Health
Toy Safety; It’s on Everyone’s Wish List this Season
By |
Submitted by Ochsner Health Center – Central
When you’re making your list this year, be sure to check it twice for safety when purchasing toys for young children.
First and foremost, before purchasing a toy, you should research the toy’s safety and then choose wisely keeping the following tips in mind:
•Always read safety labels and follow appropriate age guidelines.
•Ensure that the toy is lead-free.
•Fabric toys should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.
•All paints or markers should be non-toxic.
•Noise-making toys should not be too loud.
•Carefully inspect any second-hand items before gifting.
•Keep magnetic toys and “button” batteries away from young children. The acid can cause fatal internal injuries. If a child swallows a battery, seek immediate medical attention.
It’s not just the toys that could pose a problem. According the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, when it comes to the paper, boxes and bows, heed the following advice:
•Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys as they could become suffocation hazards. This includes balloons or toys that have string, ribbon or straps longer than 7” that could cause strangulation.
•Pay close attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers or electronic toys.
•Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.
•If a small toy or broken parts of toys can fit entirely into a toilet paper tube, then it is a potential choking hazard.
Parents should supervise or play along with their child when they are first exploring new toys in order to teach the child the correct way to play with the toy and to ensure they can safely handle the new item. In addition, as you are making room for this year’s newest items, now is the time to inspect older toys to ensure they are not broken, rusted or dirty.
Reminder, it is a good idea to wash children’s toys regularly to help prevent the spread of germs. Plastic toys can be washed in the dishwasher in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. Or, try a mixture of antibacterial soap or mild dishwashing detergent with hot water. Make sure to rinse the toys thoroughly before your child plays with them again.
Dr. Alicia Kober is a pediatrician at Ochsner Health Center – Central. She can be contacted at 261-9790.
0 comments