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OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION Are Your Toys Safe? What every parent should know before playtime presented by FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES Not all toys are safe. There are many things you'll want to consider when purchasing toys for children. But with a few simple steps, you'll be able to select toys with confidence to create a safe, fun playtime with your child. Before you buy, ask... Cords and strings? Sharp edges? Small parts? Toys with long cords and strings can be a danger to small children and infants. The cords and/or strings can get wraped around a child's neck, causing strangulation. Cut all cords short or remove them completely. Examine the toy for rough or sharp edges that might harm a child. Watch for toys that have glass as a part of their structure; stay away from these toys. Toys that have small parts need to be kept away from small children. A small child could choke on these small pieces. Older toys can break into small pieces that could cause a choking hazard for small children. ........ Once you buy. .......... Constantly check toys for broken parts that might have a sharp edge! Be aware of small eyes and noses on toys, especially homemade toys that may have small buttons, etc., on ......... Once you buy........... Never hang toys from a string in a crib or playpen where a child can become entangled! them that the children could chew off and swallow. ........ Once you buy. .... ...... Balloons, when broken or not inflated, are a choking hazard for children of all ages. Throw them away! Toy storage? How many of us have tripped and/or fallen over toys? Be sure to teach children to pick up all their toys and place them away on shelves, toy boxes, and/or closets. Toy boxes should have lids that will stay open in any position so the lid does not fall unexpectedly on a child. Infant toys? Rattles, squeeze toys, etc., should be large enough not to become lodged in a child's throat. ........ Once you buy. ......... Be sure to wash toys frequently to remove bacteria and other germs. ELECTRIC toys? ........ Once you buy. ......... Electric toys are for older children. If the toys are not properly con- structed, they can shock or burn children. Children under eight years of age should not play with electric toys. All toy boxes should have ventilation holes. 3? 5? ........ Once you buy. .......... Electric toys should always be used under adult supervision! LOUD toys? Age appropriate? Some toys make loud noises that can damage a child's hearing. Be sure to listen to how loud a toy is before letting a child play with it. Choose toys that have soft sounds; Choose toys that are appropriate for the age of the child. Read the label for the age recommendation for the toy. Remind older children to keep their toys out of the reach of younger children. Remember toys are to be fun! Use common sense when selecting toys for children. children will like them better and so will the adults! Sources: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, "For Kid's Sake: Think Toy Safety." Washington, D.C. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Čommission, "Which Toy for Which Child." Washington, D.C. Copyright © 2003, Ohio State University Extension All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status. Keith L. Smith, Associate Vice President for Ag. Adm. and Director, OSU Extension TDD No. 800-589-8292 (Ohio only) or 614-292-1868 THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY College of Education and Human Ecology College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences