Last week, I went Christmas shopping for CJ. He has always been into toys. He plays and plays and plays all day and night. Trucks, books, laptops, things that spin and play music. It is kind of hysterical to watch. He is so into his toys that every morning he comes downstairs is like Christmas. After his bottle, he bangs on the upstairs gate knowing what waits for him on the other end. He gets right to work and tuckers himself out. Then he takes a nap only to get right back to the toys for the rest of the day. PLAY PLAY PLAY all day he sleighs.
Recently, there was a recall placed on the rocker he slept in as a newborn. It scared the daylights out of me and I wanted to get a deeper dive into the toys he was playing with. Since we were buying new toys as well, I just wanted to make sure that anything we purchased was safe for his age and abilities. Lately, he seems to be past the, I have to put everything in my mouth phase. Except for food left behind not he floor, he gets into his mouth 200% of the time. With that said, we still stear clear of anything with marbles or tiny parts that would be a choking hazard.
The experts at Baptist Health shared this article, which helped us decide on which gifts to pick up and which gifts to pass on.
The article says: “With hundreds of new toys hitting the market every year, our survey of only 40 toys suggests there may be other potentially dangerous toys slipping through existing protections or worthy of further investigation,” stated the independent, public interest group in its Trouble in Toyland 33rd annual survey. The low number of toys surveyed was concerning, one toy aisle at Target contains over 40 different toys.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported over 250,000 toy related injuries that ended in emergency room visits last year. Of those injuries, 69 percent (174,300) involved kids 12 years or younger; and 36 percent (89,800) affected children younger than 5 years of age. Specifically, non motorized riding toys had the highest number of toy related injuries reported, including 13 deaths reported last year. Other child deaths reported were caused by choking on small toy parts.
What I learned from the Baptist Health Article is that all toys are not tested by the CPSC. Just because of toy ends up on shelf does not mean it is safe for you child. The article recommends trying to anticipate what could go wrong before playing with a toy and take the following precautions to keep your child safe this holiday season:
- Check the label: Follow age guidance and other safety information on packaging (age grading is based on safety concerns and on the toy’s developmental appropriateness for children).
- Avoid toys with small parts, as well as marbles and small balls, for children under age three.
- Ensure that stuffed toys have age-appropriate features such as embroidered or secured eyes and noses for younger children and seams that are reinforced to withstand an older child’s play.
- Be careful with magnets: High-powered magnet sets are a safety risk to children – toddler through teen. Children have swallowed loose magnets, causing serious intestinal injuries.
- Choose toys that match your child’s interests and abilities, as well as your family’s play environment.
- Get safety gear. With scooters and other riding toys, be sure to include helmets. Helmets should be worn properly at all times, and they should be sized to fit.
- Know your seller. Purchase toys from retailers you know and trust.
For more on toys and your child, read this article from Baptist Health South Florida.