Over the past few years, there have been plenty of stories in the news that have had parents concerned about their children’s safety when it comes to toys. There are a few things you can do to make sure that the toys your child is playing with are safe, including:
Finding out the product numbers of the toys you buy. Sometimes, when toys are recalled, it’s only those manufactured during a specific time period, or in a particular factory. Checking the product numbers on your child’s toys can help you to determine whether those are the toys you bought. If you have bought toys that have been recalled, for whatever reason, it’s important that you send them back to the manufacturer immediately. Distract your baby if necessary, and explain the situation to a toddler, or offer him an alternative toy, making sure that the toy that is potentially dangerous leaves your house as soon as possible!
Looking for toys that are manufactured to high standards. Some cheap toys are not subject to rigorous safety testing. While they may look okay, they can be dangerous to your child. Rather pay a little more for toys that are made by a reputable manufacturer.
Avoiding toys that have magnetic parts. Magnets have made the news lately, because children have swallowed them, resulting in serious stomach and intestinal difficulties. Don’t buy toys that have magnets in them, and throw out any old ones that you have lying around.
Researching lead paint. You’d be surprised at the toys and baby items that have been found to contain lead. In fact, even big name toy companies like Disney have had to recall their products! If you suspect your child has been in contact with lead, it’s best to have him or her tested. Since lead poisoning isn’t always obvious from the symptoms alone, it’s not always easy to tell, but a test will give you a definite answer either way.
Watching the news. Major toy manufacturers tend to announce toy recalls in a big way. If you pay attention to news, you should be able to pick up potential problems quickly.
Remember – just because they’re made for children, that doesn’t mean toys are inherently safe. Even big name manufacturers have had to recall toys over the years, and it pays to be vigilant.
Finding out the product numbers of the toys you buy. Sometimes, when toys are recalled, it’s only those manufactured during a specific time period, or in a particular factory. Checking the product numbers on your child’s toys can help you to determine whether those are the toys you bought. If you have bought toys that have been recalled, for whatever reason, it’s important that you send them back to the manufacturer immediately. Distract your baby if necessary, and explain the situation to a toddler, or offer him an alternative toy, making sure that the toy that is potentially dangerous leaves your house as soon as possible!
Looking for toys that are manufactured to high standards. Some cheap toys are not subject to rigorous safety testing. While they may look okay, they can be dangerous to your child. Rather pay a little more for toys that are made by a reputable manufacturer.
Avoiding toys that have magnetic parts. Magnets have made the news lately, because children have swallowed them, resulting in serious stomach and intestinal difficulties. Don’t buy toys that have magnets in them, and throw out any old ones that you have lying around.
Researching lead paint. You’d be surprised at the toys and baby items that have been found to contain lead. In fact, even big name toy companies like Disney have had to recall their products! If you suspect your child has been in contact with lead, it’s best to have him or her tested. Since lead poisoning isn’t always obvious from the symptoms alone, it’s not always easy to tell, but a test will give you a definite answer either way.
Watching the news. Major toy manufacturers tend to announce toy recalls in a big way. If you pay attention to news, you should be able to pick up potential problems quickly.
Remember – just because they’re made for children, that doesn’t mean toys are inherently safe. Even big name manufacturers have had to recall toys over the years, and it pays to be vigilant.
