The holiday season is an exciting time for kids, especially when they’re
unwrapping new toys. If you’re shopping for little ones this year, it’s
important to keep safety in mind so playtime is both fun and worry-free.
These tips aren’t just for the holidays — they’re useful all year round!
Picking age-appropriate toys
The most important safety rule is
choosing toys that match the child’s age. You can usually find the recommended age range on the toy’s label or
packaging.
Even if a child
seems advanced for their age, stick to toys meant for their age group. For example,
hobby kits
like chemistry sets are better suited for older kids.
Selecting toys for babies and toddlers
Babies and toddlers put toys in their mouths, so it’s important to choose
toys that are safe and can’t be swallowed. To
check if a toy is a choking hazard, you can use a
cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper. If the toy fits inside the tube, it’s too small for young children.
Toys for this age group also shouldn’t have:
• Small parts or pieces that can detach
• Sharp edges or points
• Strings longer than seven inches
• Small ends that could reach the back of their mouth
Pay attention to safety regulations
All toys sold or imported into the U.S. must follow safety standards set by
the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). If the CPSC finds a toy to be unsafe, it will issue a recall. You can
check their website for recalled toys or
sign up for email alerts.
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The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) also reviews many
products for safety. Toys with an ASTM label meet their standards, and items
like crayons and paint should be marked as non-toxic with an "ASTM D-4236"
label.
For
electric toys, look for a label from UL Solutions (formerly Underwriters Laboratories),
which indicates whether the toy meets their safety requirements.
Be mindful of batteries and magnets
Button batteries
can cause severe harm if they’re swallowed. They also can get stuck in
children’s ears and noses. Toys with batteries should have compartments
secured with screws so children can’t access them.
Small, powerful magnets in toys are also a hazard. If swallowed, they can
attach to each other inside a child’s digestive system, causing blockages or
damage.
Be careful with balloons
Balloons are another choking hazard.
The CPSC recommends
keeping uninflated or popped balloons away from children under eight because
they can block airways if swallowed.
Tips for riding toys
Ride-on toys should match a child's age and abilities. For toddlers, rocking
horses or sit-and-scoot toys are only safe if the child can sit up on their
own. These toys should also be stable and include safety straps to prevent
tipping over.
For older children using tricycles, bikes, skateboards, or scooters, helmets
and protective pads are essential. Choose gear with safety labels from
trusted organizations like the CPSC or the
Snell Foundation.
What to know about noisy toys
Toys that make loud noises can harm a child’s hearing, especially if toddlers hold them close to their ears.
Before buying a toy that makes noise, listen to it yourself to determine how
loud it is. If it’s only a little too loud, you may be able to reduce its
volume by putting tape over its speaker. If it’s battery-powered and a child
will enjoy it even if it doesn’t make noise, take the batteries out.
Toys to avoid
Used or vintage toys might feel nostalgic but can pose safety risks,
especially if they were made
before 2008 when stricter laws were passed.
And as much as Ralphie from “A Christmas Story” loved his BB gun, these are
not safe toys for children. The same goes for slingshots and other toys that
shoot objects, such as high-powered water guns, which are only appropriate
for older kids who can use them responsibly.
Safety first
The holidays are a wonderful time to bring kids joy with new toys, but
safety should always come first. By choosing toys carefully and following
these tips, you can make sure playtime is fun and safe no matter the time of
year!
