With the holidays in full swing, people of all ages are busy giving and receiving gifts. For the little ones in our lives, the excitement of receiving a new toy is a major highlight of the holiday season. However, in addition to the joy toys bring, it’s important to consider their safety.

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month, and below are some guidelines to keep in mind – whether you’re a parent, extended family member, or friend to a child.

Choose toys that have passed safety inspection. If the toy is labeled “ASTM,” it means it has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
Be wary of toy size. Children aged three and under are especially at risk for choking on small parts. But how do you know if any item is small enough to be a choking hazard? You can purchase a small parts tester, which helps people measure small toys, toy parts, and other small objects to determine whether they pose a choking hazard.
Avoid lead and other toxic materials. Lead is a toxic element that can harm humans and animals and cause adverse health effects. Watch out for toys painted before 1978 (when the U.S.federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint) or made outside the United States, as they may contain lead. Additionally, make sure that all art supplies are labeled as non-toxic.
Minimize additional hazards. Avoid toys that shoot, including parts that fly off, have sharp edges or points, or break easily. Additionally, fabric toys should be labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant.

As fun as the holiday season is, don’t forget to keep these guidelines in mind to ensure your family and friends' total health and safety!

References:

https://www.apha.org/Events-and-Meetings/APHA-Calendar/2021/2021-Safe-Toys-and-Gifts-Month

Safe Toys and Gifts Month

Operation Santa Paws