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Category: Articles » Home & Family » Parenting » Article » Article Code

Avoid Dangerous Toys for Toddlers

Santa's elves make all kinds of toys at the North Pole. From lavish electronic devices to simple board games, those in St. Nick's employ are a versatile group. Unfortunately, however, not all toys are safe for all age groups. In fact, children under three or four years of age are particularly prone to choking on small objects (they put everything in their mouths!). For this reason, it's imperative that parents of tots in this age group closely monitor what Santa places in the stocking and under the tree on Christmas Eve. When making a purchase for your little ... read more

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Santa's elves make all kinds of toys at the North Pole. From lavish 
electronic devices to simple board games, those in St. Nick's employ are a 
versatile group. Unfortunately, however, not all toys are safe for all age 
groups. In fact, children under three or four years of age are particularly 
prone to choking on small objects (they put everything in their mouths!). For 
this reason, it's imperative that parents of tots in this age group closely 
monitor what Santa places in the stocking and under the tree on Christmas 
Eve.
When making a purchase for your little one this holiday season, keep a 
watchful eye by closely inspecting not just the labels, but the toys themselves. 
Does it appear rugged and able to withstand the rigors of rough play, or does it 
look as though it could break into small pieces? If so, move on to something 
else regardless of what the label says.
Labels are good guidelines, but they aren't foolproof. In fact, some believe 
that manufacturers intentionally over-label toys to insulate themselves from 
potential lawsuits. Still, it's better to be safe than sorry. While toys made 
for children three years of age and younger must, by law, be large enough that 
they do not present a choking hazard, it's best to closely inspect them 
yourself. Some sources suggest taking a 35-millimeter film canister with you. If 
the toy or parts of a toy will fit into that canister, they say, the gift is not 
a good choice as it presents a choking hazard. While it's not scientific and 
probably isn't a surefire measuring stick of what is and isn't too small for 
your child, it does give you a general idea when doing your holiday 
shopping.
Aside from choking hazards, be sure to avoid toys that are sharp. Most toys 
made for children three and younger have smooth, rounded edges. If a toy has 
sharp or jagged points, it may not be safe for your toddler.
Despite the fact that hospitals in the United States treat thousands of 
children each year for toy-related injuries, many people get caught up in the 
buying frenzy and sometimes forget that what's hot this year isn't necessarily 
what's safe for toddlers. For example, baby dolls with buttons or small 
accessories, like miniature bottles, present choking hazards. Toys that plug in 
to the wall could present a burning hazard. For that reason, if a toy utilizes 
light and sound it is best to make sure it is battery operated.
If you have a little one at home, here are some gifts that are good ideas for 
one- and two-year-olds:
+ Cloth or plastic books
+ Building blocks
+ Push and pull toys
+ Soft, washable balls, animals, dolls (make sure the
eyes can't come off and there are no buttons)
+ Toy phones
Remember that while Christmas needs to be fun, it also needs to be safe. 
Sure, you want to get your child the perfect gift. But no gift is perfect unless 
it is safe and age appropriate. Finally, keep in mind that children under three 
years old, regardless of how safe you deem the toy, need adult supervision when 
playing with the gifts Santa leaves under the Christmas tree!

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