Select Safe Toys This Holiday Season to Avoid Childhood
Injuries
December 7, 2006, DENVER - Although the majority
of toys on today's store shelves are safe, state injury
prevention experts Thursday advised parents that some toys
can be dangerous if misused or used by children who are too
young for them. Susan Parachini, a program manger for the
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's
Consumer Protection Division, said, "When shopping for toys,
take the time to read labels to make certain the toys you
select match a child's age and skill level." She
emphasized that children under age 3 are at a greater risk
than older children for choking on toys. "Their natural
desire is to put everything in their mouths and the small
size of their upper airways increases their choking risk.
It's crucial that gift buyers consider a child's age prior
to purchasing a particular toy. Appropriate selection and
proper use of toys, combined with parental supervision, can
help avoid injuries and lessen the severity of those that do
occur," she said. Falls and choking account for the
majority of toy-related injuries, with choking being the
most common cause of toy-related deaths, Parachini added.
She provided the following tips for parents to keep children
safe this holiday season:
- Always supervise children at play.
- When selecting toys, consider the child's age,
interests and skill level. Look for quality design and
construction, and follow age and safety recommendations
on labels.
- Inspect toys regularly for damage and potential
hazards such as sharp edges. Make any necessary repairs
immediately, or discard damaged toys out of children's
reach.
- Avoid toys with sharp points or edges, or toys that
produce loud noises and projectiles.
- Toys with strings, straps or cords longer than 7
inches can unintentionally strangle children and should
be avoided.
- If purchasing in-line skates, skateboards, scooters
or bicycles, also purchase the safety equipment, such as
wrist guards, knee pads and helmets.
- Toys are frequently recalled for safety reasons.
Check www.recalls.org regularly for updates and
information on recent toy recalls.
---30--- Note to media: Guideline sheet for
age-appropriate toys included with this release.
Guidelines in Selecting Age-Appropriate Toys
Infants to 1 year -- Soft, washable, bright-colored
toys such as soft beach balls, activity quilts and
squeeze toys. For older infants, nesting toys and
assorted hats provide quality play. Toddlers (1-3
years) -- Large, very light weight blocks; push and pull
toys with cords shorter than seven inches; cloth,
plastic or cardboard books; and manipulative toys such
as button and zipper boards with no removable small
parts. Preschoolers (3-5 years) - Wood or plastic
building blocks, non-toxic art supplies such as crayons,
finger paints, or clay; children's puzzles, a small
wagon and outdoor toys like a sandbox. Young school
children (5-9 years) -- Arts and crafts kits, card
games, bicycles (with helmets), jump ropes, puppets,
action figures and sports equipment. School children
(10-14 years) --Table and board games, more advanced
craft supplies, model kits, musical instruments, board
games and equipment used in outdoor sports. Source:
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission For more toy
safety information, visit the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission's web site at
http://www.cpsc.gov. Consumers are urged to report
any dangerous products or a product-related injury to
the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission hotline at
1-800-638-2772. |
