Safe toys for safe play

Choosing toys that are right for your child

As the holiday season approaches, it’s likely your child’s letter to Santa will namecheck a whole range of toys that might not be suitable for his age. Children, the primary target audience of toy advertising, certainly wield their share of influence about which toys will be purchased. But parents must consider which ones are actually appropriate. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), safety should be a priority when choosing toys.

“While most toy-related injuries are minor, some can be severe or even fatal,” says Gary Smith, M.D., FAAP, member of the AAP Committee on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention. Small or loose parts on toys can choke small children. Toy guns can shoot out flying objects that may cause eye injuries, and others emit loud, snapping noises that can damage hearing. Ride-on toys may transport children into streets, swimming pools, or ponds. Beyond these common dangers, children may be shocked by electric toys, poisoned by toxic toys, or bruised or suffocated by toy chests.

AAP safety tips for toy shopping

• Read warning labels to check whether the toy is age-appropriate and whether adult supervision is advised. Be sure to show children how to use the toy properly.
• Check for small parts Children under 3 can choke on small parts contained in toys or games and balls with a diameter of 1 3/4 of an inch or less.
• Avoid projectile toys that shoot small objects into the air.
• Protect hearing Bypass toys that make loud or shrill noises.
• Steer clear of flimsy toys Look for sturdy construction and don’t by anything that could break, exposing sharp points or edges.
• Make sure toys aren’t toxic Look for paint sets, crayons and play dough that are marked nontoxic.
• Check for screw-shut battery compartments Small batteries can be a choking or swallowing hazard and battery acid could leak from them if they’re swallowed.
• Restrict hobby kits and chemistry sets to kids over 12 and balloons to over-8s (younger children shouldn’t play with latex balloons, as they’re a choking hazard.
• Ensure electrical toys are safe by making sure they’re UL approved.
• Keep cords short Be careful when buying crib toys – strings or wires should be kept short.
• Store toys safely Toy chests with lids should have locking supports and safe hinges, as well as ventilation holes.

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