Although we all do our best to carefully watch our young kids and make sure they are safe from harm, no parent can monitor his child every second of every day. That is why it is crucial that your children’s toys are completely safe, and there is no risk that they can get hurt from their toys in the second your attention is diverted. Some accidents will always happen, but by following these tips, you will be able to significantly reduce the risk that your child becomes injured or harmed by his toys.
Watch Out for Choking Hazards
The most common way that a child is injured by a toy is by choking on a small piece of it. The younger a child is, the more likely he or she may try to put a piece of the toy in his mouth, so you need to be especially careful if your child is under 3 years old. Avoid buying any toys will small pieces that could fit in your child’s mouth. Also make sure you buy solid and well-built toys, because a piece that breaks or falls off could also become a potential choking hazard. Finally, watch out for batteries and other removable pieces. If you’re not careful, your child may accidentally remove them and place them in his or her mouth.
Check if Your Art Supplies are Nontoxic
Though art supplies that are specifically made for children are supposed to be nontoxic, you should always check. Though that crayon or paint may not look appetizing to you, it might look delicious to your toddler. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should just let your kid eat his crayons, even if they are nontoxic!
Always Follow Age Recommendations
One simple way to keep your children safe is to always check the age recommendations of toys to make sure they are appropriate. This can help make sure that toys will small pieces or projectiles are kept away from kids that are too young to safely enjoy them. If you have multiple children, you should take extra care to make sure that your youngest doesn’t play with the oldest child’s toys.
Remove Ribbons, Wires, Cords, and Ropes
Ribbons may seem perfectly safe to you, but for a very young child, they pose a risk of strangulation. If possible, remove these types of attachments from toys and from hanging decorations, so that your child will be as safe as possible.
Sources:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/kids-health/toy-safety.aspx