Everyone who buys toys
should remember that playthings are safe only when they
are chosen according to a child's age, interest and
skill level. Pay close attention to age
recommendations, such as, "Not recommended for children
under three".
Be aware of other safety labels including "Flame
retardant/flame resistant" on fabric products and
"Washable/Hygienic materials" on stuffed dolls and
toys.
Make sure that all instructions are clear
to you and, when appropriate, the child. Discard the
plastic wrappings from the toys immediately before they
become deadly playthings. Below are suggestions for
safeguarding your children's play as they
grow.
One-year-old children discover the joys of
sight, touch, sound and taste through their play.
Choose colorful, lightweight toys made of smooth,
non-toxic materials. Avoid toys that might
break.
Don't give your child any toys that have
small parts such as removable eyes, noses, or
noisemakers.
Inspect all toys for sharp points
or edges made of metal or glass - such toys should not
be given to children under eight years of age.
Remember, this includes stuffed animals with wires
inside that could stab or cut if exposed.
Toys
with long strings, cords, loops or ribbons should not
be hung in cribs or playpens. A young child could
become dangerously entangled.
Two-year-old
children want to know how everything works. Give
them very simple toys meant to be taken apart. Avoid
toys with parts small enough to be swallowed and toys
with sharp points or edges. Be careful - a long
string or cord on a pull toy should not exceed 12
inches, because it may become wrapped around a child's
neck
and cause choking.
Three-year-old children are
explorers who want large action toys such as rocking
horses, cars and wagons to push and pull around.
Parents must still guard against sharp edges and small,
removable parts that can be swallowed - including
marbles, beads and coins.
Four-year-old children
are eager to play grown-up with dolls, trucks, tractors
and building blocks. It's too early for toys that cut
or playthings that run by electricity. Be careful to
buy costumes that are flame retardant and toys that
match your child's strength.
Five and Six year
old children enjoy creative play with paints, crayons,
blunt scissors and papers. Simple sports equipment
provides challenging fun at this age. Arrows and darts
should have rubber suction cups or soft protective
tips. Check them often to see that the tips are
secure. Avoid vehicles that tip
over easily or toys that can pinch or
cut.
Seven-year-old children test their physical
coordination with outdoor sports equipment such as
sleds, kites, swings and other playground toys.
Inside, playing at a workbench with sturdy but
lightweight tools or a furnished doll-house will absorb
their interest. At this age, your child can also play
with simple, UL-labeled electrical toys. Avoid
skateboards, sharp-edged tools and toys that shoot
sharp-pointed projectiles.
Eight to
twelve-year-old children are fascinated with hobbies
such as photography, playing musical instruments and
all kinds of collections. A responsible adult should
always be there to supervise games with darts, bows and
arrows, air rifles or chemistry sets. Children at this
age should be taught to work with more sophisticated
electrical toys and tools.
PLAYING IT SAFE AROUND THE
HOUSE:
Teach older children to keep toys
designed for them away from younger children. Tool
sets or hobby items are dangerous in the wrong hands.
Even simple toys like uninflated balloons can cause
choking if a young child tries to swallow
it.
Teach children to put toys away. Leaving
play things on sidewalks and stairs can cause
falls.
Keep toys and play equipment in good repair. Discard toys that can't be made safe.
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The Original Safety for
Toddlers