Christmas is a joyous and celebratory time. We celebrate the birth of our Lord, we spend time with family and friends and we rejoice in the season by giving gifts to loved ones. During this time, it’s important to keep toy safety in mind. We need to be mindful of choking hazards with infants & toddlers and reading labels for age appropriate recommendations. Let’s keep the Christmas season safe & blessed for our families.
Here are some toy safety tips to keep in mind:
- Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.
- For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal choking hazard.
- For all children under age eight, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
- Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age eight.
- Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide.
- Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.
- Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.
- Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, which can cause suffocation, before they become deadly playthings.
For more information:
www.safekids.org/toy-safety (Click on Toy Safety Tip Sheet on bottom of page).