Friday, November 19, 2010

Avoid Dangerous Toys for Your Children

Toys are an important part of childhood, we tend to assume toys are safe since they are designed for children, however, that is not the case, not all toy manufacturers care as much as we do for our children.

Cheap toys are made with cheap materials, they have instant visual appeal and might look good to grab your child's attention, but they are harmful to their body and may cause issues with their development which can lead to tragic results, not to mention environmental damage.

Toys that contain liquid include balls, children's tumblers, necklaces, pens, key chains and liquid timers. If the liquid is not correctly labeled as a safe toy and you suspect that it could be a harmful chemical substance, the toy might be dangerous for your child if they bite into or puncture it with minimum effort.

Cautiously selecting toys can be a safe option but not enough, supervising children and providing them with a safe area to play in can be the best ways to protect your children from injury, It is always best to explain and demonstrate to your child the correct and safe use of a toy when first giving it to them.

You can improve the safety of the play area in your home by:
1- Removing plastic and paper packaging before giving them to your child
2- Make sure older children's toys are out of reach of younger children
3- Checking toys for breakage or potential hazards such as a wobbly part that could be a choking hazard
4- Avoid giving un-inflated balloons to young children and keep the area free of burst balloons as this can block the airway
5- Removing dead batteries from toys, as they can leak toxic or liquid that can be harmful
6- Avoid toys that have small parts, or small objects such as marbles
7- Cosmetics such as fake nails should not be given to children specifically under three years of age
8- Avoid giving jewellery to children under three years of age.
9- Carefully choose sturdy and well made toys that can stand up to being bitten, tugged, sucked, jumped on and thrown around without falling apart.
10- Toys constructed from foam such as bath blocks may cause choking hazard if a child bites pieces off it, so ensure foam toys are not given for children under three years.
11- Check for sharp, pointy edges or rough surfaces that could injure your child.
12- Ensure toys paint and fillings are non-toxic and can hold pressure.
13- Ensure all small pieces should are securely fastened to the toy so they cannot be easily pulled off and become a choking hazard.
14- Inspection any strings or cords attached to a toy, they should be at least 1.5 mm thick to avoid being a cutting object.
15- While shopping for toys, keep these rule in mind, Inspect labels and packaging, search and follow the age advice and direction about proper assembly

Supporting and maintaining a safe and secure environment for your child can be a challenge. Children under five years old are higher and more vulnerable to injuries than any other age group.

The most common items related to child injuries are prams and strollers, chairs, baby walkers, and solid table corners.

The most important safety method is always going to be your supervision. no matter how well equipped you are, you still need to keep a constant eye for possible dangers and always take your baby with you when you answer the door or telephone, it only takes seconds for a disaster to happen.

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