Toy Safety Tips By Age Range
Saftey tips for toys can vary based on what age child the toy is intended for. The toy experts at eToys passed on these tips for toy safety based on age ranges.
Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
Toy Size — Make sure toys are bigger than your child’s mouth (especially those kids under 3 years) to avoid choking hazards. You can purchase a choke tube, which is designed to be the width of a child’s windpipe to check an object’s size. If the item can easily fit through the choke tube, it’s too small and should be considered a choking hazard.
Long Strings — Strings or cords that are long enough to wrap around your child’s neck can present a strangulation hazard. When infants are old enough to push or stand up, remove any mobiles or toys that contain strings. Check toddler pretend telephones to make sure they don’t have cords longer than about 6 inches.
Jagged Edges – Check your youngster’s toys for jutting or jagged edges that might cut. Also, look for poorly-made plastic toys that could easily break into sharp, tiny pieces.
Durability — Keep a watchful eye on your child’s toys that get a lot of wear and tear (and love) to make sure they don’t fall apart from active play. Get rid of well-used toys with loose pieces or seams that can give way to broken parts and translate to a safety hazard.
Weight – Little ones can be active and curious, so it’s best to steer clear of giving them heavy toys that can fall or tip over easily if prodded by tiny hands.
Magnets – Keep toys with small magnets away from children under the age of 6. If more than one tiny magnet is ingested, they could attract internally and cause serious injury.
