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Play it safe for
the holidays
The beginning of the holiday
season inevitably means the beginning of the toy buying season. Although
the majority of toys are safe, they can become dangerous if misused or
if they fall into the hands of children who are too young to play with
them.
Young children are especially
at risk when it comes to toys because they can easily choke on small toys
or even small parts. Parents should consider whether the toy is appropriate
for the child's age and whether the gift requires protective gear accessories
such as helmets and knee pads.
Each year, more than 121,000
children ages 14 and under are treated in hospital emergency rooms for
toy-related injuries. Even innocent-looking toys can present a hazard
to small children. SAFE KIDS of East Central Georgia, sponsored by the
MCG Children’s Medical Center, recommends avoiding the following:
- Toys with small removable
parts. The small parts are hazardous and can pose a choking hazard to
children under age 3. Use a small parts tester (which can be purchased
at a toy or baby specialty store) to measure the size of the toy or
part. If the piece fits entirely inside the tube, then it is considered
a choking hazard.
- Toys with sharp points
or edges. Children may unintentionally cut themselves or another person.
- Toys that produce loud
noises. Toy guns and high-volume portable cassette recorders can permanently
impair a child's hearing.
- Propelled toy darts and
other projectiles. Propelled toys can cause cuts or serious eye injuries.
- Toys with strings, straps
or cords longer than seven inches. Long strings and cords could wrap
around a child's neck and unintentionally strangle him or her.
- Electrical toys. Electrical
toys are a potential burn hazard. Avoid toys with a heating element-batteries
or electrical plugs-for children under age 8.
- Toys painted with lead
paint. Exposure to lead can result in lead poisoning, causing serious
damage to a child's brain, kidneys and nervous system.
- Toy cap guns. Paper rolls,
strips or ring caps can be ignited by the slightest friction and cause
serious burns.
Many toy-related injuries occur
when parents overestimate their child’s ability to handle a toy designed
for an older age group. Age recommendations for toys not only take into
account a child’s cognitive abilities, but they also consider the overall
safety of a toy. Be especially aware of safety labeling on a toy’s
packaging, such as “This toy is not appropriate for children under
3.”
SAFE KIDS of East Central Georgia
recommends using the following
guidelines for age-appropriate
toys:
- Infants under age 1 - In
the first few months of their lives, children are immobile. Eventually,
they learn to reach, roll over and sit up. In the second six months,
children become more mobile and are at an increased risk for choking.
The most suitable toys for the first year include activity quilts, stuffed
animals without button noses and eyes, bath toys, soft dolls, baby swings,
cloth books and squeaky toys.
- Children ages 1 to 3 -
At this age, children are curious and have little sense of danger. They
like to climb, jump, throw and play rough-and-tumble games. The best
toys for this age group are books, blocks, fit-together toys, balls,
push-and-pull toys, pounding toys and shape toys.
- Children ages 3 to 5 -
As any parent of a preschooler can tell you, these children “think
with their feet” and spend much of their time running. They like
tests of physical strength and begin to develop skills such as the ability
to ride a tricycle, finger control, as well as the ability to build
with large blocks and construction materials. Toys that are most suitable
for this age group include approved nontoxic art supplies, books, videos,
musical instruments and outdoor toys such as a baseball tee, slide or
swing.
- Children ages 5 to 9 -
It is in the early part of this age group that children become creative
and more physically active. They can write, engage in arts and crafts,
and are able to use simple mechanical toys such as cars and trains.
Recommended toys include craft materials, jump ropes, puppets, books,
electric trains (after age 8) and sports equipment. Remember, children
ages 8 and up can begin to use electrical and battery-operated toys.
Check tape recorders and battery-operated toys regularly for loose or
exposed wires. Don’t allow children to change batteries.
- Children ages 9 to 14 -
At this age, children enjoy team sports and games that require increased
dexterity such as pick-up sticks, marbles and jacks. Strenuous physical
activity is also popular for this age group. Children begin to develop
hobbies and a strong interest in scientific activities. For these children,
appropriate gifts include computers, microscopes, table and board games,
and outdoor and team sports equipment. Ensure that older children’s
toys are kept out of reach of younger children for whom they may present
a danger.
Bicycles, in-line skates, scooters,
skateboards and sleds are popular gifts for the holidays. However, without
the proper protective gear or skills, injury and death can occur.
In 1997, 225 children were
killed in bicycle-related incidents. In 1998, injuries resulting from
bicycles, skateboards, and in-line and roller skates accounted for nearly
half a million emergency room visits from children ages 14 and under.
SAFE KIDS of East Central Georgia
recommends the following tips when buying bicycles, scooters, skates,
skateboards or sleds this holiday season:
- Include a helmet as part
of the gift. A helmet is a necessity, not an accessory. Bicycle helmets
have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent
and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. Make sure the
helmet meets or exceeds the new federal safety standard developed by
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission or the safety standards
of the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation
or the American Society for Testing and Materials.
- Buy retroreflective clothing,
stickers or bike reflectors for an older child who will be riding or
skating at dawn or dusk. Reflectors on the pedals and wheels also increase
a child’s visibility.
- Give a horn or bell as
a stocking stuffer. A horn or bell is essential for bicyclists to warn
motorists and pedestrians of their presence.
- In addition to a helmet,
include elbow pads, wrist guards and knee pads when giving in-line skates,
scooters, rollerskates or skateboards as gifts.
- Give in-line skating lessons
from a professional instructor or a community recreation center. A class
will provide instruction on how to skate properly and on proper skating
etiquette.
- Buy a sled that is constructed
sturdily and safely. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges.
For a free brochure on toy safety,
write to: Toy Brochure, National SAFE KIDS Campaign, 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW, Suite 1000, Washington, D.C. 20004.
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