The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that in 2005 more than 152,000 children under 15 years old were treated for toy-related injuries in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. Many other children and adults were injured slightly or seriously from hot lights and other decorations. To bring the numbers down, consumers need to make safety a top priority during the holiday season.
Think Before Buying Toys
The best way to ensure that children receive safe and appropriate gifts is to be a smart and careful shopper.
Read all toy package labels closely and pay attention to the recommended age designation. Select only toys that suit the age, ability, skills and interest level of the child.
Check packages for certification by independent product safety testing organizations. This ensures that toys comply with appropriate safety standards. These organizations include ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for art materials such as crayons and paint sets, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) for electric toys and CSA (Canadian Standards Association), whose label appears on U.S. products for general toy safety.
Read all manufacturer warnings to make sure they are understood and that children learn to properly play with the toys.
Never buy toys for infants and toddlers that contain small parts that could pose a potentially fatal choking hazard. Look for sturdy toys with tightly secured eyes, noses and other small parts. Avoid small balls and balloons (when deflated) that can get lodged in the throats of toddlers.
Avoid toys with sharp edges or points as well as electric toys for children under age eight. If a child throws or bangs a toy that must be plugged into an outlet to operate, an electrical shock or burn can result. Opt for battery-operated toys.
Avoid toys with cords or strings that can create a strangle hazard. Be aware that toys that make loud noises can be harmful to the hearing of young children when they hold items near their ears. Don’t buy toys that shoot projectiles. These include slingshots, air guns and BB guns.
Always check for toy recalls with the CPSC.
Play it Safe
Choosing safe toys for children is the first step, but playing it safe doesn't stop there. Once gifts are open, be sure to supervise young ones and follow all safety guidelines provided by the manufacturers, including assembly instructions.
Immediately discard all wrapping paper and packaging, including plastic bags, so children don’t confuse them with playthings.
Remember that siblings are likely to share toys. Teach older children to keep their toys with small parts away from younger children.
Always supervise young children. Teach them to put away their toys when they are finished playing so they don’t trip or fall over them.
Deck the Halls
Festive holiday decorations are as much a tradition as gifts and edible treats. Unfortunately, some decorations, such as mistletoe and holly berries, can look as delectable as anything on the table to little ones and are dangerous if consumed. Use common sense when purchasing holiday goodies.
Small ornaments and garland- and food-inspired decorations can be hazardous to a child's health if ingested, and also pose a choking risk. Hang decorations high on the tree or leave them off until children are older.
Live holly plants are toxic if ingested. Fake plants pose a risk since small children put everything in their mouths. Small plastic berries could cause them to choke.
Call the local poison control center if a child has ingested something that is potentially toxic. Call 9-1-1 immediately if a child is unconscious.
Don’t forget that family pets may also confuse holiday décor for treats or may sneak goodies that are harmful to them. Chocolate, even in small quantities, has the potential to make dogs extremely sick.
Closely monitor candles and fireplaces. Never leave fires unattended and keep flames away from flammable materials such as gift wrap, bows and seasonal greenery.
Mike Virgintino - Mike Virgintino is a marketing communications executive who has directed corporate, nonprofit and product branding initiatives that rely ...
