Ensuring children have safe toys is a concern that many parents have. They are right to be concerned as dangerous toys can and have caused serious harm to lots of children, although thankfully with improving toy regulations, instances are on the decrease. However, parents still need to be careful and below we highlight some of the important things to look out for to ensure toys are safe.
Sharp edges. It is imperative that toys do not have sharp edges, even if they are made from seemingly soft materials. Children can often be rough with toys and run around with them, and all it takes is a fall or a snatching motion to cause a cut or skin-pierce.
Small parts. This is probably the most well known hazard of children’s toys. As children invariably love to put things in their mouth, they can very easily swallow small parts and choke on them. Some toys might appear to have no small parts but because they are made from poor quality materials, parts easily break off and pose an equal risk.
Chemicals. Whether it is dangerous chemicals in plastics, harmful fluids in toys, or simply toxins in the paint that they are decorated with, kids can be seriously harmed by inconsiderate materials. Thankfully most toys are tested thouroughly for dangerous chemicals, but some will always slip though the net.
Mechanical Hazards. Some toys might not seem dangerous at first glance but their pure functioning poses a risk to children. Good examples of this are toys that have springs or elastic band actions that can release unexpectedly and can potentially harm the eyes. Additionally, toys sometimes have dangerous hinges or gates that children can trap finger in.
All toys and Christmas gifts should comply with the health and safety regulations of their respective countries, so next time you’re buying gifts for her or him look out for the endorsement logos on the toy’s label first.