Goddard News - Safety Corner

The Goddard News is published weekly by the Office of Public Affairs

Toy Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers

As the holiday season approaches, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission encourages consumers to keep safety in mind when choosing toys for young children. In 1998, CPSC received reports of 14 toy-related deaths and estimates that more than 120,000 children were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to toys.

Toys are an important part of holiday gift giving but unfortunately children are injured by toys each year. It is very important to read labels and to be safety conscious to help prevent toy-related injuries. The CPSC recommends the following tips to help consumers choose appropriate toys during holiday season and through out the year:

Select toys suitable to the age, abilities, skills, and interest level of the intended child. Toys too advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children.

For infants, toddlers, and all children who still mouth objects, avoid toys with small parts that could pose a fatal choking hazard.

Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, noses, and other potential small parts.

For all children under age 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.

Do not purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under age 8.

Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age recommendations and use that information as a guide.

Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, when appropriate, to the child.

Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys, which can cause suffocation, before they become deadly playthings.

By using common sense and these safety suggestions, holiday shoppers can make informed decisions when purchasing for children.