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December Tips of the Month: Toy Safety
Select toys to suit the age, abilities,
skills and interest level of the intended child. Toys too
advanced may pose safety hazards to younger children. For
infants, toddlers and all children who still mouth objects,
avoid toys with small parts which could pose a fatal choking
hazard. Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured
eyes, noses and other potential small parts. For all children
under age 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points. Do not
purchase electric toys with heating elements for children under
age 8. Be a label reader. Look for labels that give age
recommendations and use that information as a guide. Immediately
throw away plastic wrappings on toys, which can cause
suffocation before they become deadly playthings. Remember that
the government doesn't test all toys. Be vigilant shoppers. You
should examine toys carefully for hidden dangers before making a
purchase. If a toy looks unsafe, don't buy it. If you see small
parts or a small ball or a balloon don't purchase it as they can
be a choking hazard and should be labeled as such. Keep small
parts away from your toddlers, particularly if an older child has toys
with small parts. Toys with small parts, small balls and marbles
are banned for sale if intended for children under 3. If
intended for older children, these toys, and balloons must
include a choke hazard warning. The 1994 Child Safety
Protection Act requires the warning on toys intended for
children 3-5 years old, containing small parts.
If your child is going to
be getting something that he can ride, such as a bicycle, inline
skates, scooter or a skateboard, be sure that he also gets the
appropriate protective equipment, including a helmet and pads. A
good fit is vital for a helmet to offer the best protection.
Avoid buying an oversized helmet for your child to grow into it.
When selecting a helmet, have your child try on the size you
think will fit and one size smaller. Select the smallest size
that fits comfortably. Adjust your child's helmet so it fits
snugly and correctly. The straps should be tight when the
chinstrap is buckled. When correctly fitted, the helmet should
be level on the head, with the front edge no more than one inch
above the eyebrows. Have your child push up firmly on the front
edge of the helmet with the heel of the hand. If the helmet
moves backwards, you need to shorten the front straps. Have your
child grab the helmet by the rear edge and try to peel it off
the front. If it moves forward enough to cover your child's eyes,
shorten the back straps without changing the length of the front
straps. The chinstrap should be tight enough that when opening
the mouth widely, your child can feel the helmet push down
against the top of the head. Leaving a helmet in the car trunk
on a hot day may cause the shell to shrivel or crack and the
liner to come loose. Use only soap and water to clean the
helmet.
BB Gun Safety
Even though they are sold in toy departments, BB guns are not
toys. They are non-powdered guns. This only means they do not
use gun powder to fire. Studies done on these guns have shown
that the BB can travel faster than a .38 caliber handgun.
Pellets and BBs can travel all the way through a small child's
body. Serious life threatening injuries can occur, with injuries
to the heart, lungs, and carotid arteries. If you do purchase
your child a BB gun, make sure the child uses it only under
adult supervision.
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