Toy safety: Picking the right toys for the right ages
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SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- Before you wrap the kids' toys this holiday season, read over the following safety tips from Roberta L. Davis, Kohl's injury prevention expert.
General Guidelines for Toys - Fabric toys should be labeled flame resistant/retardant and should be washable. - Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint. - Art materials should say nontoxic. - Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 (evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials). - Steer clear of older toys including hand-me-downs as they may not meet current safety standards. - Make sure a toy isn't too loud for your child.
The Right Toys at the Right Ages - Make sure a toy is appropriate for a child's age. Read the label. - The age levels for toys are determined by safety factors, not intelligence or maturity.
Age-specific guidelines: Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers - Toys should be large enough so that they can't be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. - Battery-operated toys should have secured battery cases that cannot be pried open by the child - Toys should be unbreakable and strong enough to withstand chewing. - Toys should not include sharp ends or small parts like eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose, or strings longer than 7 inches.
Grade-Schoolers - Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and inline skates should never be used without helmets or other safety gear - Nets should be well constructed and firmly attached to the rim so that they don't become strangulation hazards. - Toy darts or arrows should have soft tips or suction cups at the end, not hard points. - Electric toys should be labeled UL, meaning they meet safety standards set by Underwriters Laboratories Keeping Toys Safe at Home - Teach kids to put toys away. - Check toys regularly to make sure that they aren't broken or unusable. - Throw away broken toys or repair them right away. - Store outdoor toys when they're not in use so that they are not exposed to rain or snow. - Keep toys clean. Some plastic toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but read the manufacturer's directions first or use antibacterial soap and rinse.
Wednesday, December 26 2012 8:28 AM EST2012-12-26 13:28:15 GMT
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