Kids love toys. Toys are more than just fun and games for kids. The right toys can help children develop imagination and coordination. The wrong ones can do more harm than good. Here are 10 buying tips to keep in mind when shopping for toys.
Always read labels
Labels always give important information about the toy. Like how to use them and what ages the toy is safe for. Always read the label to ensure the toy you’re buying is also appropriate for his/her age.
Watch for small parts. Always think “Large”
Children like to put things in their mouths. The size of the toy and its parts should be larger than the child’s mouth.
Avoid toys that shoot
Toy guns and high-powered water guns can injure children they are aimed at. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking, among others.
Avoid toys that make loud noises
Loud toys can damage your child’s hearing.
Choose well-made stuffed toys that are washable
Washable because stuffed toys can easily get dirty.
Choose toys that are strong enough to survive impact
Choose toys that are also strong enough to withstand chewing. The toy should also have no sharp edges or points.
Choose toys that are nontoxic
Read the label. Make sure the label says the toy you’re buying is nontoxic. Art materials for kids should say nontoxic.
No hobby kits for children younger than 12
They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. If your child is 12 or older than 12, make sure he really knows how to safely handle his hobby kits.
Be careful when buying battery-powered toys
They should be SIRIM-approved. And they should have battery cases that can’t be easily opened – secured with screws so that kids can’t pry them open. Avoid toys with electric heating elements.
Do a safety inspection on all the toys you have bought
What to look for? Any toys that could increase the risk of entrapment, suffocation, or strangulation. Avoid toys with strings longer than 7 inches (18 centimetres).
Toy safety resources
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): The AAP has several resources on toy safety, including advice on selecting toys for babies and young children, tips on storing toys, and guidance on preventing toy-related injuries.
The Toy Association: The Toy Association, a nonprofit trade organization, maintains the PlaySafe.org website, where you can find safety tips, age-appropriate buying guides, and year-by-year toy recalls.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): In addition to maintaining a list of recalls, the CPSC provides safety alerts on potential hazards and tips on buying toys for different age groups.
References
How Do You Know What Toys Are The Safest For Your Child? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.playgroupnsw.org.au/ParentResources/ParentingYoungChildren/toy-safety-checklist-for-your-child
Toy safety. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rospa.com/home-safety/advice/product/toy-safety/
Pregnancy, Parenting, Lifestyle, Beauty: Tips & Advice. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://mom.com/kids/how-to-check-toy-safety
How to Buy Safe Toys. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/How-to-Buy-Safe-Toys.aspx
Cronan, K. M. (Ed.). (2018, June). Choosing Safe Toys for Toddlers and Preschoolers (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safetoys-young.html
Default – Stanford Children’s Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=buying-guidelines-for-safe-and-fun-toys-1-1922
