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Shopping for Toys This Christmas
Shopping for toys during the holidays can be exciting and fun, but it can also be frustrating. There can be thousands of toys to choose from in one store, and it's important to choose the right toy for the right age. Toys that are meant for older children can be dangerous for younger children. Here are some tips to keep the kids you're buying for safe, and to make your holiday shopping a little easier.
Children Under Three
- Children under 3 tend to put everything in their mouths. Avoid buying toys intended for older children, which may have small parts that pose a choking danger.
- Never let children of any age play with deflated or broken balloons because of the choking danger.
- Avoid marbles, balls, and games with balls that have a diameter of 1.75 inches or less. These products also pose a choking hazard to young children.
- Children at this age pull prod and twist toys. Look for toys that are well made with tightly secured eyes, noses and other parts.
- Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
Ages Three Through Five
- Avoid toys that are constructed with thin, brittle plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges.
- Teach older children to keep their toys away from their younger brothers and sisters.
Ages Six Through Twelve
- If buying a toy gun, be sure the barrel, or the entire gun, is brightly colored so that it's not mistaken for a real gun.
- If you buy a bicycle for a child no matter what age, you should buy a helmet too, and make sure that the child wears it.
- Teach all children to put toys away when they're finished playing so they don't trip over them or fall on them.
- For all children, adults should check toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged or dangerous toys should be repaired or thrown away.
READ THE LABEL
Toy manufacturers must meet stringent safety standards and label certain toys that could be hazardous for younger children. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide. Labels on toys that state "not recommended for children under three…. contains small parts," are labelled that way because they may pose a choking hazard to children under three. Toys should be developmentally appropriate to suit the skills, abilities and interests of the child.
Remember, the power is yours!
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