December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month

With the holiday season just around the corner, it is important to choose toys that are safe for children.

Experts say that many people just don’t know what safety features to look for when buying toys. That is one reason why toys now rank as one of the top causes of eye injuries in children. Last year more than 14,000 toy-related eye injuries were reported in hospital emergency rooms. Ninety percent of these eye accidents are preventable.

Preferred Care is committed to helping you and your
family lead a healthier life. How can you choose a safe
toy for your child? It can be an easy task if gift givers keep the following tips in mind:

• Avoid toys that shoot projectiles or include parts that fly off. BB guns, slingshots and even water guns are dangerous because they invite children to target other youngsters.
• Take a close look at toys to be sure that they are put together well. Any toy that you give to young children should be made of strong materials with no sharp edges or points. Toys should also withstand impact (like being dropped).
• Avoid giving toys with small parts to young children. They tend to put things in their mouths, increasing their risk of choking. 
• Read instructions carefully and follow suggested age levels. Is the toy designed for your child’s ability and age? Age labeling on the toy's package is provided not just for developmental reasons, but for safety reasons as well.
• Look for the letters "ASTM". This means that the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
  

Once you buy a toy as a gift, keep the child’s safety in mind by explaining how to use the toy.  Fix or throw away damaged toys, and don’t let the child use them in ways that could be dangerous. Keep toys made for older children away from the younger ones.

Choosing safe toys takes time, but it is time well spent. Help keep the holidays safe for children!

For more information:

• Log on to the Prevent Blindness Web site at www.preventblindness.org
• Visit Health and Safety for Children, Ages 2 to 5 Years in the Preferred Care online Health Encyclopedia.

Posted: December 2005
Last reveiwed: November 30, 2006