As the holidays approach and tempting toy catalogs begin to arrive in the mail, we, parents must keep in mind that toys safety and safe playing surroundings should be our first priority.
Here are the top safety considerations:
Which Toy for Which Child - Always choose age appropriate toys.
Gear Up for Safety - Include safety gear whenever shopping for sports-related gifts or ride-on toys, including bicycles, skates, and scooters.
Location - Be aware of your child's surroundings during play. Young children should avoid playing with ride-on toys near automobile traffic, pools or ponds. They also should avoid playing in indoor areas associated with hazards such as kitchens and bathrooms and in rooms with corded window blinds.
Scooters and other Riding Toys - Riding toys, skateboards, and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be worn properly at all times and be sized to fit.
Balls and other Toys with Small Parts - For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
Balloons - Children can choke or suffocate on deflated or broken balloons. Keep deflated balloons away from children younger than eight years old. Discard broken balloons at once.
Magnets - For children under age six, avoid building or play sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
After the gifts are opened:
Immediately discard plastic wrappings or other packaging on toys.
Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.
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My name is Sarit Bronstein. I'm a stay at home mom and a mother of four. On my website, I strive to share my own practical experience as well as my broader acquired knowledge, based on research and experience of others.