TOYS & GIFTS (SAFE) MONTH
Categories: Safety & SecurityChildren
Location: United States
Type of Event: Monthly Event
Updated: May 31, 2024
Location: United States
Type of Event: Monthly Event
Updated: May 31, 2024
About National Safe Toys & Gifts Month: December
"Prevent Blindness America sponsors Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month each December in an effort to help adults make the best decisions on how to keep the holiday season joyful for everyone. In 2010, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimated that hospital emergency rooms across the country treated 251,700 toy-related injuries. And, 72 percent of those injuries were to those under the age of 15.
The following tips will help you purchase toys your children will enjoy and that will keep them safe.
ELEVEN TIPS FOR PURCHASING SAFE TOYS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
1) Make recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child. Be diligent about inspecting these gifts before allowing your child to play with them.
2) Inspect all toys before purchasing. Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
3) For younger children, avoid play sets with small magnets and make sure batteries are secured within the toy. If magnets or batteries are ingested, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
4) Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a basketball along with eye goggles or a face guard with a new batting helmet for baseball or softball).
5) Any toy that is labeled “supervision required” must always be used in the presence of an adult. Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
6) Always save the warranties and directions for every toy. If possible, include a gift receipt. Repair or throw away damaged toys.
7) Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.
8) Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact. Dispose of plastic wrapping material immediately on toys as they may have sharp edges.
9) Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the part of a toy can fit in a toilet paper roll, the toy is not appropriate for children under the age of 3.
10) Do not purchase toys with long strings or cords, especially for infants and very young children as this can become wrapped around a child’s neck.
11) Always dispose of uninflated or broken balloons immediately. According to the CPSC, more children have suffocated from them than any other type of toy.
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For more information on safe toys and gifts see the checklist at http://www.preventblindness.org/safe-toy-checklist"
The following tips will help you purchase toys your children will enjoy and that will keep them safe.
ELEVEN TIPS FOR PURCHASING SAFE TOYS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
1) Make recommendations to family members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate for your child. Be diligent about inspecting these gifts before allowing your child to play with them.
2) Inspect all toys before purchasing. Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
3) For younger children, avoid play sets with small magnets and make sure batteries are secured within the toy. If magnets or batteries are ingested, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
4) Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a basketball along with eye goggles or a face guard with a new batting helmet for baseball or softball).
5) Any toy that is labeled “supervision required” must always be used in the presence of an adult. Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
6) Always save the warranties and directions for every toy. If possible, include a gift receipt. Repair or throw away damaged toys.
7) Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off.
8) Inspect toys for sturdiness. Your child’s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact. Dispose of plastic wrapping material immediately on toys as they may have sharp edges.
9) Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the part of a toy can fit in a toilet paper roll, the toy is not appropriate for children under the age of 3.
10) Do not purchase toys with long strings or cords, especially for infants and very young children as this can become wrapped around a child’s neck.
11) Always dispose of uninflated or broken balloons immediately. According to the CPSC, more children have suffocated from them than any other type of toy.
______________
For more information on safe toys and gifts see the checklist at http://www.preventblindness.org/safe-toy-checklist"
PROMOTIONAL DETAILS
Event Sponsor:
Prevent Blindness America
Videos
Images
Downloads
Safe Toy Buying Checklist
Safe Toys Fact Sheet
