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Toy Aisles
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Toy Safety Publications
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Toy Hazard Recalls - Listed by date of issue
The following are hints and tips to make your child's play time safe, secure and
above all, great fun:
When buying toys, always buy with the child's age in mind and ensure that the product is suitable for this age. Little children can easily choke on small objects.
Remember a small toy can prove tempting and we all know the 3 and under love to put everything into their mouths.
To determine if the toy will be fun and stimulating for your child to play with use the age guidelines to help you choose. Often a toy is well designed and safe but causes problems when it gets into the wrong hands. Think about your children and what they can manage before you buy a toy. Keep toys intended for older children out of the reach of younger children.
SEVEN TOY DANGERS - Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Smith, C. A. (1987). *Toy safety*. [Extension Publication MF-643] Manhattan, KS: Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service.
Sharp edges: Toys made of brittle plastic or glass can break easily, exposing sharp points and edges. Wooden, metal, and plastic toys sometimes have sharp edges due to poor construction.
Small parts: Tiny toys and toys with small, removable parts can be swallowed or become lodged in a child's windpipe, ears, or nose. The squeakers in some squeeze toys can be removed and possibly swallowed. The seams of poorly constructed stuffed dolls or animals can break open and release small pellets that also can be swallowed or inhaled.
Loud noises: Toy caps and some noise-making guns and other toys can reach noise levels that can damage hearing. The law requires the following label on boxes of caps producing noise above a certain level: "WARNING - Do not fire closer than 1 foot to the ear. Do not use indoors."
Sharp points: Broken toys can expose dangerous prongs and knife-sharp points. Pins and staples on dolls' clothes, hair, and accessories can easily puncture an unsuspecting child. Even a teddy bear or stuffed toy can be assembled with wires that can cut or stab.
Propelled objects: Projectiles - guided missiles and other flying toys - can be turned into weapons and can injure eyes in particular. Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby or sporting equipment with sharp points. Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective tips to prevent injury.
Electric toys: Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired, or misused can shock or burn. Electric toys must meet mandatory requirements for maximum surface temperatures, electrical construction, and prominent warning labels. Electric toys with heating elements are recommended only for children over age 8. Children should be taught to use electric toys cautiously and under adult supervision.
Wrong toy for the wrong age: Toys that may be safe for older children can be extremely dangerous in the hands of little ones.
CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATING TOYS
Does the toy have sharp, cutting edges?
Is the toy constructed so small parts could be removed and swallowed?
Will it make loud noises that can damage hearing?
Does the toy have hidden sharp points or prongs that might be exposed?
Is it a throwing toy with a sharp point?
Is it an improperly constructed electric toy?
Is it inappropriate for the child's age?
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