Saturday, November 7, 2015

Top 10 Tips for Toy SafetyProtect your baby from choking and other dangers by
following these important guidelines every time you shop
for a new toy.Choosing a toy that will brighten your baby's face is fun,
but it's essential to keep safety in mind too.
The American Academy of Family Physicians and the
American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that you first
consider the basics of toy safety, factors that pose an even
greater threat to children than issues recently in the news
about toxic toys.
Top 10 Toy Safety Tips
Avoid toys with sharp points and edges.
Put toys intended for older kids out of reach of
babies and toddlers.
Kids love to yank and pull apart toys, so choose
sturdy toys that don't have loose, moving parts
that can easily come off.
Buy age-appropriate toys. Read the label, and if
it's not recommended for children under a
certain age, then don't buy it for your baby.
Search for toys that are washable or include the
words non-toxic on the label, since so many
toys end up in baby’s mouth.
Reduce choking risk by skipping any games that
include parts that are smaller than 1.75 inches
in diameter for babies and toddlers. A general
rule: Any object that can fit into an empty toilet
paper roll is a choking hazard and should be out
of reach. Toys stuffed with any kind of beans or
pellets should be avoided, too, because a baby
can choke or suffocate if any of those pellets
were to spill out of the toy and end up in your
baby’s mouth.
Stay away from toys with loose string, ribbons,
or cords because they can become tangled
around your baby's neck.
Avoid toy guns or other toys that shoot objects.
Even the simplest versions that shoot plastic
objects can cause eye injuries and present
choking hazards.
Buy electric toys that are UL-approved, and
never permit a child to use a toy with a frayed
cord because it can result in shocks and burns.
Beware of toy chests and toy storage containers.
They can pinch little fingers and a child can
climb in, get trapped, and suffocate.
Another toy safety issue: Avoid crib toys that have ribbons,
ropes, cords, wires, or anything else hanging from them that
could strangle your baby. As a general rule, remove all toys
from your baby's crib when your child is sleeping.
Common-Sense Rules for Toy Safety
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents who
are shopping for toys for older children to take the time to
read the labels. Also, be sure you and your child know how
to use a toy before diving into play. Use common sense,
too, by picking toys that are sturdy rather than flimsy, to
avoid early breakage.
And, as much as you'd like to see your child follow in
Einstein’s footsteps, avoid chemistry sets and other kits
that:
Are not age-appropriate
Are possibly flammable
Include dangerous chemicals
These are toxic toys to children who are too young to
understand the dangers.

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