Buying and Storing Toys Safely

With today's focus on problems with foreign-made toys and domestic recalls of unsafe toys, most parents are already knowledgeable about how to research toys and manufacturers to be sure they're protecting the health and well-being of their child when they purchase a toy or game. Yet the news still carries stories regularly of children being hurt or killed by simply playing with a toy. How can you be sure your child enjoys his or her toys without suffering harm?

First, be sure that the toys you buy are safe for your child. The main consideration is that toys should be age-appropriate so they are specifically designed for children that are mature enough, both physically and developmentally to play with them. Young children should not play with toys that have small parts that may be possible choking hazards. Even if there are no removable parts, be sure there are no seemingly permanently attached parts that can be removed and cause a hazard, such as plastic eyes or buttons on stuffed animals, tiny wheels on small cars, or knobs on miniature buildings and models.

Check to be sure soft fabric toys are washable in case of spills or being dragged in the dirt at the playground. Because of hidden chemicals and other toxins, be sure that the finish, coating, or paint on wooden or metal toys is non-toxic. Be sure that the edges are not jagged or rusty, and that there are no strings, ribbons, or cords longer than about 6 inches, and that any attached cords cannot be pulled off and become an unsafe risk. Ensure that toys that make noises such as music, construction noises, or sirens are not so loud that they may damage a very young child's hearing if held close to the face.

After you have determined that your child's toys are safe, the next step is to be sure that you store them safely. The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed a set of guidelines to make sure that toys don't become a hazard. Kids are notorious for scattering toys throughout the house, but if possible, they should be kept off the floor and out of the way so they will not be stepped on and cannot be tripped over. Toys designed for older children should be kept out of reach or stored on a shelf if you have a curious toddler in the house. Toys should not be stored in their original packaging unless they are designed that way; staples and rivets can easily cause cuts and scratches, and plastic wrappings can result in choking or suffocation.

Select a toy chest carefully. The safest ones do not have lids, to keep kids from getting stuck inside or slamming fingers when reaching inside for a toy. If it does have a lid, make sure that the lid is sturdy, with safe hinges, and with supports that lock in place. Look for finished edges that are smooth, without protrusions or jagged seams, and be sure the chest has ventilation holes in the sides to prevent suffocation should a child be trapped inside accidentally.

Keeping toys safe and useful is pretty straightforward and intuitive. Take a few minutes every week or so to examine your child's toys to be sure there are no damaged or broken parts that might be dangerous, such as wooden toys with splinters, or mechanical toys with lose parts or exposed wires. Repair or replace all the broken parts that could be dangerous, and if you can't repair the toy, discard it. Never leave any metal toys outdoors overnight, even in good weather. Dew or humidity can still cause rust, even if it isn't raining or snowing. If a child is cut by rusty metal, they will need to get a tetanus shot, or else they will be at risk for getting tetanus, which is a bacterial disease which affects the nervous system.

Kids love toys, and parents love giving toys and watching their children enjoy them. With a few easy precautions and by following a few logical guidelines, you can be sure that your child is not only happy, but also safe.