Safety
AROUND YOUR HOME

New toys bring fun - and danger

Judy Taylor

The gift-wrap and bows are gone and your children have an abundance of new toys. Toys can be a valuable part of play and can help children learn to solve problems, get along with others, gain knowledge and develop skills. But toys also have the potential of harming your child.

In 1995 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of 21 toy-related deaths and over 150,000 children who were treated in hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries. These deaths were not only a tragedy, but they were preventable.

Toy safety is a matter of choosing toys wisely, instructing your child in proper use, care and storage of the toys, and supervising the use of toys when appropriate.

Choose toys wisely

Even if a toy was a gift, consider the following issues.

Safety, durability, and construction. Are toys free from sharp or jagged edges and made of material that will not break causing sharp or jagged edges? Is the material nontoxic and nonflammable or flame resistant? Do electrical toys carry the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) seal? Are stuffed toys "machine/surface washable?"

Suitability for the child's skills and development. Check the label for age recommendations, but take into consideration that each child is unique and develops at his or her own pace. Toys for children under age three should have no parts that are small enough to be swallowed or lodged in a child's nose or ears.

Age guidelines are determined by four attributes: the ability of a child to physically manipulate the features of a toy, the ability of a child to understand how to use a toy, the child's play needs and interests at different developmental levels, and the safety aspects of the toy itself. For instance, electric toys with heating elements are recommended for children eight years old or older. Toys for children ages three through six carry warnings about choking hazards, warning consumers that the toy is not intended for children under the age of three. No matter the age of the child, toys with these labels should be avoided if the child is still mouthing objects.

A toy that is too simple or too advanced may be frustrating and/or expose the child to a safety hazard. Donate such toys to another child or put them away until they're appropriate.

Proper use, care and storage of toys

Toys must be used, maintained and stored correctly to ensure safety. Encourage a youngster to assume this responsibility.

Read instructions carefully to make sure both you and your child understand them, then demonstrate and watch to see if your child understands how to use the toy properly.

Teach children to store their toys properly. Never leave toys outside overnight. This prevents accidents and stolen, lost, or damaged toys. Keep toys out of reach of younger children who could become injured by toys intended for the older children.

Check toys periodically for broken parts or other potential hazards and repair or discard.

Sensible adult supervision

Left to their own devices, children's curiosity can lead them to using toys in unexpected ways. Adults need to be aware of the children in their care. They may want to join in the fun. Research does show that the most creative children are those who have had adults involved in their play. Toys such as chemistry sets, toys with heating elements, electric trains, etc., should be used properly, cautiously and under adult supervision.

With wise shopping, a little instruction in proper use, care and storage, and some participation in your child's play, you and your children will have many hours of safe pleasure from toys.

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING JANUARY 1998