Tiny Battery Safety
These tiny batteries are everywhere — and they can look tasty to little ones, so handle with caution.
How to Choose Safe Toys for Your Kids
With Christmas right around the corner, it’s prime-time for toy-buying. But how to do you know that the gifts you’re putting under the tree aren’t putting your children in danger? Before you run out of the door with your shopping list in hand, follow these tips to help you choose safe and appropriate toys for your child.
5 Toy-Buying Tips
- Read the label
Warning labels provide parents with crucial information about potential hazards and what age the toy is appropriate for. In addition to reading the warning label, read the toy’s instructions to make sure your child is playing with it properly.
- Avoid loud toys.
Loud toys can harm a child’s hearing. With that being said, it’s a good idea to find out how much noise the toy generates, and if necessary, choose a less noisy toy.
- Avoid toys with toxic materials.
Believe it or not, toys can contain toxic chemicals such as BPA, PVC, lead, chlorine, and arsenic. The good news is that there is a wide selection of non-toxic toys on the market.
- Don’t forget the helmet.
Buying a bicycle, skateboard, or roller-skates? Don’t forget to include a helmet to prevent head injuries.
- Opt for large toys.
Before settling on the perfect toy, make sure there aren’t any small parts or other potential choking hazards
Choose the Right Toys for the Right Age
As we mentioned above, always read the labels to make sure it’s appropriate for your child’s age. Although it’s important to follow the guidelines published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), also consider your child’s attitude, habits, and behavior when making your purchase.
Report Unsafe Toys
If you have any doubt about a toy’s safety or would like to report an unsafe toy, call the CPSC hotline at (800) 638-CPSC.
Advanced Solutions in Family Medicine
More than 200,000 children are treated in emergency departments for toy-related injuries each year. Don’t let that happen to your child. If you have questions about which toys to choose this holiday season, don’t hesitate to call Lakeview Family Medicine. We continue to research the latest and best methods to prevent health problems.
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