Every year billions of toys are sold in the United States—a large majority of these in December. With the holiday season just around the corner, take the opportunity to educate your callers on how to keep their kids safe from injuries caused by toys with SoundCare messages on the following topics:
Inspect toys for safe construction. Products given to young children should be made of durable plastic or wood with no sharp edges or points. The toys should be able to withstand impact. For young children , avoid purchasing toys with small parts. Young children tend to put items in their mouths, increasing their risk of choking.Check your children's toys regularly for broken parts. Throw broken toys out immediately if they cannot be safely repaired. Older kids often alter their toys and misuse them, making them unsafe. It is better to be vigilant, even with older kids, to prevent serious eye injuries.
Read the instructions and suggested age level on the packaging. Assess whether the item is appropriate for the child's ability and age. Age labeling is provided not just for developmental reasons, but for safety reasons as well.
Avoid toys that shoot projectiles such as toy guns - they contribute to a large number of serious eye injuries and can rob children of their sight. Unsafe toys and home playground equipment cause more than 11,000 eye injuries in children each year.
Look for the symbol “ASTM F963,” which indicates the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Make recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child. Educate yourself about recalled products. Large toy retailers post regular notices of recalled toys— usually at the front of the store. Take these products back to the store where they were purchased for a full refund.
