The month of December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month in the United States. In 2010, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries treated in hospital rooms across the United States.
Many toys and gifts that you may be considering getting a loved on this season, might actually be more dangerous than you think. Toys are constantly getting recalled for various reasons; this is why it is important to practice caution when picking out gifts this month.
Follow these Tuesday Tips to help you choose safe toys:
- Closely inspect all toys before purchasing. You should avoid buying anything that shoots or involves pieces that fly off.
- Avoid buying toys with sharp edges or points. The toy should also be sturdy enough to resist breaking from impact, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.
- Look to see if toys have a safety label that reads “ATSM,” this means it was approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- If your child receives a toy, be careful to inspect the toy and check for age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness.
- If you are buying a bike, skateboard, or other type of sporting equipment, the gift should always be accompanied by a helmet.
- Educate yourself on the lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead poisoning, and current recalls on toys.
- Know that older toys are more likely to contain lead in the paint.
- Do not give a child a toy that contains small parts that they could put in their mouth and choke on.
- Only give crayons or markers if they are labeled “nontoxic”.
We wish you a safe and enjoyable month from all of us at Community Insurance & Associates. Remember to check back here every month for your Tuesday Tips.