One of the most imminent threats to the safety of children over the age of one is injury from a toy, and the influx of shiny new ones during the holidays can increase this risk. By taking a few precautions, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of your child getting hurt. Follow the tips below for a safer holiday season.
Pay attention to the suggested age.
Make sure all your child’s toys were created for their age or younger. Many injuries occur when a child is given a toy that is too complex or has too many small parts for their stage of development.
Avoid sharp points or edges.
Keep toys with sharp points or edges away from your child, even if it is considered age-appropriate.
Show your child how to safely play with each toy.
A simple toy demonstration will encourage your children to play safe, and they’ll be less to be inclined to make hazardous decisions.
Look for the ASTM standard.
The ASTM letters on a toy indicate that it has met the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials, the national authority on toy safety.
Opt for quiet toys.
Loud or shrill toys can damage a child’s hearing, sometimes permanently. Protect their ears by choosing toys that are quiet or only make soft sounds.
Do a careful inspection.
Before you give your child a toy, carefully inspect it yourself. Make sure it is well made, reliable and doesn’t have any parts that may come loose.
Throw away packaging.
Once your child has opened their toy, immediately throw away the packaging. Sharp box edges, small plastic ties, and silicon dioxide packets are typically part of toy packages and all present significant risks to your child’s safety.
We want you to have a happy, safe holiday, and we offer the services and resources to help you have one. Help your child stay healthy during the holidays with more parenting tips from the BHealthy blog, or request an appointment with one of our expert pediatricians.
Â