Unwrap a Safe Holiday Season with Age-Appropriate Toys

This holiday season, the toy aisles will be packed with thousands of eye-catching selections. Choosing a toy that is both fun and safe can be an overwhelming decision. So where do you begin? Here are some tips to help you give safe, fun toys this year.

Match the Toy to the Maturity

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), last year an estimated 140,700 children were treated for toy-related injuries in U.S. hospital emergency rooms and 13 children died. Before buying a toy for a child, always consider age and maturity level. Almost all toys today have a recommended age sticker on the front of the packaging. Also keep in mind:

- Toys intended for children over age 3 should never be given to infants or toddlers. These toys may have small parts that can pose a choking hazard for young children. Children under age 3 also should not be given toys with cords or strings longer than 12 inches, which can be wrapped around a child's neck.

- Children under age 8 should not be given toys with sharp edges or toys that run on electricity (not including batteries).

- If you're buying for an older child, consider the risks the toy may pose for a younger child in the house. While an electric football game may be great fun for a 10-year-old, it can be unsafe for his or her 2-year-old brother. This doesn't mean older children should be denied certain toys, but they should be taught to keep their toys away from younger siblings.

Consider Common Sense

A child's age can help guide your toy buying, but a vivid imagination and common sense are also important. Imagine all of the possible (but reasonable) ways a child could be hurt by a toy. Then, keep these safety considerations in mind.

* Quality - Look for well-constructed toys. Make sure stuffed animals have reinforced seams and securely sewn buttons and eyes. Periodically check your children's toys for broken parts that should be repaired or thrown away. If you buy toys from a thrift store or yard sale, make sure the toy is not damaged and meets current safety standards. You can check the CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov to make sure the toy has not been recalled.

* Size - Consider the weight and size of a toy. A small child could be hurt if a heavy toy fell on him or her. A child who is just learning to ride may need a smaller bike to avoid big spills.

* Toxicity - Make sure toys do not contain toxic paint or lead. The CPSC recommends looking for art products labeled with the designation "ASTM D-4236", which means the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist and labeled with cautionary information.

* Flammability - Dress-up costumes should be labeled "flame retardant/flame resistant."

* Protective gear - If you give your child a bike or roller blades this year, don't forget the helmet, knee pads and wrist guards.

Don't Forget Supervision

Even the best behaved, most mature child can use a seemingly safe and age-appropriate toy in a dangerous way. Have you ever seen an Easy-Bake Oven melt crayons? The best way to protect your children is to supervise them as they play.

For more toy and child safety tips, visit the CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.aracontent.com, e-mail: info@aracontent.com.