Shopping for children’s gifts can be hectic and confusing. Getting an early start can make it easier and reduce the stress, but even if you are shopping at the last minute you cannot forget to take safety into account. There are just too many dangerous and defective toys on the market to let it slide. Here are some tips for choosing safe toys.
- Talk about it. If you are planning to buy a toy for someone else’s child, go ahead and ask the parent if it is right for their child’s age and ability. If you have a child, let friends and family know if there are restrictions on the types of toys you feel comfortable with.
- Check for recalls. Stores and online sellers do not always pull recalled items from their stock. There are even apps you can use to scan the barcodes on toys and find out instantly if they have been recalled, while you shop.
- Read all of the warnings on the box.
- Look at the toy and judge for yourself. Avoid toys that look like they will break or come apart easily, or that can obviously cause injury, even if they don’t have warning labels.
- Children under three should never be given small toys or toys with small parts. They can choke on them. Rule of thumb? If it can fit inside a toilet paper roll it’s too small.
- Also avoid toys with cords, ropes, or long strings for young children. They pose a strangulation hazard.
- Crayons, markers, and other art supplies for young children should be marked as non-toxic.
- Toys should have labels that let you know they have passed a safety inspection. For instance, ATSM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
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