I am a thirty-five-year-old mother of two wonderful children, and I have a deep appreciation for toys. It is quite remarkable to think that anyone could feel otherwise. Each visit to a toy store with my children rekindles the same excitement and joy I experienced during my own childhood. As parents, we often overlook the potential dangers associated with toys, including the risk of serious injuries or even fatalities. Today, I would like to discuss several important considerations to keep in mind when selecting toys for toddlers.
The following information is derived from a report on Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), with data from the years 2016 and 2017.
In 2016, approximately 240,000 toy-related injuries were documented and treated in emergency departments across the United States. In 2017, a tragic incident occurred involving a 21-month-old child who swallowed a small ball while playing. The ball became lodged in his airway, leading to his death from asphyxia after five days. The 2017 report indicated that 36% of toy-related fatalities involved children under the age of five.
The toys you buy should meet the following CPSC guidelines:
If you are buying painted toys, make sure the paint is lead-free.
The materials of the toys should be non-toxic
The materials should be flame resistant.
Always buy washable soft toys
Avoid letting your child play with old toys or toys that don’t meet the CPSC regulated safety standards.
If you think that your child has been exposed to toys containing plastic bits or lead, immediately get his/her blood tested to check the lead levels.
Top Things to Consider before Buying Toys
1.Read the Label: It goes without saying that you should carefully read the label to find out what age the toy is appropriate for and playing instructions to ensure safety. Makes sure that the label says “non-toxic”.
2. Age Limit: The age limit for a toy depends on the safety factor. Even if your child is smarter and more physically fit for his age, you shouldn’t let him play with toys designed for older kids.
3. Projectile Toys: This I can say from my personal experience. Do not let your toddler play with toys that shoot objects in the air such as darts, air guns or rocket. They are extremely dangerous and I don’t even need to explain why.
4. Pointy Ends: Watch out for toys that project sharp edges. A small shift of attention and it can lead to fatal injuries.
5. Size Matters: Avoid plastic toys with small parts or loose ends. These small bits are easily indigestible and can lead to choking hazards.
Other factors to take into account when buying a toy for a child under age three.
Foster Physical Activity
Toys should not only spark your child’s imagination but also promote physical growth. Wheel toys such as activity walkers, tricycles, and three-wheeled scooters promote cognitive development, hand-to-eye coordination of your children.
According to statics 2,000 US kids go to the emergency room every year because of baby walkers. Over the past two decades, safety standards, have been put in place in the US to insure safety, like making sure walkers were wider than door frames, and insuring walkers are equipped with specialized wheels for carpet floor .
If you are going to purchase a walker insure you purchase a baby walker with a wide base. Walkers with wide bases will prevent your baby from fitting through doorways. Sport a walker with an adjustable height. Choose a baby walker that allows your baby to maneuver easily. When you have carpeting throughout the house it can be frustrating. I looked at many walkers and found that Playskool Step Start Walk ‘n Ride is the best baby walker for carpet.
Multi-sensory Development
Colorful toys are attractive and if they produce soothing music, then that’s even better. Child psychologists have gone on record stating that different colors, texture of toys, and sound of toys educate your child about cause and effect and encourage them to explore the surroundings.
Education
Toys can be both fun and educational. Wooden puzzles, shape-sorters construction and stacking toys are proven to foster the logic, reasoning and problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
Apart from the above-mentioned factors, there are a few other things you can and should do to ensure optimal safety for your children while playing with toys. First and foremost, keep an eye on your kids when they are playing. Secondly, take your time to buy toys that grow with your child. And last but not the least, aside from all the safety aspects, be sure to pick toys that promote all the essential aspects of your child’s mental and physical development.
Alvina Emmy is a mother of two and the owner of parentloves.com a website sharing information on children’s health, baby food, pregnancy, parenting tips and baby product reviews.
Thanks for the informative article. My kids are almost out of the toddler phase but i know I considered my toy purchases for them very carefully and safety was one of my considerations.
Thanks those are good to consider before buying toys
Lots of great tips,thanks for sharing !
Thank you for the tips. These are very helpful as I have a toddler and small infant and safety is definitely the most important factor.
These are good tips for buying toys for our grand children, thanks.
Great read. It really is important to make sure you’re buying an age appropriate toy for your little one. And yes, watch out for pointy edges.
Thanks for the informative article. My kids are almost out of the toddler phase but i know I considered my toy purchases for them very carefully and safety was one of my considerations.