Toy Safety
Toys and games are tons of fun for kids and adults. Whether your kids are working on a puzzle, playing with building blocks or even inventing their own games, here are a few things to think about to help them stay safer and have a blast.
Selecting Toys
Here are some tips to help you select the perfect gift.
Toy Recalls
If you buy toys secondhand or get hand-me-downs, visit www.recalls.gov to make sure the toy hasn’t been recalled for safety reasons. If a new toy comes with a product registration card, mail it in so the manufacturer can contact you if the item is ever recalled. Report safety concerns about toys to the CPSC at 800-638-2772 or www.cpsc.gov. Your experience could be part of a pattern that might lead to a recall.
Shop Safely
It is estimated that more than 20,000 children ages five and under are injured by shopping carts each year in the United States, according to the CPSC. Falls are the most common cause of shopping-cart related injury in children of this age group, accounting for 83 percent of all injuries. Tip-overs and children colliding with the shopping cart are other causes of injury.
Top five ways to avoid shopping-cart injuries:
- Never leave your child unattended in a shopping cart and stay close to the cart at all times.
- If you are placing your child in the shopping cart seat, always use a harness or the safety belt provided to restrain your child.
- Never place your own infant carrier on top of a shopping cart.
- Do not let your child ride in the cart basket, under the basket, on the sides or front of the cart.
- Use the shopping carts that have a wheeled child carrier that is permanently attached and made part of the shopping cart. Some of these models look like cars or benches attached to the shopping cart.