Make toy safety your number one job

With news of certain toys being recalled, shoppers this holiday season must do their homework. So in order to keep this season fun and safe for children, those shopping for toys should keep the following tips in mind.
The first rule is to avoid potentially dangerous toys. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s web site for the latest product recalls and warnings. The federal government has set up an easy-to-use website to alert consumers to unsafe, hazardous, or defective products. You can find the site at https://www.recalls.gov/.
Second, be aware of the top five toy hazards identified by the CPSC, namely scooters and other riding toys, small balls and other toys with small parts, balloons, magnets, and toys with chargers and adapters.
Choosing toys that are well suited to a child’s developmental level is critical to ensuring that children will enjoy playing with the gift while remaining safe. Most toys are labeled with a “recommended age” sticker, but this should be seen as a starting point in the purchasing process.
Lastly, when shopping for infants and toddlers, there are several things to consider. In order to avoid possible choking hazards, children under the age of three should not be given any toys with removable parts smaller than their mouths. If you are unsure, try to pass the toy or toy part through a toilet paper roll. If the item passes through, it is not safe. Avoid toys that incorporate cords longer than twelve inches; such cords can pose a potential choking hazard.
For more information on safe holiday toy shopping, you may want to visit the Consumer Reports website at https://www.consumerreports.org/.