Safe Toys and Gifts

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month. The holiday season is here. Before buying your child a new toy, stop and ask: Is this a safe toy? The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) 2023 Toy-Related Deaths and Injuries research reports 40 toy-related deaths and an estimated 1.8 million injuries among children 14 and under between 2021 and 2023.  Johnson Law wants to help you create a happy, healthy, and safe gift-giving experience for all.

December Is Safe Toys And Gifts Month 

Be cautious when purchasing new toys for children and never leave young children unsupervised with a new toy. Review the CPSC Recalls list before buying gifts for the children in your life. Review the Safety Education guides before sharing your child’s gift lists with family and friends.

Toy safety begins before toys are brought home. It’s important for parents and guardians to be aware of the suggested appropriate age group before allowing a child to play with a toy. Additionally, it’s important to encourage imagination and creativity. Consider gifting toys that promote developmental skills.

Take Precautions

Read the instructions and warnings completely prior to a child playing with a new toy. Be sure the toy doesn’t have any potential hazards that could cause harm. Avoid leaving children unattended when learning how to play with a new toy, especially young children.

Be careful of toys with magnets or batteries. These could cause serious injuries if swallowed. Remove strings, ribbons, tags, and other easily removable pieces from a toy before giving it to a small child. Younger children have an increased risk of choking or becoming tangled.

The CPSC’s Role in Safe Toys for Kids

Thankfully, the CPSC has created a strong toy safety program. This program requires toy testing by independent laboratories around the world. They enforce strict standards and stop the sale of dangerous toys before the toys reach a child. The CPSC lists toy safety and recall alerts on its website. Subscribe to CPSC’s mail alerts. If any holiday toys are recalled, you’ll know.

Tips To Increase Gift and Toy Safety

The National Today website offers the following advice:

1. Inspect Toys Before Buying

Look for sharp points and edges. Check for loose parts. Is the toy tough?  Can a child break, crush or pull the toy apart? Do not give kids toys with ropes, cords, or heating elements. Crayons and markers must be labeled “nontoxic.” Finally, NEVER give small toys with removable magnets or “button” batteries. These can cause serious injury or death if swallowed.

2. Increase Toy Safety By Ensuring the Toy Is Age-Appropriate

Not every toy is meant for every child. Consider the child’s age and development level (most toys offer an age range for guidance). Key Rule: If toy parts fit in a toilet paper roll, they are too small for children under three. Shopping for a child with functional needs? Choose toys that appeal to the senses (sound, light, movement, and texture)

3. Increasing Toy Safety After Gifts are Open

Discard plastic wrap and toy packaging. Keep toys for older children away from younger siblings. Supervise battery charging. Chargers and adapters can cause thermal burns. Some chargers lack a mechanism to avoid overcharging.

4. Share Information About Toy Safety

It’s crucial to share knowledge about unsafe toys with other parents, grandparents, teachers, babysitters, etc. Use the hashtags #unsafetoys and #toysafety on social media to share and learn.

From all of us at Johnson & Associates, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

Johnson & Associates has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Consumer Product Safety Commission; National Today

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