Safe Toy Buying Tips for the Holidays

With the holidays and shopping season right around the corner, excitement about toys and gift-giving continues to grow. At such a beautiful time of year, the last thing we would want would be for the toys and gifts we give to cause harm to our loved ones.

Thanks to recent toy safety advocacy and awareness, there were only 12 toy recalls in 2019 compared to 172 in 2008. While this is certainly something to celebrate, toy-related injuries continue to be a problem. The CPSC reported that in 2018 (the most recent data available), there were 226,100 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments. To reduce the risk of injury, consider following some of these safety tips:

MAKE SURE TOYS ARE AGE APPROPRIATE

The CPSC has reported detailed guides about which toys are safe at each age. While it is worthwhile to read these guides, here are four tips to take in the meantime:

• For children under 3, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
• Do not allow children under 8 to play with uninflated balloons or balloon pieces. They can present an aspiration/suffocation hazard.
• For children under 8, avoid toys with sharp edges and electric toys with heating parts.
• Look for labels with age and safety advice.

GET THE RIGHT SIZE HELMETS AND SAFETY GEAR FOR CHILDREN

If you are considering gifting a new bicycle or a pair of skates, make sure that helmets and safety gear are also on the list. It is important that safety gear is not only worn properly while riding or skating but also that it fits right.

SUPERVISE USE OF CHARGERS AND ADAPTERS

Adults should also be sure to supervise any use of chargers and adapters. This is because chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.

AVOID CORDS AND STRINGS

Toys with long strings or cords are dangerous for young children. Be sure not to hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or ribbons in cribs or playpens where children can become entangled.

If a defective product harmed your child, don’t hesitate to seek justice alongside the team at Regan Zambri Long PLLC. Our trusted personal injury attorneys will fight assertively to defend the best interests of you and your loved ones. Contact us to learn more about our approach to personal injury law.