Play it Safe

Toys are wonderful things. They help with children’s cognitive and physical development and bring delight and diversion to busy little toddlers. Follow these simple guidelines for choosing and using toys and ensure your child is playing safe.

TOP 10 TOY SAFETY TIPS

1. Check the packaging and/or label for advice on age suitability advice.
2. If you have more than one child in the house, separate their toys and store them carefully. A toy that is age appropriate for a 4-year-old could pose hazards for a baby or toddler.
3. Choose sturdy toys that are not made from brittle plastic, flimsy metal or fragile china. Make sure there are no sharp edges or protruding bits and pieces that could be snapped off and swallowed.
4. For toys with battery-operated and magnetic toys, make sure that batteries and magnets are securely encased in plastic.
5. To avoid the risk of choking, never buy toys that are small enough to fit inside your child’s mouth.
6. Make sure that toys are made from non-toxic materials such as lead-free paint and BPA-free plastic. Avoid synthetic fibres that may have been treated with chemicals to make them fire-resistant, as well as fibres that are easily shed and can be ingested.
7. Make sure that any strings or elastic bands on toys are less than 300mm in length. Beware of vintage toys, which often have long strings that could entangle little feet or wrap around necks.
8. Store toys within arm’s reach of your child so that they are not tempted to climb on furniture and risk a fall. Avoid toy chests with lids that can slam on little fingers.
9. If your child is arty and crafty, use child safety scissors and always supervise their usage.
10. If your child likes to play with big cardboard boxes and repurpose them into cubby houses and fortresses, poke holes in them to ensure adequate ventilation is available should they climb inside them.

Sources:
https://sg.theasianparent.com/toy-safety-basics-every-parent-should-know/
https://www.thespruce.com/toy-safety-checklist-for-parents-3255885

This article is taken from our My Alvernia Magazine Issue #37. Click here to read the issue on our website or on Magzter.