Guidelines for Purchasing Safe Toys for Your Children

The holidays are a major time of the year known for shopping. Much of the shopping includes toys. During the months of October, November, and December toy commercials fill the television, toy catalogs filled the mailbox, and toys fill the stores. More room is made for toy aisles and popular toys can be found at the front of the store.

Recently, buying toys has become a challenge for many parents. Toy recalls have filled the newspapers and radios. Parents are unsure what to buy and what is safe. Toys that were once thought to be fun, educational, and safe are now hazardous and dangerous. Lead paint, faulty materials, and choking hazards are major concerns.

It is estimated that over 210,000 childhood injuries treated in hospitals each year are caused by toys or toy related. Each year, over almost twenty child deaths are contributed to toys.

Give a lot of thought when buying a toy for your child this Christmas. Use some of the standard guidelines listed below.

Think choking hazards

As a rule of thumb until your child reaches the age of three all parts should be bigger than his mouth. If you can place the toy through the open end of a paper towel roll then it can get stuck in a child's throat.

Think climbing and pulling

If you have a small child, he will likely be tugging, pulling, and climbing on toys. If you plan to purchase a large toy, make certain that it is too heavy to tip over or fall on the child.

Look for well crafted toys

Toys should be well sewn. Tug on eyes, ears, and other pieces to ensure that they will not come off. For small children, avoid dolls with buttons and decorations that can pulled off. Make sure that the paint is not chipping or peeling.

Look at recommended ages

Check the recommended age of the child listed on most boxes. These are usually good ideas to follow.

Match the toy with your child

You know your child. No matter how cute or how badly he wants it, do not buy a toy that your child is not ready for. If your child is not mentally or physically ready enough to use the toy properly, he will likely find a way to make it work. His way will not necessarily be safe.

Check used toys thoroughly

Consignment sales are great for purchasing gently used toys at discounted prices. However, make sure that the toy is not a recall. Check the list carefully. Check the toy for damage or missing parts.