Purchasing Safe Toys

Dangerous Toys are a problem and can be potentially brought home to our children without us even realizing it. In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates 150,000 toy-related injuries needing hospital emergency treatment occur each year.

Falls are of the most frequented accident, but there are other serious injuries resulting from swallowing small parts or placing tiny toys in noses or ears, exploding gas-powered toys, flammable products, and from sharp edges.

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Yearly, some 5,000 new toys get introduced to the market-place. The holiday season alone brings in over 150,000 new toys for sale in nearly one million stores. So naturally, despite the many efforts of manufacturers, retailers, safety inspectors, and others, it's just impossible to examine each toy. But remember it is always possible for parents and relatives to thoroughly inspect each toy purchased and every old toy around the house for possible dangers. Here are a few useful tips when shopping for toys and games.

Choose cautiously. Look for design and quality construction in the toys you buy.

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Purchase toys that complement the child's age, interest, and abilities. Avoid complex toys for young children. Be aware that toys have suggested age ranges to aid you in choosing toys that are appealing as well as safe. Be aware of toys containing sharp edges, small parts, or sharp points. Avoid toys producing excessively loud noises potentially damaging for the ears, and propelling objects that can injure the eyes.

Learn to read Labels. Look for safety information such as "Not recommended for children under 3 years of age," or "non-toxic" on toys likely to end up in baby's mouth, or "washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed toys and dolls.

Always check with parents before acquiring toy's needing supervision – electronic toys, shooting toys and games, chemistry sets, etc.. Remember that younger children may have access to toys intended for older children once the toy has been brought into the home.

And lastly you can look for the SGS on electrical toys. It indicates the electrical parts have been tested for safety.

We all want our children to have safe rewarding experiences playing with toys. As parents and relatives taking a few extra steps to ensure proper toy purchases may actually save your child from being one of the 150,000 hospitalized children this year, or any other and I'm certain that your child would be thankful for not having to be one!