Prioritize Safety for a Joyful Holiday with Safe Toys

Child- and Family-specific Considerations

When purchasing toys, it is essential to choose age-appropriate ones. Take the time to read the warning labels and determine the suggested age range. This helps ensure the safety of children. Be cautious of toys with small pieces or accessories that could pose a choking hazard for both children and pets. Also, consider if the toy heats up and requires parental supervision to avoid burns. For electronic toys and games, check the content to ensure it is suitable for the child's age.

Be aware of any allergies the child may have and avoid toys made from materials that could trigger allergic reactions. Consider the space and storage capacity of the family. If the toy is large or requires a lot of space, make sure the child has enough room to play with it safely. Listen to toys that make noise; some children may be scared by sudden or loud noises, so test them before buying.

Instead of giving a toy, consider gifting an experience like a trip to the zoo, art classes, concert tickets, a family board game, or a picnic lunch in a park. These experiences can be just as memorable and don't take up as much space.

Toy-specific Considerations

Avoid choking hazards by being mindful of small parts. Young children often put things in their mouths, so toys with small parts can be dangerous. Long strings or cords can pose a strangulation risk, so ensure they are short and not looped. If a toy is electronic, it likely contains magnets, so make sure the battery compartments are securely closed and not easily opened without a tool.

Be aware of the dangers of button batteries. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than 2,500 children ingest button batteries every year, leading to severe injury and even death. Keep a close eye on batteries and gifts that require them, as well as other everyday items with batteries.

Buy non-toxic materials. Since children put things in their mouths, ensure that paints, crayons, markers, puddy, and play clay are non-toxic. Check for lead in the toys and closely monitor children when using these items to prevent ingestion.

If giving a toy like a bicycle or skateboard, include appropriate safety gear like a helmet, knee, and elbow pads. This adds an extra layer of safety.

Look for toys that encourage education or imagination. Instead of focusing only on entertainment, choose toys with educational value or that encourage imaginative play. Educational toys can include letter boards, books, puzzles, and more. Creativity and open play toys can be building blocks, magnetic tiles, playdoh, costumes, dolls, or pretend animals.

Staying Informed

Caregivers should stay informed about the products their children are using. All toys intended for use by children 12 years of age and under are required by law to be third-party tested and certified to "ASTM" standards if manufactured or imported on or after Feb. 28, 2018. If purchasing second-hand toys older than that date, be more aware of safety concerns.

Always check for recalls. Safe Kids makes it easy by sending email alerts. You can sign up at www.safekids.org/product-recalls.

For more information on safe toys, visit www.pasafekids.org or call (717) 766-1616.