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How can parents be sure that a toy is safe? It is not always
easy to tell.
Keep in mind that the government doesn’t test all toys.
Most toys are packaged in ways that make it difficult for
the purchaser to identify potential safety hazards in the
store.
And most consumers just do not know what to look out for
when toy shopping.
The following 25 tips for toy safety arm consumers with
the knowledge they need to shop wisely and safely.
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| 1. Be vigilant shoppers. Shoppers should examine
toys carefully for hidden dangers before they make a purchase. |
| 2. If a toy looks unsafe, don't buy it. If you see
small parts or a small ball or a balloon and don't see a tough
choke hazard warning, call the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at 1-800-638-2772
or 1-800-638-8270. |
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3. Keep small parts away from your toddlers, particularly
if an older child has toys with small parts.
- Toys with small parts, small balls and marbles are
banned for sale if intended for children under 3.
- If intended for older children, these toys, and balloons,
must include a choke hazard warning. The 1994 Child Safety
Protection Act requires the following warning on toys
intended for children 3-5 years old, containing small
parts:
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| 4. Be wary in all stores. While the majority of hazards
are found in party stores and dollar stores, we find hazardous
toys in large national toy stores as well. |
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5. Be cautious of toys with small parts when purchasing
toys:
- Get a "no-choke
testing tube" at a toy stores or use a toilet paper
tube. (Small balls and marbles are subject to a different
rule see # 8)
- To see if a toy or toy part is potentially dangerous
because of its size, place it – without compressing it
-- into the tube. If it fits entirely within the tube
in any orientation, it should not get into the hands of
children under the age of three and others who still put
things in their mouths.
- If you are unsure of the durability of a toy that may
break into small parts, don't buy it!
- Be conscious of objects that have potentially dangerous
small parts: removable eyes and noses on stuffed toys
and dolls; small, removable squeakers on squeeze toys;
and little figures and pieces fitted into larger toys.
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