Choosing Safe Toys for your Children

Millions of toys are available in the market, and hundreds of new stores each year. Toys should be fun and are an essential part of the development of each child. But every year, dozens of children in hospital emergency rooms to be treated for injuries related to toys. Choking is a particular risk for children aged 3 years or less, as they tend to take things in their mouths.

Manufacturers follow certain guidelines and label most new toys for specific age groups. But perhaps the most important thing a parent can do is to control playback.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying toys:

• Cloth toys should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant.

• Plush must be washable.

• Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint.

• Art materials are non-toxic.

Avoid older toys, even hand-me-downs from friends and family. These toys might have sentimental value and are certainly inexpensive, but they can not meet the safety standards in force and can be done on the game they break and be dangerous.

And make sure that the toy is not too loud for your child. The sound of rattles, squeaky toys and musical toys or electronics can be as loud as a car horn - even louder if a child is right on the ears - and can contribute to hearing loss.

The right toys at the right age
Read more and make sure a toy is appropriate for the age of a child. Guidelines issued by the CPSC and other groups can help you buy these decisions. But use your own discretion - and consider the temperament, habits and behavior of your child when you buy a new toy.

You may think that that is well advanced in comparison to peers child can be toys for older children thought matter. But the age levels for toys are determined by safety factors, not intelligence or maturity.

Here are some specific guidelines for age to keep in mind:
For infants, toddlers and preschoolers

• Toys should be large enough - "(3 cm) in diameter and 2 ¼" (6 cm) in length at least 1 ¼ - so they are not swallowed or inserted into the trachea. A small parts tester, or choke can determine if a toy is too small. These tubes are designed to be roughly equal in diameter to be a child of the trachea. If an object is inserted into the tube, then it is too small for a young child. If you can not find any of these products, a roll of toilet paper can be used for the same purpose.

•  Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that 1.75 inches (4.4 cm) in diameter or less, because they are calls to the throat above the windpipe and interfere breathing.

• Battery operated toys are battery cases that secure with screws so that children can not be forced. Batteries and severe acid battery risks, including choking, internal bleeding and burns.

In reviewing a toy for a baby or toddler, make sure it is unbreakable and strong enough to withstand chewing. So, make sure that it does not:

• sharp ends or small parts like eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose.

• small ends which can extend into the back of the mouth.

• Strings longer than 7 inches (18 centimeters).

• Parts that could pinch points for small fingers.

Most riding toys can as soon as a child is able to sit and while supported - but check with the manufacturer's recommendation. Riding toys like horses and carriages rocking should come with belts or safety harnesses and sufficiently stable and secure to prevent tipping.

Stuffed animals and other toys that are sold or withdrawn at carnivals, fairs and machines are not required to comply with safety standards. Check carnival toys all parts and sharp edges before giving your child carefully.

For elementary students

• Bicycles, scooters, skateboards and inline skates should never be without a helmet, the current standards of safety and other protective equipment recommended, such as hands, wrists and shin guards meet. Search CPSC or Snell certification on the labels.
• Networks must be well trained and secured to the rim, so they will not have the risk of strangulation.
• Darts or arrows toys should be flexible are not difficult tips or suction cups at the end points.
• Toy guns should be brightly colored so they are not mistaken for real weapons, and children should learn, he never darts, arrows or guns at anyone.
• BB guns or pellet guns should not be given to children under 16.
• Electric toys should be labeled UL, meaning they meet safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories.

Toys Ensuring security at home
Once you've bought safe toys, it is also important to ensure that children know how to use. The best way to do this is to play supervision. Play with your children teaches them how to play safely while having fun.

Parents should:

• Teach your children put the toys.
• Check toys regularly to ensure they are not broken or unusable:
• Wooden toys should not shatter.
• Bikes and outdoor toys should not rust.
• Plush toys should not have broken seams or exposed removable parts.
• Toss broken toys or repair immediately.
• Storing outdoor toys when they are not in use, so they are not exposed to rain or snow.

And do not forget to keep toys clean. Some plastic toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but first read the manufacturer's instructions. Another option is to mix antibacterial soap or mild detergent with warm water in a spray bottle and use it to clean toys, rinse after.

Dangerous Goods
Many non-toys can also try children. It is important to keep away from:

• Fireworks
• Matches
• Sharp scissors
• Balloons (or broken balloons can be a strangulation hazard)