Oaklee's Family Guide November/December/January 2020 | Page 20

Safety tips when buying toys for tots
Toys play a pivotal role in the lives of
young children. While fun is always a con-
sideration when buying toys for kids, toys
can do more than entertain.
The National Association for the Education
of Young Children notes that toys for young
children should match the youngsters’ stages
of development and their emerging abilities.
When those matches are made, children’s
imagination and coordination will develop,
all while they’re having fun.
Safety is another factor adults must take
seriously when buying toys for children.
Unfortunately, safety is not always foremost
on the minds of toy shoppers. The U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission notes
that more than 251,000 toy-related injuries
were treated in American hospital emergency
rooms in 2017. Thankfully, such injuries are
almost always avoidable, especially when
shoppers follow a handful of safety strategies
when buying toys for young children.
• Avoid toys with lots of pieces. Stanford
Children’s Health notes that toddlers and
small children tend to put things in their
mouths, increasing their risk of choking as
a result. When buying toys for toddlers or
small children, avoid toys with small parts
NOV-DEC 2019-JAN 2020
that can be choking hazards.
• Pay attention to age recommendations
on packaging. Age guidelines on toy pack-
ages are designed to ensure that kids play
with toys suited for their age and abilities.
Children are more likely to enjoy playing
with toys designed for kids their age, and
these toys are less likely than age-inappropri-
ate toys to put youngsters’ safety in jeopardy.
• Recognize even stuffed animals can
present safety hazards. Stuffed animals may
not appear to pose as safety risks, but poorly
made stuffed animals may have small parts
that can easily come off. Poorly made stuffed
animals may prove no match for the prying
hands of curious youngsters, so make sure
any small parts on stuffed animals, such as
eyes and buttons, are securely fastened before
making any purchases.
• Teach kids how to use toys. When giv-
ing children advanced toys, take the time to
show the youngsters how to use them. Such
demonstrations can clear up any confusion
about the toys, reducing kids’ risk for injury
as a result.
Safety should always be a priority when
purchasing toys for kids.
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Oaklee’s Family Guide TM for Chicagoland