| Every year there's a story in the news about | | | | ingestion for small children are critical and lead to |
| toddlers who were injured while playing with the | | | | life-long damage. Again, there are concerns with toys |
| latest, greatest toy of the season. Even when the | | | | imported from China that do not meet the lead-free |
| toy is marked as suitable for children ages 3 or | | | | standards of American made toys. The Fisher Price |
| younger, the result is disastrous. | | | | Elmo Learning Fun Laptop is a safe, fun option for |
| As you can imagine, the parent or grandparent who | | | | little ones! |
| purchased the toy is devastated about this accident. | | | | 5. Crayons or finger-paints must be non-toxic. Red |
| This year, there has been an onslaught of recalls for | | | | paint looks as tasty to a toddler as red cake icing. |
| toddler toys. How is a parent supposed to predict | | | | Look on the label for this notation: ASTMD-4236. This |
| the danger and protect their child from unsafe toys | | | | verifies that the color product was approved by the |
| they might put under the Christmas tree? | | | | American Society for Testing and Materials. |
| You can expect that anything in a toddler's hand is | | | | 6. Look inside any box or compartment of a toy to |
| eventually going into the mouth. No matter how | | | | make sure there are no smaller, unattached pieces. |
| carefully you supervise playtime, toddlers have slight | | | | Anything small that can fit inside a paper towel roll is |
| of hand down to a fine art. Keep in mind these basic | | | | a choking hazard. |
| toddler toy shopping rules: | | | | 7. If the toy makes a noise, make sure it has an |
| 1. If it's a soft toy, like a Sesame Street Plush Toy, | | | | "off" switch. That will help you remain friends with |
| make sure it's washable. | | | | the parents who won't be thrilled waking up from a |
| 2. Twist the eyes, buttons or any protruding | | | | sound sleep to the sound of toy honking. |
| decorations to determine if they're securely attached. | | | | Most important to remember is to stay within the |
| Toy manufacturers are suppose to use items that | | | | recommended age guidelines. Your two year old may |
| have specific safety attachments, but can you count | | | | be the next math genius, but his developmental age |
| on that with all of the horror stories about imported | | | | means he'll act like a two year old and place small |
| toys? | | | | parts in his mouth or have difficulty manipulating the |
| 3. Fabric toys must be made with flame resistant or | | | | objects for a more advanced game. These guidelines |
| flame retardant fabrics. Check the label and if you | | | | come from the Consumer Product Safety |
| don't see these terms, don't buy it. | | | | Commission based on years of research and |
| 4. Painted toys, whether plastic or wood, need to be | | | | continued testing. Be a smart adult and choose an |
| made with lead-free paint. The dangers of lead | | | | age appropriate toy. |