Playtime can be both educational and entertaining for little ones, but it’s important to be aware of general toy safety to ensure that your child is not at risk of choking or other common hazards. The safety of a toy can depend on many factors, including the type of toy, the age of your child, and the amount of supervision required. However, there are several precautionary measures you can take to help keep your child safe.
Avoid potentially dangerous toys.
Dangerous toys can come in all shapes and sizes. Always avoid toys that have sharp points or edges, or loose, small parts. As a general rule, anything that can fit into an empty toilet paper tube can be a choking hazard (this includes toys filled with beans or pellets). Other hazardous items include those with strings or ribbons, toy projectiles, and even toy chests or bins that can potentially trap a small child. Also, any toy that you purchase for your child or infant should be non-toxic.
Purchase age-appropriate toys.
Before buying a toy or game, be sure to read the warning label to ensure that it’s the appropriate age for your child. What may be appropriate for a 5-year-old could be extremely dangerous for a small infant. To accommodate for this, we separate our toys into age categories for easy, convenient shopping. We offer toys for boys and girls of all age groups, from babies to teens.
Replace toys that show signs of wear and tear.
Children can be hard on their toys. Once a toy begins to show signs of wear and tear, you should discard and replace it. Commons signs of wear include loose parts, frayed cords on electric toys, and broken or sharp edges.
Put toys away when playtime is over.
Leaving toys strewn about can present a tripping hazard, but it’s also important to remove toys from cribs and keep loose playthings away from heat sources, such as fireplaces and vents. Always store toys in boxes without lids, as lidded storage containers can fall on a child’s head, neck, or fingers and cause serious injury. Airtight bins can also trap and suffocate small children should they climb inside.
Vigilance and thorough vetting of any toy that comes into your home is key to preventing potentially life-threatening accidents. We offer a variety of safe, age-appropriate toys for boys and girls, so you can do your research and keep playtime fun and safe.
