| Do you have a toddler on your gift list? If so, | | | | recalled. Some toys on the recall list include: |
| remember that small children and infants automatically | | | | * Woody Dolls (distributed by Walt Disney Parks and |
| put items in their mouths. | | | | Resorts) -- the doll's buttons can detach and pose a |
| Inspect For Safety | | | | choking hazard for young children. |
| Safety is the first thing you should check. Toys with | | | | * Little People Animal Sounds Farm (by Fisher-Price) -- |
| small parts are always suspect. Parts small enough to | | | | the screws on stall doors can come off, posing a |
| fit into a tot's mouth can be a choking hazard. | | | | choking or aspiration hazard. One child aspirated a |
| Plush toys are ideal for small children, but check the | | | | screw into his lungs, requiring emergency surgery. |
| construction. If the eyes, nose, or other small | | | | * Drumsticks sold with toy drum sets (by Battat |
| features are not tightly secured, these items can | | | | Incorporated) -- the end piece of the drumstick |
| come off when a child inevitably chews on it. | | | | handle can break off, and the screw at the end of |
| Any toy with a sharp edge is a potential safety | | | | the drumstick can detach. Both pose a choking |
| hazard. A child walking or running with such a toy can | | | | hazard. |
| fall and be injured by it. Again, tots like to put things | | | | Remove Dangerous Packaging Immediately |
| in their mouths, so sharp edges could cut their lips, | | | | Watch for twist-ties that keep toys secure in their |
| gums or tongues. | | | | packages. They keep the toy looking good on the |
| Any Electric Or Heating Elements? | | | | shelf, but become a hazard when the toy is removed |
| Only children 8 years of age or over should receive | | | | from the package. Also check older siblings' toys for |
| electric toys with heating elements. Don't be tempted | | | | them. They need to be properly discarded to avoid |
| to buy these for a younger child just because they | | | | any danger to a younger child. On Christmas morning, |
| would be fun to play with. | | | | you can eliminate a suffocation hazard to your tot by |
| Find Out What's Been Recalled | | | | immediately throwing away all plastic wrappings from |
| Before setting out on a toy shopping trip, find out | | | | the toys. |
| which have been recalled. The U.S. Consumer Product | | | | Do Your Research |
| Safety Commission can tell you at or call toll-free | | | | Popular toys that children are clamoring for are hard |
| (800) 638-2772. You might be surprised to find that | | | | to resist. Just do your research first. Keep the |
| some of the leading toy makers have had toys | | | | holidays happy and safe for your children. |