Holiday toy safety tips that save money
November 16, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under Health & Wellness, Holiday Thrift, children's activity, holidays
Honestly, we all know that the number one reason to be diligent about toy safety is to protect the health of our little ones. However, playing it safe also can save you money. Why? Shoddy toys break easier and if there’s a recall that costs you time as well. Badly made toys aren’t worth the same in terms of life expectancy and quality.
Most of all being safe can save you medical costs. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) notes that in 2007 there were a whopping 232,900 toy related injuries treated in the ER and 73% of those injuries occurred in kids under the age of 15. Worse the injuries reported were not pretty; consisting of issues like lacerations, contusions, and abrasions to the head and face PLUS there were at least 18 toy related deaths reported for the year.
Bad toys cost you plenty so it’s smart to be aware. Following are some tips for this holiday season.
- Go non-toxic if you can. A surprisingly large amount of toys contain chemicals and toxins you don’t want near your kids.
- Read labels – there’s a reason toys have age limits, it’s for safety. Don’t give a three-year-old a toy for an eight-year-old. Also be aware of kid age differences. For example, if you have a baby and a seven year old with little Lego bricks it’s a recipe for disaster. Make sure your older kids get that the younger kids cannot be around their toys.
- Always fill out toy registration cards. If there’s a recall you’ll be glad you did.
- Read and save the instructions for all toys.
- Be leery of magnet-based toys. The CPSC calls magnets, including the ones found in toys one of the five most overlooked home dangers.
- Avoid all shooting toys. Your child’s eyes are extremely fragile, and eye injuries caused by shooting or propelling toys is a common toy related injury.
- If you’re buying a bike this year also get a helmet and make sure your child wears it.
- Children should be taught to use electronic toys safely; i.e. used away from water sources, they shouldn’t mess with wires or batteries, and if the toy needs to be plugged in or charged, they should be taught how.
To learn more about safe toys visit:
[image via stock.xchng]
Thanks for the reminder! You are so right! Safety first!!