Guide In Buying Christmas Toys For Children
By Marianne
Jackson The holidays are right around the corner and soon we will be
thinking of gifts for our loved ones. Do you have a toddler on your shopping
list? You will want to make sure the toys you buy are safe. Always check that
you are buying toys that fit the age and skill level of your child. A three
year old can be frustrated to no end by a toy that is meant for a five year
old. Not only that, but toys with small parts can be dangerous, even deadly.
Small children automatically put things in their mouths so small parts from
toys will probably end up there where the child can swallow or choke on them.
 Small kids love stuffed animals and toys and they are given plenty of them
as gifts, but even these toys need to be checked for quality construction. Make
sure they eyes, nose, and other small features are on tight so the child can’t
bite them off as they chew on the toy. It is best to get stuffed toys that have
the eyes and nose embroidered on so you don’t have to worry about buttons or
plastic parts coming off.
Avoid sharp edges. Imagine your child running with the toy and what would
happen if he fell on it. Plus sharp edges can damage the mouths and face.
Save electric toys for when the kids are over eight years old. They are just
not safe for toddlers. Don’t be tempted by something that looks neat or is on
sale. Any toy that has an electrical heating or lighting element is unsafe and
hazardous when left with a child unsupervised.
Be sure to read the labels on the toy before you buy. The recommended ages
and safety guidelines are listed and should be adhered to.
As soon as your toddler unwraps his toy, throw away the plastic wrapping.
Plastic is not safe around kids as it poses a suffocation hazard. Keep a watch
out for the twisty ties that keep toys in their packages. Immediately throw
them away as they pose a safety hazard to small children.
Before making your toy purchase and even periodically afterwards, it is a
good idea to check the recall list from the US Consumer Product Safety
Commission to make sure the toy has not been recalled because it potentially
poses a serious hazard to your child. Their website is http://www.cpsc.gov or you can call them at (800) 638-2772.
You will probably be surprised at the number of toys on the list, many by
well known manufacturers. Below are a few that have been recalled:
Little People Animal Sounds Farm by Fisher-Price. An incident was reported
where a small child inhaled the screws from the stall doors. Emergency surgery
was performed to remove the screw from his lungs.
Walt Disney’s Woody Dolls. Woody Dolls that were distributed by Walt Disney
Parks and Resorts also have been recalled. It was determined the doll’s buttons
could easily detach and pose a choking hazard for small children.
Battat Drumsticks
Drumsticks sold with toy drum sets by Battat Incorporated. The end of the
drumstick breaks off easily and the opposite end can loosen and detach
therefore this toy was recalled since it poses a choking hazard for small kids.
Watch for those twisty ties that keep toys secure in their packages. They
may keep them looking nice in the store but are a hazard as they are taken off
the toy. They often have a small plastic backing between the cardboard and the
tie. Even if your toddler’s toys don’t have these, an older sibling might
receive a toy with them. They need to be properly discarded to avoid any danger
to a younger child.
If you have a beloved tot on your shopping list, keep in mind the safety
considerations above so your child will have a safe and happy holiday.
About the Author: Marianne Jackson is a staff writer at Christmas Gazzette and an occasional
contributor to several other websites, including Family Review.
Source: www.isnare.com
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