Every year, countless children get hurt while playing with toys, and sadly, some of these accidents are serious. As parents, it’s crucial to make sure the toys our children play with are safe. Doing so isn’t just about watching them closely; it’s about choosing the right toys as well. To help, here are a few important tips on how to check toys for safety and what to do if you find one that might be dangerous.
Why Toy Safety Matters
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), there were an estimated 209,000 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2022. Of these, a significant number were categorized as severe, with the most common injuries involving the head and neck area. That year, there were eleven toy-related deaths reported by the CPSC for children 14 years of age or younger.
These statistics aren’t just numbers — they show real risks that could happen to any child.
Important Safety Checks When Choosing Toys
Appropriate age range
Always check the age recommendation. This is more than a suggestion — it’s based on what’s been tested and shown to be safe for children at certain ages. Toys for older kids might have small parts or be too complex for younger ones.
Small parts test
For kids under three, avoid toys with parts small enough to swallow or breathe in. You can use a toilet paper roll for this; if a part fits through the roll, it’s too small for little ones.
Quality of materials
Toys should be sturdy and reliable. Look for any sharp edges or parts that could break off easily. Items such as stuffed animals should be washable, and all toys should have non-toxic paints and be lead-free.
Loud noises
Toys that make loud noises could harm your little one’s hearing. Be sure to check for and adjust the volume control and keep them away from ears to avert hearing damage.
Avoid strings and straps
Steer clear of toys with long cords or strings — especially in cribs — as they could strangle a child. Be careful with balloons too. Kids under eight shouldn’t play with balloons that are not inflated or have popped.
What to Do About Toy Recalls and Defects
Even with strict industry guidelines, unsafe toys may still be sold. Here’s what you can do if you think a toy is potentially harmful:
- Check toys often: Look over your kids’ playthings regularly to spot any damage or wear that could make them unsafe.
- Keep up with recalls: Regularly check the CPSC website for the latest recalls.
- Report unsafe toys: If you find a toy that seems unsafe or breaks in a dangerous way, tell the CPSC. This helps protect your child and may lead to recalls which help protect other children as well.
- Get legal advice: If your child is hurt by a toy, you might need to talk to a lawyer. A personal injury law firm can help you understand your rights and what steps you should take.
Promoting a Culture of Safety
Our main goal as parents should be to create a safe space for our kids to play and learn. Often, this involves teaching older kids to keep their toys away from younger siblings and to understand the dangers more advanced toys can pose.
By involving older children in the process of maintaining a secure play environment, we empower them to take active roles in safety. This fosters a home culture where safety is a collective effort.
Safeguarding Our Children’s Playtime
Taking the right steps could make all the difference in your child’s safety. By being proactive and careful, parents can greatly lower the risks associated with toys. Going forward, keep these tips in mind to make sure your home remains a safe environment for playing, learning and growing.
Scott Marshall is the founder of Scott Marshall Injury Attorneys. He is an injury trial lawyer who has been representing injured clients since 1995. Marshall founded his law firm in 1997 and has attained an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. The AV rating is the highest rating for lawyers from the nation’s oldest, most prestigious lawyer rating service.
Resources
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Toy-Related-Deaths-and-Injuries-2022-Annual-Report.pdf
https://www.scottrmarshall.com/blog/2022/10/do-you-know-the-three-types-of-product-
defects/
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