| One only has to walk into the toy section of any | | | | sure that there are no small parts like eyes on the |
| department store or gift shop and there is a sense | | | | stuff toys that can come loose and become choking |
| of excitement in the air. However before you fill your | | | | hazards. |
| shopping cart with toys and rush off to the check | | | | · Always pay close attention to the quality |
| out, take a moment to make sure that the gifts | | | | of the toys you are purchasing. Make sure there are |
| you've selected are suitable for his/her age. | | | | no broken parts or sharp edges read the contents |
| Reports from the Consumer Product Safety | | | | on the label to make sure the toys are not coated |
| Commission reveal that last year 140,700 children | | | | with any toxic substance for example Paints |
| visited hospital emergency rooms for toy related | | | | containing lead. |
| injuries. It was also reported that thirteen children | | | | · The older children get the more mobile |
| also died. Toys that were supposed to bring | | | | they become gifts such as bikes and skates are |
| happiness brought grief and sorrow. | | | | appropriate for those ranging from age 3-6. When |
| Choosing age appropriate toys is perhaps the best | | | | these gifts are chosen make sure to also select the |
| way to prevent toy related tragedies during the | | | | necessary safety equipment like helmets, kneepads |
| holiday season or at any other time of the year. Here | | | | and elbow guards. |
| are five ways to choose age suitable toys for your | | | | · Last but not least make sure toys are not |
| child... | | | | too heavy, a child definitely could get hurt if a toy fell |
| · This may seem obvious but read the labels, | | | | on him or her. |
| to ascertain the recommended age for the particular | | | | Remember toys are more than just entertainment |
| toy. For example toys marked not recommended for | | | | there are a fundamental part of your child's physical |
| children under three often have small parts that can | | | | and social development. So no matter what toys you |
| easily become choking hazards for infants and | | | | choose for your child make sure that safety is high |
| toddlers. | | | | on your list of priorities. |
| · Soft stuffed animals, squeaky bath toys, | | | | And the best way to guarantee your child will have a |
| and large, colorful balls are excellent gifts for children | | | | fun, interesting, and safe childhood is to buy |
| from 1 month to 1 year. However make sure that | | | | age-appropriate toys for the holidays, birthdays and |
| these toys are washable and non-toxic. Also make | | | | other special occasions. |