Oh yes, it is that time of year again. Yet with so many toy scares in the past few years, where is a parent to start when it comes to buying safe toys for their kids? Well, we can tell you where to start and it is the Consumer Product Safety Commission to check for any recent toy recalls. Next, print off a copy of this Toy Safety Checklist from the Children’s Safety Association of Canada and let the safe toy shopping begin.
BEFORE BUYING
- Use recommended age labeling as a guide
- Look for warnings or other safety messages on toy packaging
- Buy only toys suitable for the child’s age group
- Avoid toys with sharp points or edges
- Check rigid eyes and noses on soft toys; make sure they cannot be pulled off
- Examine wheels on toy cars to make sure they are secure
- Make sure small parts of larger toys cannot break off
AFTER BUYING
- Look for warnings or other safety messages on toy packaging
- Read carefully all instructions included in and on the toy packaging
- Throw away all toy packaging such as plastic, cellophane and styrofoam
- Teach your child the proper use of toys. For example, darts and arrows should not be pointed at anyone
- Throw away broken toys that cannot be fixed
- Make sure that batteries in toys are properly installed
- Do not allow a child to sleep with a battery-operated toy
- Supervise children playing with balloons
- Throw away pieces of broken balloons
- Remove toys and mobiles strung across cribs and playpens when baby begins to push up with hands and knees
- Make sure that large toy boxes have good ventilation and that the lid is lightweight and well supported
- Teach children to put their toys away
- Examine toys regularly for signs of wear and tear
The KidsCare National Program is the product-safety related child injury prevention and information program of Health Canada. KidsCare reaches out to children, parents, caregivers, daycare centers, and schools with useful information on consumer products, including toys. For more information on Product Safety or KidsCare contact your nearest Product Safety Office.
Tags: safe holiday toys, toy safety
