It’s holiday time — which usually means holiday shopping and gift-giving galore. UnityPoint Health – Meriter wants to remind you that choosing the best toy for even the littlest patients can ensure a fun and safe holiday season.
Many toys are designed and manufactured with safety in mind, but it’s best to assume not every toy is safe. Toys that break or are misused can become dangerous.
Toys are categorized by age for safety reasons, with guidelines that consider choking hazards, the physical skills required for play and a child’s ability to understand how to use the toy.
Here are tips on how to select the best toy:
- Choose toys that match your child’s age and skills.
- Pick toys made of natural materials like cotton wool and uncoated wood.
- Avoid purchasing or regifting old wooden toys with chipped paint, as old paint may contain lead.
- Check that toys made of fabric can be washed, so it can be easily cleaned to prevent the spread of germs.
- Choose toys labeled phthalate-, PCV- and BPA-free by avoiding toys with recycling codes #3, #6 and #7.
- Check stuffed animals for eyes, noses and parts that can come off.
In addition, make sure to avoid these potential toy dangers:
- Don’t select small toys and toys with small parts. To prevent choking for children ages three and younger, make sure that toys and parts cannot fit inside an empty toilet paper tube. Soft baby toys should be large enough that they can’t be swallowed.
- Check toys for loud noises. Toys that make shrill or loud noises can damage your child’s hearing. Read warning labels for how to use them safely or try toys in the store before buying to check the volume level.
- Avoid cords and strings. Toys with cords or strings longer than seven inches can be harmful for babies, as it can get wrapped around a child’s neck. Never hang toys with string, cords or ribbons in cribs or playpens.
- Only buy electronic toys that say UL Approved.
Make sure to regularly check your child’s toys. Here are ways to keep toys safe:
- Store toys in a safe place. Put all toys away and remove from the floor when they are not being used.
- Check toys often for damage. Watch for splinters or sharp edges on wooden toys, and sand when needed. If you repaint toys, only use fresh paint. Check outdoor toys for rust. Check to ensure electric toys with batteries or magnets are not loose or missing pieces.
- Throw away plastic wrap and other packaging right away.
- Read toy instructions.
