Toy safety is a hot button topic where children, parents, and the community in general is concerned. There are so many hazards that children can run into on a daily basis, you certainly don't need more problems presented by the toys they play with.
To every child's development, toys are essential. Learning toys are, by far, the best choice. Anything that encourages and helps to develop imagination and creativity is always recommended. Provided, that is, it is safe and appropriate for the age of the child in question.
As an example, for children who are three years of age or younger, one of the biggest risks is choking. That's because children of this age tend to get to know things by inserting them into their mouths. Let's look at some ways in which you can better ensure the safety of your child – at least when it comes to their toys.
GUIDELINES FOR TOYS
There are specific standards put forth by the USCPSC (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission) that regulate and monitor toys. These standards apply to toys that are/were imported into or are made in the United States after 1995.
When shopping for toys, keep in mind these general guidelines:
- Paints, markers, crayons, and all other art materials should be non-toxic.
- Lead free paint should be used on painted toys.
- There should be a “washable” designation to all stuffed toys.
- There should be a flame retardant or flame-resistant label on all fabric toys.
Another good guideline where toys are concerned is to be extremely careful of hand-me-downs and older toys. Additionally, pay special attention to the noise level of a toy. It may not be appropriate for your child.
HOW TO SAFELY KEEP TOYS AT HOME
Okay, you made sure that the toys you purchased were safe. Now, in addition to supervising your kids while they play, you want to teach them how to use the toys safely.
Parents should always do the following:
- So that they are not exposed to snow, rain, etc., when outdoor toys are not in use, they should be stored properly.
- Repair or throw away toys that get broken.
- To make sure that toys aren't unusable or broken beyond repair, toys should regularly be checked/inspected by parents.
- The proper method of putting toys away should be taught to kids immediately.
It's crucial to keep toys as clean as possible, no matter how difficult that may seem. Some toys can be placed in the dishwasher or washing machine, while others are more difficult to cleanse. Hot water, dishwashing/washing machine detergent, antibacterial soap, etc. are appropriate in many cases. Make sure that you rinse toys thoroughly after cleansing.
KIDPOWERED HAS A WIDE SELECTION OF SAFE TOYS
How safe a toy is with a child depends largely on the child themselves, their age, how they play with toys, etc. Before giving any child a toy, you, as the parent or authority figure, should look closely at the toy and consider whether or not it is appropriate for your child. For extremely young children, be wary of small parts that may become disengaged from the toy itself.
When it comes to sturdy but detailed trucks, cars, earthmoving machines, recreation vehicles, and more, KidPowered is who you can turn to for safe toys and figures to stir your child's imagination. Today, your child can be a farmer. Tomorrow, they can be an EMT. The next day, they can explore the wilderness on an ATV or race a motorcycle. The options are very nearly limitless. Check out our impressive inventory today to start your child down an exciting path that will only be limited by their imagination.