Choosing Safe Toys For your Children

Every time I hear that there is another toy recall, I think to myself -- you have to be kidding around! How do these dangerous toys even get to the shelves and at your in our curious children in the first place? Did the manufacturers realize that these were potentially harmful? Are there quality control measures to ensure this does not happen?

I know know a sweet lady who is a mother of three girls. When i was visiting with her one day, I noticed pictures of a little boy on the walls and asked who it was. She laughed and said it was her son who had died at age three when a toy got stuck in his tonsils. His father had tried anxiously to remove the located toy, but his attempts were unproductive, and the child succumbed. I was horrified and can only imagine how much they both experienced this sad experience.

It is difficult to watch our children every minute, but we can make every attempt to remove any toys that could do harm from those that they play with every day. Your children also may receive toys as presents from well-meaning family members and friends for birthdays and holidays. How can you be sure that the toys you have in your home are safe for your children?

It is good to be aware of the CPSC US Consumer Product Safety Commission Homepage, which is where you can look to see if a particular toy has been remembered Wooden Baby Toys. You can also enroll in the Feed so you will be able to see the latest recalls. If you know of any incident related to a toy hurting a child, you can also report it on this great site to help others.

Most recently the CPSC announced the recall of toy dark rifle play sets that were sold at the Family Dollar Stores. Two children, aged 9 and 10 (both boys) put the soft darts into their mouths and accidentally inhaled them into their throats. Because of the suction glasses, these were not capable to get the darts removed and the children died of asphyxiation. Children of all ages can be harmed if they are not careful with toys.

Another suggestion is to pay attention to age recommendations on toys. They are put on the packages for a reason. You may think your child is old enough to play with a toy that is good for an adult child, but toys with small or completely removable parts can cause injuries or asphyxiation. Some teens also still like to put things in their nose, ears and mouths, so you are the best judge to know what is befitting them.

If a toy is broken, it is best to throw it away immediately. Be aware of what is in your toy box. If tiny or broken waste toys exist, clean them out.

If your child receives a toy as a present or you have purchased one that they wanted, you should attempt hard to break it (do not do it in front of the child, however). If you can yank on the stuffed animals eyes and they are loose, they could come off and get located in the child's tonsils. Try to consider ways in which your child might use it and test to see if the toy will fall apart. You can also test all toy gifts simply just weren't given with the purpose to harm the child. It is best to be safe than sorry.

If you buy old or garage sale toys, test them to see that they are safe for your child. It is ultimately up to the parents to check out the toys their children play with to ensure their safety.

Teaching your children the optimal way to play with their toys will also educate them for them to play safely. It is not just enough to tell them not to point a toy dart rifle at another child. It is also important to consider other ways that the toy may be harmful to them.