Toy Safety for Children and Parents

Christmas shopping for toys is a fun part of fulfilling children’s wishes every holiday. But in addition to finding the perfect present, everyone should be concerned with toy safety for children, whether you are a parent, grandparent or an aunt or uncle. We’ve researched and collected some toy safety tips for you to consider when buying gifts this Christmas.

Read all packages carefully and buy age appropriate toys, keeping in mind the child's age, interests and skill level. Check for safety labels, such as "Flame retardant/Flame resistant" on fabric products and "Washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed toys and dolls.

Make sure the package or box hasn’t been opened previously. It could have been returned because it’s broken or dangerous.

Look for quality – Make sure it doesn’t have parts that look flimsy or breakable, as these could present sharp edges or a choking hazard. Flaking paint could also be a health hazard.

Toys with long cords or strings may be dangerous for very young children and infants because they pose the risk of strangulation. Don’t hang toys with long strings, cords, loops or ribbons in playpens or cribs where children can become entangled.

Discard plastic wrapping as soon as you open a toy. Small children are often fascinated with bubble wrap and other packing material, which is another choking hazard. Be a label reader.

Observe how children play with a toy when they first receive it, as you may discover a danger you hadn’t thought of earlier just by watching them.

Keep kids away from presents intended for adults, as they may contain sharp or fragile objects that could injure a child. And make sure older kids don’t let small children play with their toys that might be dangerous to a child.

Inspect any electrically powered toys (either battery or plug-in) to ensure there are no frayed wires or other electrical dangers.

When children are done playing with a toy, they should put it in their toy chest or storage box to ensure that nobody slips or trips on it.

We will all have a happier holiday if everyone observes these toy safety tips. While the list isn’t short, it will eventually become second nature for you and your family to practice toy safety for children throughout the year.

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