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Selecting a toy for a child may be fun, especially as we reminisce about our own childhood toys, but it's also serious business. Some considerations in the selection process are the age and ability of the child, the ability of the toy to promote creative or imaginary play, how likely the toy is to mature with the child, and of course, price. It's also important to know the interests and hobbies of older children when selecting their gifts, and toys that provide opportunities to practice social skills and those that involve physical activity are especially good choices for toddlers. But safety remains a primary consideration when choosing toys for children of any age.
In 2001, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported an estimated 255,100 toy related injuries that required treatment in a hospital emergency room. This consumer group issues recalls of products, watches toy labeling and strives to keep non-complying toys off the market. Since 1987, CPSC has seized over three million toys that were deemed unsafe.
Some of the recommendations from CPSC for choosing safe toys are:
- 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.
- Look for sturdy construction on plush toys, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.
- Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, especially for children under age 8.
- Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8.
- Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
- Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.
- Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become deadly playthings. Plastic wrappings can cause suffocation.
Additional tips include looking for the UL Approval Seal on electrical toys and being aware that toys that break easily can cause children sadness or encourage destructive tendencies. When considering art supplies, look for the ASTM D-4236, indicating that it's toxin free. Evaluate the toy's ability to be washed or sanitized after use by a child. Ribbons and strings should not be longer than ten inches on a toy or furnishings. If you select toy guns they should be in bright colors so they're not mistaken for real guns. Not all toys are found on a toy department shelves. Foster imaginary play with musical instruments, daily life objects found in a child's size, art and science materials, or homemade playthings.
Toys that propel objects or increase the chance of falls can be made safer if preventive accessories are used. Bike helmets, knee or elbow pads, earplugs, goggles or safety glasses, or safety tips on propelled objects should be given with the toy.
It's also important to teach a child safe use of toys. For example, loud toys should be kept 12 inches from the ears. (Sounds of 85 decibels or over can affect a child's hearing and toys emitting noise higher than 138 decibels have been banned.)
You may choose not to purchase a toy a child has asked for. If possible, provide reasons for this that a child can understand, such as it's beyond the budget, is inappropriate for the age of the child or may create a safety hazard.
Preventing needless tragedies and providing a safe environment are the best holiday gifts parents can provide their children. To obtain CPSC publications, check on recalls or to report a dangerous product, call (800) 638-2772 or go online.
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