How to check if a toy is safe to give to a child this holiday season
If you plan on buying gifts for small children, it's important to be mindful of toys with hazardous parts.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – With Christmas less than three weeks away, Santa’s elves are hard at work making all the toys on your child’s wish list, but if you plan on buying toys from the store, there are some safety guidelines you should know. Amid the festive cheer, parents are urged to prioritize child safety by choosing age-appropriate Christmas toys, staying alert to choking hazards and checking for recalls.
From board games to building blocks, William’s Fun Smart Toys in Macon’s Ingleside Village carries toys for kids of all ages, but not all toys are safe for young children.
That’s why store owner Florence Allen says you should always check safety labels before purchasing a toy.
“Every child’s different, so it’s all going to vary a little bit,” Allen said. “And I also ask age, because I’m real big on getting something that’s age appropriate for the child.”
That’s why Allen says age ratings indicate if a toy is safe for a child rather than the child’s physical or intellectual ability.
Toys with small pieces like blocks, batteries or magnets can be dangerous for children younger than three years old.
According to Pediatrician at Atrium Health Navicent, Dr. Christy Peterson, children choking on small pieces is the most common toy-related E.R. visit.
She recommends buying toys from a reputable source to ensure safety information is accurate.
“If the price is too good to be true, it probably is,” Dr. Peterson said. “It probably is a knockoff. It may not be safe. It may not follow the standards that we have in this country for safety and children.”
Dr. Peterson says some toys, crayons or markers may also contain harmful substances like lead paint, so you should make sure the product is labeled as “non toxic.”
If you plan on giving a child outdoor toys like scooters or bikes, be sure they also have safety equipment like helmets and padding.
And on Christmas morning after gifts have been unwrapped, throw away any loose plastic or other packing materials a child might grab.
Allen says if you live in a household with multiple children, it’s best to put away those toys with small parts in a safe place, like a storage bin or somewhere high where a small child cannot reach.
If you see a child is choking, do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. Dr. Peterson says if you know CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, use it, but do not insert your fingers into a child’s mouth.
If you’re buying gifts second hand, be sure to check if they have been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission by clicking here.
