Buying Christmas gifts for children of all ages can be lots of fun—but don’t forget about safety! Keep the following tips in mind as you shop:
Read and Follow Labels.
The best place you can start for buying safe toys is by reading labels. Many toys come with age recommendations, and it is a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. If the toy says “three and up”, it isn t a good idea to get it for your two year old something about it may be dangerous for children that young. As your child grows there will be fewer of these warning labels, but they still exist and should still be followed.
Babies:
Babies are particularly susceptible to dangerous toys. There are a few things you should consider in addition to following the guidelines posted on most baby toys. Is there anything that can be swallowed or choked on? If the toy or part of a toy can fit in the baby s mouth, then could be a danger. This also includes pieces that might be easy to break off. Finally you should also consider sharp edges which can hurt a baby if they come in contact with it on the wrong angle.
Toddlers:
Most toys for toddlers are also labeled with age appropriate labels. Even if your child is advanced and above average for their age you should stick with these recommendations for safety reasons. Small parts and sharp edges should be considered. It is now also important to think of other dangers such as trapped fingers, as toddlers are exploring and have the ability to take things apart.
Packaging:
You should also make sure that you avoid leaving the packaging in place. Instead open the toys, remove all plastic, and all twist ties. You can then put the item back in the box and know that it will be safe. Many children also prefer it that way because they won t have to wait for you to break into the package for them.
Preschoolers and Elementary School Kids.
As they grow children less likely to hurt themselves by chewing on or swallowing toys. You should still pay attention to any age recommendations that are left on toys. Things like sharp edges, electrical connections, and heating elements can be hazardous for this age group. It is also a good idea to do a little research on toys you are unsure of. Look for reviews written by parents, and get an idea of the quality and appropriateness of the toy before you buy it.
Tweens and Teens:
Your teenager is unlikely to hurt himself on a toy by chewing on it or getting stuck inside it. You should be aware of ratings for video games, movies, and music, and know what you are buying for your teen or tween. Check out online reviews if you are uncertain, and don’t be afraid to give an item a tril run before deciding to purchase it.
Keeping our children safe is a year round job. Christmas time is no exception and it is important that we take the time to make sure that the toys we buy will be safe for our kids. Make sure you check the packaging, look for dangers, and read up on reviews when making special purchases, and everyone will be happy with what they find under the tree on Christmas morning.
Author Resource:
Denise Sanger is the owner of Http://www.newcooltoysonline.com which features a fantastic selection of outdoor toys including ride-on toys and battery ride-on toys. The company is located in Sunny Florida and may be reached at 877-950-7665
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