People rarely associate toys with risks. These items are specially designed for children’s playtime and entertainment, and many consider them safe by default. Nonetheless, if you spend as little as 5 minutes browsing online for statistics on toy-related accidents, you will be surprised to learn how dangerous some toys can be. To avoid any risks, it’s better to think twice before purchasing any toy for your kid or any other child, so here are some basic things to consider.
- Read the toy’s label
Just like you do when you buy food, in order to make sure you get safe and healthy products for your family, the same principle should apply when buying toys. The label on these products should tell you what age they are intended for, and what materials the toys are made from. Ideally, you should opt for toys that are made from natural materials and are chemical-free.
- Avoid old toys
Garage or yard sales are great places where you can find all sorts of interesting stuff for your home, socialize with your neighbors, or meet new people. However, when it comes to toys, older products are not the best choice. First of all, because they have already been used or are simply outdated, they might not function the way they should. This could be risky because some of their elements might come off or break in the middle of the game and end up harming your kid.
- Be extra-careful with riding toys
Kids of all ages love riding toys and, especially in the case of toddlers, these toys are also a great way to start boosting their sense of balance and coordination. However, it is precisely in their case that you should pay extra attention when purchasing such toys. You should always check the manufacturer’s specifications to make sure the toy is suitable for the kid’s age and you should make sure that it also has a harness that can help you guide the child and also prevent them from getting hurt.
- Avoid toys with small parts
Many toys come with different components as the purpose is to assemble them in order to make them work. While these toys do a great job in developing a child’s dexterity and logical thinking, they can also pose some risks, especially if used by little children. All the small and detachable elements that can easily come off, are quite appealing for little ones. However, since they are quite used to testing toys by chewing them, they are also dangerous if swallowed.
- Get toys that are easy to clean
Last but not the least, the toys you buy should also be easy to clean. This is both for your peace of mind and your kid’s safety. Children, especially young ones are used to chewing toys, and even if they’re big enough to shake that habit off, they’re still touching toys and then touching their face afterward, which means there are a lot of germs they get in contact with. You want to wash and clean frequently used toys as often as you can. So, be it stuffed teddy bears or plastic toys, make sure the items you buy are washable.
These are just some of the main aspects to consider when shopping for safe toys. There are plenty much more to discuss in terms of toys and safety. If this is one of the topics that concern you, stay connected to our blog for other similar articles.