Toys are in their high point of the year and they get a lot of attention. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has some important tips. They will improve the toy safety for you and your kids.
So, the DHEC has some tips to make the Christmas morning even safer, News 12 NBC 26 reports. The tips come in time as the Consumer Product Safety Commission gave some details for 2016.
Last year the Commission noted more than 174 100 toy-related injuries that required a visit to the ER. All of them were to kids under the age of 15. DHEC notes that most of these injuries are easy to avert.
So, the health experts of DHEC have some great toy safety tips
Pay close attention to labels:
This means you have to choose toys according to a child’s age, interest, and skill level. Also, be aware of other safety labels such as “Flame retardant/flame resistant” or “Washable/Hygienic materials” on dolls and other stuffed toys.
Discard plastic wrappings immediately:
They pose a risk of swallowing or suffocating and become deadly playthings to small children.
Children ages 1 and under WILL put toys in their mouths:
Choose toys that are colorful, lightweight, have various textures and are made of non-toxic materials. Children this age learn through sight, touch, sound and taste and often put things into their mouths to explore them.
Don’t give young children toys will small parts:
Never give them toys which have removable eyes, noses, etc.; they are choking hazards.
Inspect toys for sharp points or edges, metal, and glass:
These toys should not be given to children under 8 years of age. This includes stuffed animals with wires frames for bodies that could stab, cut or shock if exposed.
Don’t hang up toys with strings, cords, or ribbons:
Toys with strings, cords or ribbons of any kind should not be hung in cribs or playpens. Young children can become entangled, which can cause injury or death.
Keep toys meant for older children away from younger children:
Teach older children to keep their toys that might have removable small parts, sharp points or toys run on electricity out of reach of younger siblings. Young children are very curious and may investigate toys that aren’t appropriate for them.
Keep toys and equipment in good condition:
Assure protective gear fits appropriately and discard any toys that are broken to prevent injuries.
Supervision is essential:
Provide safe hazard-free play environments both indoors and outdoors. Toys get used and abused by children; regularly conduct a toy maintenance check for safety and durability.
Teach children early to put toys away:
Children should put toys away when they are finished playing with them. This will prevent accidental falls.
