasing or using the item with your child. Some items may have a label that says this item is flame retardant/flame resistant while stuffed animals or dolls may have a tag that indicates the item is washable/hygienic material. These are added safety features that some toys or soft items may have. Other packages may carry warning labels that should be noted.
Encourage your children to put toys away when they are finished to avoid tripping on them or damaging them accidentally while playing with something else. Never use a toy box with a hinged lid that is able to fall shut freely. These types of chests can cause serious injuries. Instead, try a secure shelf or a toy box with a removable lid. It is also a good idea to check your child(ren)'s toys regularly and throw away any item that is cracked, broken, or damaged. Sharp edges, leaking batteries, or rusted areas may present a hazard to your child if use is not immediately discontinued.
Toys that may be best to avoid include items with projectile parts, items with shrill or very loud noises, toys that are cheaply made, toys that may break easily, and items with sharp points or edges. There are a number of regulations regarding the safety of children's toys to help parents find a safe and suitable toy for their kids. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are legally responsible for dangerous toys they may sell so they have safety inspectors to make sure they comply with safety standards. Even imported toys must be inspected carefully. This system is like a safety net at best, but things still get out on the market sometimes and may cause injuries. The best way to keep a child safe is to research your toy choices carefully and supervise your child closely at all times.
