You asked

I’ve heard that some toys for babies and toddlers aren’t safe. What do I need to know?

We’d like to think that toys are designed to make children happy – not to harm them. However, with toy recalls in the news, and plenty of children injured each year even from safe toys, there’s a lot to think about when buying your baby or toddler toys. Here are a few things you should consider:

Always consider whether the toys are age appropriate. Most toys have stickers on them indicating the age range they’re designed for. Make sure that you stick to those, as they’re a guideline to what’s suitable for your child’s developmental age.

All toys for babies and toddlers should be large – no small moving parts please! That’s because small toys or toys with small parts pose a choking risk.

Another factor is weight. If the toy is too large for your child to lift, then it’s not suitable for him or her yet.

Avoid long cords too – these could easily wrap around your child neck or limbs, causing injury or worse.

Make sure that your child is physically ready for the toy you’ve bought. For instance, don’t buy a bike that’s too big, so that your child ‘grows into’ it. That can lead to injury!

If you give your child second hand toys, make sure they’re in good condition, and thoroughly cleaned before you pass them on to your child. Any loose objects pose a choking risk, and soft toys can harbour all kinds of bacteria.

Last, but not least, avoid toys that contain magnets. These have been proven to cause intestinal problems, when one or more is swallowed, and the magnetism causes twisting of the intestines.

Buying well made toys from reputable manufacturers is the best way to ensure that your child has quality toys that are not hazardous to his or her health. Rather avoid cheap, poorly made toys, and always bear in mind recommendations and reviews.
 

More questions

Follow a few simple guidelines to avoid your toddler feeling sick while travelling in the car
A car seat is one item you have to buy before the child is born, since it is needed from the day the child leaves the hospital.
Plants are an often overlooked threat to your child’s health and wellbeing – make sure you’re educated about what’s okay, and what’s not.
Growing up with pets can be great for children, but there are a few practical considerations you will want to take into consideration.
There’s a definite risk of injury when you combine small children and cookers, so make sure you follow basic safety tips at all times.
Safety in the sun is very important to children, with their delicate skins. Make sure your toddler never ventures outdoors without the proper protection!
Your home is a potential minefield of dangers to your baby or toddler. There are a few pieces of essential equipment that you need to keep your child safe.
Water can be a lot of fun, but it’s also responsible many childhood deaths every year.
Toy recalls are always big news. By keeping track of what you buy, you can be ready if your child’s toys are recalled by manufacturers.
Buying the right toys for your child can result in hours of fun. Some toys, however, can be harmful to your child’s health.

Latest

Trending