Seeing your children’s faces light up when they open their gifts of favorite toys can be one of the best memories for parents during the holiday season. Unfortunately, each year more than 160,000 children get hurt playing with unsafe toys. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips for parents who are buying toys for their children.

Make sure the toy is right for your childís age and skill level. Read the packaging for recommended age levels and other safety information.

For children less than 3 years of age, avoid toys that have small pieces. Very young children may choke, since they tend to put things in their mouths.

Read the instructions before allowing your child to play with the new toy. You should read the directions and then show your child how to properly put together and play with the toy.

Watch for recalls. Visit www.cpsc.gov for recent recalls and product safety news.

Make sure toys are non-toxic. Items like paints, crayons, and markers that are made for children should be free of lead and other harmful substances. Make sure the items have non-toxic labeling.

Check secondhand items for any damages. Items with cracks, tears, or splinters should be repaired or thrown away.

Don’t forget the helmet. When buying items like skateboards, scooters, and bicycles, be sure to buy a helmet and kneepads and make sure your child wears them.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday!

References:

Are you buying the right toy for the right age child? Retrieved July 16, 2007 from: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/grand/toy/toysafe.html

Toy. Retrieved July 16, 2007 from: http://www.usa.safekids.org/tier2_rl.cfm?folder_id=179

Sources: Carole Gnatuk, Extension Specialist for Child Development, and Ahlishia Shipley, Intern, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture