Take safety warning signs on toy packaging very seriously.  When you read “not recommended for children under 3” on a toy package, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants you to know that the toy is not considered safe for a normally developing child under 3. The problem may be that the toy is not safe for a child under 3 because of its small size or loose parts. Or the problem may be that a child under 3 doesn’t have the coordination to play with the toy safely, doesn’t understand the risks of unsafe play, or doesn’t have the self-control to follow the rules for safe play. The safety warning covers a lot of territory. Think carefully before you ignore it.

The Size of the Problem Nationwide

• In 1998, more than 120,000 children ages 14 and younger were treated for toy-related injuries. Sixty percent of these injuries occurred in children 4 and younger.
• Sixty percent of toy-related deaths are caused by choking. Latex balloons account for half of these deaths.
• The majority of toy-related injuries are caused by riding toys (primarily wagons and tricycles).
• In 1998, almost 11,000 children ages 14 and younger were injured with BB guns and pellet guns.

Source: National SAFE KIDS Campaign

Useful Info: The Toy Safety Story

The safety of more than 3 billion toys sold each year should be of concern to parents.

However, it’s doubtful that most parents pause very long to think about the potential hazards of the toy at the top of the “most wanted” list. Fortunately, there are several groups that are concerned with toy safety.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), created by Congress in 1972, is a regulatory agency that monitors toy-related injuries, sets safety standards, issues product recalls and provides public education. The CPSC has authority over 15,000 consumer products, for example, toys, bicycles, cribs, etc. To report a toy-related injury or toy hazard, call the toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), established in 1986, is a nonprofit organization that sets standards for safety, establishes guidelines for safety testing, and sets design guidelines for toy manufacturers.

Safety Habits: Protect Your Child from BB Gun and Pellet Gun Injuries

BB guns and pellet guns are not toys. BB guns, pellet guns and air rifles are also called nonpowder firearms.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
warning labels say, “Not a toy.” “Adult supervision required.” CPSC warns against children under 16 years of age using these guns.

Toy guns that shoot small objects into the air are also dangerous.

Caution! Toy guns can be mistaken for real guns in dim light.

Safety Habits: Protect Your Child from Toy-Related Injuries

Choose your child’s toys carefully (see “Tips for Buying Safe Toys”).  Supervise your child’s play. Do not allow your child to play close to dangerous areas, such as swimming pools, stairways, and busy streets. Never allow a child of any age to play with uninflated or broken balloons. Stop reckless, rough, or dangerous play immediately. Do not allow your child to play with a toy intended for an older child. Keep all toys with small parts away from children under 5.

Store toys properly. Store toys on the shelf or in a toy chest. Older children’s toys should be kept separate from the toys of younger children. Never store a toy in its original packing. Teach your child to pick up and put toys away.

Keep toys in good condition. Make it a habit to look for damaged or broken parts that may present a hazard. Never leave metal toys outside overnight. If you are concerned about a toy’s safety, use this rule: “If in doubt, throw it out.”

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics

Useful Info: Tips for Buying Safe Toys

Look for a toy that matches the interest, developmental age, and the skills of the child. When purchasing a toy, be sure: the toy is constructed with safety in mind, the intended owner will use the toy safely, and the toy is not a safety hazard for younger siblings in the family. Refer to these safety tips before you buy.

• Pay attention to the safety warning on the toy package.
• Include essential safety gear as part of a gift, for example, bike and helmet.
• Think large. Avoid toys small enough to put into a child’s mouth.  Make sure there are no removable parts.
• Avoid toys that shoot small objects.
• Avoid toys that make loud or shrill noises. Sounds may be too loud for your child’s sensitive hearing.
• Look for sturdy toy construction.
• Watch out for sharp points or edges and toys made from thin plastic.
• Avoid toys that could cause poisoning such as paint sets and crayons (unless labeled as nontoxic) and small batteries.
• Do not buy hobby kits or chemistry sets for a child under 12 years.
• Buy only “UL*approved ” electric toys.
• Choose a toy chest carefully. The best toy chest is a box or basket without a lid. If the chest has a hinged lid, make sure it has a lid support that will hold the lid open in any position.  The chest should have ventilation holes. The edges should be smooth. The finish should be nontoxic.

*UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.)
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics