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A brief history of toy safety -

In 2007, more than 17 million toys were recalled in the US due to safety concerns about things like small magnets posing choking hazards as well as poisonous lead paint. In 2010, more than a quarter of a million toy-related injuries were reported at ERs. New laws introduced in 2012 improved the safety standards for toys sold in the US, but there are still plenty of factors to consider before buying.

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Check the age -

Take a look at the recommended age for the toy in question and make sure it's appropriate for the child you're purchasing it for. Most will have a symbol with this information on the box or packaging.

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Make your own assessment -

Even still, you can take a moment to consider whether or not you think the toy is suitable for this particular child's age and abilities.

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UL approval -

UL stands for Underwriters' Laboratories, an international company that tests electronic products for their safety. If buying something electronic, make sure it's UL-approved.

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ASTM label -

In the US, an ASTM label means that the toy has passed a safety inspection by the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

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Check for toxic materials -

Items like crayons should have a label that declares them non-toxic. Art supplies and the likes should always have a non-toxic label, ensuring that they won't be poisonous if ingested by a child.

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Check the warnings -

Check all the information on the packaging carefully for any pertinent information about how the toy should be used. For example, some might seem innocent but actually have a warning label that says they require parental supervision. This might not be the ideal toy for a busy family!

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Avoid complicated kits -

Science and craft kits look fun, but they're not recommended as gifts for children under the age of 12. All the different parts could be choking hazards, and they may include tools that require careful supervision.

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Think ahead -

Avoid toys that closely resemble a real-life object that could potentially be dangerous to a child. If they could mistake the toy for the real thing, then they could also mistake the real thing for the toy and end up playing with something they shouldn't.

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Hearing damage -

Children's ears are sensitive, and some of the noisier toys on the market can actually damage their hearing. Avoid noisy toys like karaoke machines, toy drums, and even screaming baby dolls. The parents will surely be grateful for the thought!

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Fire hazards -

Avoid toys that have electrical heating components for children under eight. Before buying any toy, consider if it could become a fire risk in a child's hands.

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Don't forget the safety gear -

When gifting sporty items, such as skateboards or rollerblades, be sure to include the appropriate safety gear. Helmets and padding can prevent not only bumps and bruises, but more serious injuries to vulnerable little persons.

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Avoid shooting and flying! -

Don’t purchase toys with pieces that shoot out or fly off suddenly. They can damage eyes or even become choking hazards.

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Test it yourself before handing it over -

Even if all of the information about the toy suggests it's safe, either you or the child's primary carers should test it out before handing it over to make sure it isn't defective.

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Balloons -

While balloons aren't exactly a toy, they often show up at the same occasions children receive gifts! Deflated balloons are a major choking hazard for young kids. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, they suffocate more children than any other kind of toy.

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Tips for younger children -

Infants and younger children are at the highest risk when it comes to toy-related accidents. The following tips will help you choose the safest gifts for the younger kiddos.

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Avoid toys with small parts -

Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Popular toys like Lego and stretchy slime are dangerous for kids who might put them in their mouths and choke on them.

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Is it chewable? -

Consider whether any parts of the toy could be bitten off and swallowed. Children under three often put things in their mouths and chew on them.

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The minimum size -

A good rule of thumb is that if any part of the toy is small enough to fit inside a toilet paper roll, it’s not safe for a child under three.

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Magnets -

Avoid toys that include small pieces like magnets. Magnets are another category of toy that has a higher risk of choking.

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Batteries -

Toys that require batteries should have them well-concealed so that young children can't pull them out and put them in their mouths.

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Road test it -

Check the toy out to make sure that it seems sturdy and safe. If it has sharp edges, or could easily be broken and become sharp, then it might be dangerous for small hands.

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Avoid strings, cords, ropes, and ribbons -

Don’t purchase toys with long strings or cords, especially for infants. Anything longer than 7 inches (18 centimeters) may pose a risk of strangulation.

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Soft toys -

Any stuffed toys should be well made so that they don’t develop loose threads or leak stuffing made of soft pellets. All the seams should be tight, and the item should be machine washable.

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Don't be afraid to guide friends and family -

If you have children and are concerned that they'll receive unsafe toys, prevent this issue from arising by giving friends and family some guidance. It might feel rude or awkward, but safety comes first, and it's preferable that they don't waste money on something the kids can't use!

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Gift receipts -

When buying for other kids, always make sure to get a gift receipt. This way, other parents can exercise their best judgment and exchange your gift for something more appropriate without any awkwardness, if necessary.

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Keep the wrapping out of reach -

When presents are being opened, make sure to remove packaging, ribbons, etc. swiftly. They may conceal the most thoughtfully chosen gifts, but the wrapping itself can sometimes cause choking or strangulation.

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Separate the stashes -

Once gifts have been opened, make sure that toys appropriate for the older children are kept out of reach of the younger children.

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Recalls -

Recalls do happen, so make sure to keep an eye on your country's consumer safety website.

Sources: (UofL Health) (Healthy Children) (Prevent Blindness) (Family Health Clinic)

See also: Dangerous toys that could have killed you

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