Toy Safety and How to Avoid Buying Unsafe Toys
As parents, we want to keep our children as safe as possible. It never occurs to many parents that the things they are buying for their kids may be unsafe toys. Below, we will explore some of the things parents can look for when buying toys to make sure their children are safe.
The first thing to look for in unsafe toys is giving a child a toy that is not age-appropriate. Most toys are labeled as to what age group they are intended for. Smaller children have a tendency of putting everything in their mouths. This can result in choking on small parts that come unattached on some toys. Unsafe toys for young kids include anything that has small parts that either detach or could come loose. It is a good rule of thumb to try and keep any removable parts on toys for children under six to two inches or larger to help prevent choking.
Unsafe toys can be made safer if the correct accessories are provided. For example, a bicycle or skateboard has the potential of being unsafe. By providing a helmet and kneepads, the unsafe toys become safer. Spending just a little more money can make all the difference between what is safe and what is unsafe.
Another thing you can do to make sure you are not buying unsafe toys is to buy from reputable dealers. Toy safety is subject to certain regulations and buying from toy dealers who are knowledgeable about these laws and follow them, you will be able to know that the chance of buying unsafe toys is reduced considerably.
It is essential to read all labels that come with toys as there are some chemicals used that can turn safe products into unsafe toys. Avoid all play makeup and other chemical-based toys that contain ingredients such as xylene, toluene and dibutyl phthalate. These chemicals can be potentially fatal if swallowed. Unsafe chemicals make for unsafe toys as, even if the toy should not make it to the child’s mouth, the chemicals can be present on hands that will make it to the mouth.
When not used for their intended purpose, many safe toys can become unsafe toys. A little foresight on a parent or caregiver’s part can help avoid potential dangers. Take into consideration the child’s age and maturity when giving any toy. This in itself will help avoid giving unsafe toys.