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 that toys bring, it’s important to consider their level of 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 with “ATSM,” it means the toy 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 if they would be choking hazards.
- Avoid lead and other toxic materials. Lead is an element that is toxic to humans and animals and can cause negative health effects. Watch out for toys painted before 1978 (when the U.S. federal government banned consumer uses 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, toys made of fabric 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 total health and safety for your family and friends!
References:
https://www.apha.org/Events-and-Meetings/APHA-Calendar/2021/2021-Safe-Toys-and-Gifts-Month
