Toy Safety - Guidelines for Parents

Few things make a child happier than a new toy or game. However, what seems to be harmless fun could result in a serious injury. Due to tough government regulations, most toys on the market today are safe. Still, thousands of children suffer toy-related injuries every year. By knowing what to look for when buying toys and practicing a few simple ideas for safe use, you can often prevent problems before they occur.

Use the following guidelines to keep your child safe:

Supervise Your Child's Play

Injuries can happen despite your best efforts to choose the safest toy for your child. Supervision is the best way to prevent injuries.

Keep all toys with small parts away from your young child until she learns not to put them in her mouth, usually by about the age of 5 years. Do not allow your child to play with a toy that was intended for an older child. Watch older children too, as they might put things in a smaller child's mouth.

• Keep uninflated and broken balloons away from children of all ages, as they are a serious choking hazard. When a child tries to inflate a balloon, he can easily inhale it. Also, never allow a child to place an inflated balloon in his mouth.
• To prevent injuries, stop reckless or improper play. Make sure your child never plays with toys near stairs, traffic, or swimming pools.

Store toys on a shelf or in a toy chest. They should be out of the way and off the floor, to avoid being stepped on or tripped over. A toy designed for an older child should be stored far out of reach of a curious toddler. Teaching your child to pick up and put toys away will help her learn to become responsible for her belongings. Never store a toy in its original packaging. Staples can cause cuts and plastic wrap can lead to choking or suffocation. To avoid injuries, immediately discard toy packaging before giving a new toy to your baby or toddler.

Keep Toys In Good Condition

Make sure you examine toys regularly. Look for damaged or broken parts that may pose a hazard. Look for splinters on wooden toys, loose eyes or small parts on dolls, rips or exposed wires in stuffed animals, or rust on metal toys. Never leave metal toys outside overnight. Rain, snow, or even dew may cause them to rust. Repair or replace any broken parts. If you're ever in doubt about a toy's safety, throw it away.

Age-appropriate Toys

The following is a list of toys that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for specific age groups. Use these recommendations when shopping for toys. Keep in mind, these are only guidelines. All toys can be dangerous when they are not used properly or are in poor condition. Parents should continue to watch out for mislabeled toys and always provide proper supervision for young children.

Newborn to 1 year-old baby
Choose brightly-colored, lightweight toys that appeal to your baby’s sight, hearing, and touch.

• Cloth, plastic, or board books with large pictures.
• Large blocks of wood or plastic.
• Pots and pans.
• Rattles.
• Soft, washable animals, dolls, or balls.
• Bright, movable objects that are out of baby's reach.
• Busy boards.
• Floating bath toys.
• Squeeze toys.

1 to 2 year-old toddler
Toys for this age group should be safe and be able to withstand a toddler’s curious nature.

• Cloth, plastic, or board books with large pictures.
• Sturdy dolls.
• Kiddy cars.
• Musical tops.
• Nesting blocks.
• Push and pull toys (remember -- no long strings).
• Stacking toys.
• Toy telephones (without cords).

2 to 5 year-old preschooler
Toys for this age group can be creative or imitate the activity of parents and older children.

• Books (short stories or action stories).
• Blackboard and chalk.
• Building blocks.
• Crayons, nontoxic finger paints, clay.
• Hammer and bench.
• Housekeeping toys.
• Outdoor toys: sandbox (with a lid), slide, swing, playhouse.
• Transportation toys (tricycles, cars, wagons).
• Tape or record player.
• Simple puzzles with large pieces.
• Dress-up clothes.
• Tea party utensils.

5 to 9 year-old child
Toys for this age group should help your child develop new skills and creativity.

• Blunt scissors, sewing sets.
• Card games.
• Doctor and nurse kits.
• Hand puppets.
• Balls.
• Bicycles with helmets.
• Crafts.
• Electric trains.
• Paper dolls.
• Jump ropes.
• Roller skates with protective gear.
• Sports equipment.
• Table games.

10 to 14 year-old child
Hobbies and scientific activities are ideal for this age group.

• Computer games.
• Sewing, knitting, needlework.
• Microscopes/telescopes.
• Table and board games.
• Sports equipment.
• Hobby collections.

Playing with toys is an important part of your child's development and growth. Choosing toys carefully will assure that playtime is educational, fun, and, most importantly, safe. By using the guidelines listed above, you can help prevent toy-related injuries. If you're not sure about a toy's safety or proper use, call the manufacturer. Your child's pediatrician can also help you decide which toys are safe and appropriate for your infant, toddler, or young child.

For more information visit:
Consumer Product Safety Commission Toy Safety Shopping Tips

Source: Toy Safety: Guidelines for Parents - Cimarron Health Plan, Inc.