Toy Safety: The First Priority when Buying for Your Kids

Toys for children fill aisles, and even complete stores. Buying for the kids can seem a little daunting. Should you listen to commercials? Should you take the advice of friends and family? Or, should you give in to your child when peer pressure bears down? The answer to all of these questions is -NO!

The first consideration when purchasing toys for your children should be SAFETY.

Sharp edges, lead paint, small parts, vulgarity, and adult themes all plague the toy and game industries. You can find specifications for these toys online, on the packaging, and in magazines everywhere.

Recall information is also available from numerous sources as well. Some vendors may not have the recall information yet. And, other less reputable stores may choose not to participate. As with all purchases, the old mantra - caveat emptor, buyer beware, should apply here.

There are toys and games for every age group of child. So, you should look to these ratings for guidance. These ages are included on the packaging to let you be aware of small, loose items which will be harmful to the younger kids. Then later, these become ratings, telling you about content that may be too mature for the older kids.After you have a collection of age appropriate toys in mind you must investigate further. Parents today have a wealth of information right at their fingertips. Don't be afraid to do a little research on the toys you are considering for your kids. Once again, you can find information on toxicity, recalls, choking hazards, or a variety of other things online.

If the item you wish to purchase is on display, check it out. The display model will usually be worn from use in the store. Observe the weak points and look for obvious dangers. Cracks, splintered edges, and missing parts are obvious alarms. If you are still satisfied after all of that, make your purchase.

Then you will want to check out the toys for yourself. After your purchase, but before giving the little one their toy, you should 'test drive' the toy. Anything with moving parts should be investigated. Check out all of the hinges, bells and whistles. And use a little common sense. In the end, the choice is yours. You know what your child can, and will, do with their new toy. But, like the old saying goes, it is better to be safe, than sorry, especially where your children are concerned.