Think safety when choosing toys for your child!

Child Care Health Program
Think safety when choosing toys for your child!

Many toys are designed and manufactured with safety in mind but even the most carefully constructed toy can be misused or broken. Here are a few suggestions to follow when you are choosing toys for your child:

CHOOSE TOYS THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR THE CHILD'S AGE AND ABILITIES. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, or other small parts.
DISCARD PLASTIC WRAPPINGS ON TOYS IMMEDIATELY, BEFORE THEY BECOME A DEADLY PLAYTHING.
BUY ITEMS THAT ARE FLAME RETARDANT OR FLAME RESISTANT, WASHABLE, AND NON-TOXIC.
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS - Make sure the toy's proper use and care are clear to you and your child.
BUY THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT THAT GOES WITH THE TOY - For example, buy a bike and a helmet, or a skateboard and knee and elbow pads.
MAKE SURE RIDE-ON TOYS ARE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR THE CHILD - If they're too small they are unstable. If they're too big they are hard to manage.
STORE TOYS IN A SAFE PLACE - Keep toys requiring adult supervision locked away. Toys for older children should be stored out of reach and away from younger children.
CHECK TOYS FOR DAMAGE FREQUENTLY - If a toy cannot be fixed, throw it out right away. Do not donate or recycle damaged toys.
PROVIDE A SAFE PLAY SPACE INDOORS AND OUT - Check for hazards that children can trip over, fall from, or bump into. Pick up toys that are not being used.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified...

Nine Toy Dangers!

1.	SHARP EDGES. New toys intended for children under eight are required to have no sharp edges, however toys do sometimes break.
2.	SMALL PARTS. Choking kills more children under six than any other home accident. Children can choke on anything small enough to fit in their mouths and large enough to get caught in their throats. Toys for older children may have small parts so teach older children to put their toys out of reach of younger children.
3.	LOUD NOISES. Read warning labels about the safe use of toys that make noises and follow the instructions to avoid damage to hearing.
4.	CORDS AND STRINGS. These can get caught or wrapped around a child's neck strangling the child. Check both clothing and toys for cords and strings. Never attach toys to cribs or playpens with cords, strings or ribbons more than a few inches long or with elastic.
5.	SHARP POINTS. Toys for older children may have sharp points that can injure a smaller child. Watch for broken toys too.
6.	PROPELLED OBJECTS. Make sure children know how to use projectile toys (toys that shoot objects into the air) and are aware of the danger to themselves and others. Children should NEVER play with adult hobby or sporting equipment.
7.	INAPPROPRIATE FOR AGE. Use the age guidelines on toys. Teach older children to put their toys away. RUBBER BALLOONS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS OLD. Uninflated balloons and pieces of broken balloons are a leading cause of suffocation in children!
8.	ELECTRIC TOYS. These must meet mandatory requirements for maximum surface temperature, construction, and warning labels. Buy only those toys with UL Approved labels. Toys with heating elements (for children over 8) should be used with adult supervision.
9.	SMALL TOYS. Be sure toys for infants are large enough that they can't be swallowed and that foam toys are too big to swallow even when compressed.

For more information about this or other health related topics please consult the Public Health Nurse for your area at (206) 296-2770.