| Toys are the most popular gifts for children. While | | | | Why should we be concerned about toy safety? |
| selecting an appropriate gift for a child though you | | | | In 2004, the Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| must bear in mind that the purpose of children's play | | | | (CPSC) reported 16 toy-related deaths. Over 210,300 |
| is beyond entertainment. | | | | children younger than 15 years were also treated |
| Play stimulates children's creativity, lets them discover | | | | that year for toy-related injuries in emergency rooms |
| the world they live in, and also provides them with an | | | | across the U.S. More than 35% of injured children |
| opportunity to develop social and physical skills. The | | | | were younger than 5 years of age. |
| parent's role is to provide their children with a safe | | | | Many of you probably heard on the radio or TV |
| environment for exploration, discovery, and play. | | | | about recent recalls of toys imported from China due |
| Therefore, all parents (and anyone else purchasing | | | | to high lead levels. You may want to review the list |
| gifts for children) should make sure that they select | | | | of recently recalled toys at the American Academy |
| safe and age appropriate toys for their little ones. | | | | of Pediatrics website before you start shopping for |
| Consider these toy safety tips: | | | | toys this holiday season. |
| 1. Select age-appropriate toys. | | | | How can we assure the safety of toys? |
| 2. Read instructions before buying/allowing your child | | | | First of all, review the list of recently recalled toys at |
| to play with a new toy. | | | | the American Academy of Pediatrics website. |
| 3. Children younger than 3 years should not be given | | | | Second, rely on reputable American sources for |
| toys containing small parts or that are easy to break. | | | | natural toys. And last but not least, consider |
| 4. Children younger than 8 years should not be given | | | | introducing to your children to traditional toys such as |
| toys with sharp edges or points. | | | | teddy bears, dolls, blocks, etc. that cultivate the |
| 5. Remember the "toilet paper roll rule": any toy that | | | | development of the imagination. Remember that |
| can fit through the toilet paper roll is to small for | | | | good toys do not have to be expensive! |
| children younger than 3 years (paper bags and | | | | When going shopping for toys, consider that all toys |
| deflated balloons fit this category too!). | | | | could potentially be dangerous. You have to do your |
| 6. Avoid toys that shoot small objects into the air. | | | | own research before making an educated purchase |
| 7. Avoid loud toys. | | | | decision. |
| 8. Always remove ribbons and wrapping paper | | | | 1. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's |
| completely before giving toys to small children. | | | | website or call them at 800-638-2772. |
| 9. Children younger than 10 years should not be given | | | | 2. Avoid trendy toys. |
| toys that require being plugged into the electrical | | | | 3. Consider natural toys such as wooden blocks, dolls, |
| outlet (this prevents burns and electrical shocks). | | | | & teddy bears. |
| Select battery-operated toys instead. | | | | |