BETTER LIVING: Making Sure Their New Toys Are Safe
Friday, December 23, 2011
Over the next several days it’s likely that your little cuties are going to be showered with new toys from well-meaning family and friends. Not to be a “Debby Downer” but some of these thoughtful gifts might come attached with health hazards. To insure your children are not going to be playing with something that could potentially harm them, I suggest the following:
Read the manufacturers information regarding the appropriate age range for the toy. There are very specific reasons for setting these restrictions and it has nothing at all to do with how smart or advanced your child is. Your little Einstein might be able to figure out a Rubik’s cube but can still choke on a small part or be strangled by a cord that is too long.
Choking is the most common cause of toy-related deaths according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.uspsc.gov). Check each and every new toy for small parts and warning labels regarding choking hazards. Children under the age of 5 typically put things in their mouths so if a new toy has moving parts that look like they might free themselves and become a hazard better to be safe than sorry and make it disappear before junior has a chance to get attached to it. Here's an easy rule: if it can fit through a toilet paper tube, it's a choking hazard.
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Battery-operated nightmare. Batteries contain heavy metals which are hazardous. Toys that require watch and button batteries to function can be fatal if ingested. If you do receive toys with batteries, be sure that they are enclosed and cannot be accessed by your child.
Noise, noise, and more noise. Small children have very sensitive ears. A toy that seems loud to you is likely damaging to your child. Many toys have music or noises to engage kids. Use your personal judgment to decide if your child’s hearing might be at risk.
Beware of toxic chemicals from plastic toys. Lots of fun and colorful toys are made with PVC or #7 plastics. Any toy that is labeled with a #3 symbol is made from PVC. That means the toy contains phthalates that can be absorbed through skin and through the mouth. #7 plastics may contain Bisphenol A which is a danger to children and adults alike. If it is possible, returning the item to the store is the best bet.
If you have years of toys ahead of you get in the habit of checking the Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site for recall information.
www.ToyAssociation.org is another great resource for recalls and safety information.
Happy Holidays!
Candita Clayton is the founder of Your Life Organized and author of Clean Your Home Healthy. Visit her online, here.
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