Toys for kids seem innocent enough.
But did you know that most accidents involving children were, in one way or another, caused by one of their toys? Yes, toys can be dangerous.
And there are more than a million of them being churned out by toy factories from all over the world.
Some toys have the potential to choke, strangle, prick, poison, or cause accidents.
Don't focus too much on the bad things that can happen.
Instead, when you go shopping for toys, keep in mind the good things you can do to prevent any of these hazards from happening.
1.
Buy age-appropriate toys.
Children of different ages have different interests, tendencies, and preferences.
A grade-schooler may enjoy a box of marbles and understand that it is not safe to put the marbles in his mouth, but a toddler will be curious as to how the marbles taste and try to put them in his mouth when you are not looking.
They are much safer off with stacking blocks, pop-up books, pull and twist toys, and bath toys.
2.
Read the labels.
The government has its agencies for making sure toys for kids are safe and hazard-free.
Buy only toys that have passed the stringent inspection measures of the government.
Check their labels, which should say whether a toy is free from any potential hazard.
For example, dolls made with fabrics should be labeled flame-resistant.
Crayons, paints, chalks, and other coloring materials should be lead-free and have undergone testing by the American Society for Testing and Materials.
The same is true for painted toys.
3.
Chuck the hand-me-downs.
Although some toys may carry some sentimental value for their owners, old toys that have not passed through the updated inspection measures may not be so safe for your children.
Carefully explain to them that their toys may be dangerous for them and it is best for you to get rid of the toys.
Always be in the know when it comes to toys for your kids.
Watch out for recalls of toys and toys that have been found out to contain traces of lead or mercury.
If possible, buy only from the most reliable companies.
4.
Avoid loud toys.
We rarely associate loud toys with danger, but even squeaky rubber toys and music boxes can pose a danger when children hold them directly to their ears.
Aside from these, horns, sirens, toy phones, and cap guns can produce up to 90 to 120 decibels of sound.
That is similar to the sound produced by an airplane taking off, which is painful and can lead to hearing problems for your children.
5.
Check the video game ratings.
Video games are popular toys for kids of all ages.
Their ratings will tell you which of them has content that is appropriate for your children.
A rating of E - Everyone is suited for, well, everyone, but sometimes these video games contain hints of mild violence or offensive language.
In this case, it is safer to get a video game that is rated EC - Early Childhood.