| Choosing safe toys for toddlers is an important job | | | | Like the Seek and Say toys where you pull the string |
| for any parent. You need to keep in mind the child's | | | | and the toy says a saying or makes an animal nose. |
| age, interests and skill level. Each child is different so | | | | These kinds of toys are dangerous for toddlers. Even |
| a toy for one three year old may not be appropriate | | | | though the string is attached to the toy, pulling the |
| for another child of the same age because their skill | | | | string hard enough can easily break the string. Any |
| level is different. You want to look for quality design | | | | toys with sting or cords can easily become wrapped |
| and construction in the toy you are choosing for a | | | | around a child's neck. Never hang any toys that have |
| toddler. Read the directions before you purchase a | | | | long strings from a toddler's crib or playpen. |
| toy. Be sure they are clear and concise. Read the | | | | 5. Sharp points - This is a bit different that sharp |
| label carefully as it contains important information. | | | | edges. Older toys were made with objects such as |
| Some toys will have clear warning that state "Not | | | | pins, staples and wires which are of course |
| recommended for children under three." In this case, | | | | dangerous to preschool aged children. A new law |
| if the child is two, this would not be a safe toy for | | | | now states that toys made for children under the |
| that child. Other warnings include "Flame resistant" | | | | age of eight years of age cannot contain sharp |
| and "Washable materials." These are safe toys for | | | | points. Be sure to double check and make sure that |
| toddlers. Let's take a look at some different types of | | | | dolls clothing, hair or accessories do not contain |
| toys and their safety features. | | | | staples or pins. |
| 1. Sharp edges- Toys for children under the age of | | | | 6. Propelled objects - I think these types of toys are |
| eight years old should be free of sharp glass and | | | | dangerous for kids of any age but this holds true |
| metal edges. Toys that are made of brittle plastic or | | | | especially in younger children. Propelled toys are like |
| glass breaks easily, exposing sharp points and edges. | | | | missile launches and Frisbees. They can be dangerous |
| Wooden, metal and plastic toys may have sharp | | | | when flying through the air and hits a child in the eye |
| edges due to being poorly made. Keep in mind that | | | | or even cause head injuries if it hits hard enough. |
| toys that are used for long periods of time and | | | | Other propelled objects include lawn darts or darts |
| aren't made very well may break and the edges will | | | | from a dart board game. |
| become exposed and sharp. | | | | 7. Age appropriate toys - Believe it or not, not all |
| 2. Small parts- Toys that are from years ago can | | | | toys are suitable for all children. Be sure to follow the |
| have smaller toys hidden inside which is a danger for | | | | labels exactly as stated. Some toys can be bought |
| toddlers who can swallow a small object. There is a | | | | for an older child and get into the hands of their |
| new law however than stops toy manufacturers | | | | younger brother or sister in which the toy is not |
| from putting any small parts in toys that are intended | | | | intended for. Be especially wary of balloons. Balloons |
| for children under the age of three years old. This | | | | that are not blown up can be a chocking hazard. |
| includes but is certainly not limited to small eyes that | | | | 8. Electric toys - Here are another type of toy that is |
| are just glued on to stuffed animals and dolls, | | | | pretty dangerous at any age. My nephew suffered |
| removable squeakers on squeaky toys and dolls and | | | | burns on an electric train that was improperly wired. |
| stuffed toys that are stuffed with small pellets which | | | | This was many years ago and now electric toys |
| can be swallowed and lodged in a child's throat or | | | | must be made with specific surface temperatures, |
| ears. | | | | electrical construction and very clear warning labels. |
| 3. Loud noises - Loud noises scare small children. Just | | | | 9. Infant toys - There are many toys on the market |
| look at any toddler at a fireworks display. Most of | | | | today that are made for infants such as rattles and |
| them are startled and jump at the banging of the | | | | teethers. It is important to make sure these toys are |
| fireworks. Toy cap guns should not be purchased for | | | | large enough so that they cannot be swallowed. |
| any toddler. Not only do they scare children but some | | | | 10. Online Reviews - When in doubt about any toy, |
| of them can do damage to a toddler's hearing. There | | | | do a search for the toy and then put the word |
| is a law that requires that all noisemaking toys carry | | | | review after it. You will find other users of that |
| a label that states "Warning: Do not fire closer than | | | | particular toy and the positive and negative |
| one foot to the ear. Do not use indoors." | | | | experiences they had. |
| 4. Cords and strings - Many toys on the market | | | | Age Appropriate Toys: Here are some toys that are |
| today have some kind of string attached to them. | | | | safe toys for toddlers. |