Top 5 Toy Safety Tips
By Sanonna Al Taweel
With Christmas approaching, your kid is probably excitedly anticipating all the new toys they’ll find waiting for them under the tree. Toys these days are super cool, with all sorts of advanced features and fun designs. But picking out a toy for your kiddo can be hard, especially if those aforementioned features and designs might pose a safety risk for your little one. Below you’ll find our top five tips based on the Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines so that your child can play at peace.
#1 Make Sure It’s Age-Appropriate
Consider your child’s age, interests, maturity level, and physical abilities. While the small bricks of a building set or the mini accessories that come with a doll aren’t the best choice for young children due to choking hazards, older children typically possess better motor skills and awareness that will prevent safety mishaps.
#2 Inspect Tech-Enhanced Toys for Security
Some toys have a lot of tech features, making it a great way for your child to feel grown up while still enjoying creative play. But be sure that the tech offered on the toy is kid-friendly. If the toy can connect to the internet, ensure that there are parental controls so that you can monitor activity. Look the toy over to see if there are any signs of wires sticking out, or eroded batteries.
#3 Look for Sharp Points, Splintering, and Dangerous Edges
Wooden toys are making a comeback as people search for alternatives to the many over-stimulating toys on the market. They’re a great option for parents looking to encourage independent play, but the chances of splintering are higher. Check that whatever toy you purchase, whether wooden or plastic, doesn’t have sharp points. Nobody wants to pull a splinter out of their thumb or pull out the Band-Aids on Christmas day.
#4 Check for Rust or Other Signs of Toxicity
Many toys have components that can wear easily if not properly cared for. Check the toy for rust, peeling paint, melted plastic, odd smells, and safety labels. The Consumer Product Safety Safety Commission at cpsc.gov is a great resource for ensuring that the toy doesn’t have any active recalls.
#5 Watch While They Play
It’s a good idea to monitor your child when they play with new toys to see if there are any safety concerns you might have missed when shopping for them. Children tend to find creative ways to make an otherwise safe toy dangerous.
Toy shopping can be overwhelming, especially when trying to balance excitement with safety. By following these five tips, you can help ensure that playtime stays fun and worry-free for you and your child. Give the gift of safe play by choosing toys that are built to last. For more toy safety resources, visit cpsc.gov or consult with a trusted retailer.