Toys - Safety tips

Toys Select only toys suitable for the child's age group, and make sure to read and follow all warnings, safety messages, and instructions that come with the toy. Child with a toy box Always supervise children at play and teach them how to use toys safely. Keep small toys, small balls, or small loose toy parts out of the sight and reach of children under 3 years of age or older children who still put toys in their mouth. The small items are choking hazards. Repair or throw away weak or broken toys - check often for hazards like loose parts, broken pieces, or sharp edges. Check that toys like rattles and teethers have handles or parts that are large enough so they will not get stuck in an infant's throat and block their airway. Keep all toys, especially plush and soft toys, away from heat sources like stoves, fireplaces, and heaters. Avoid toys with cords, especially stretchy cords that are long enough to wrap around a child's neck. Avoid loud toys as loud noise can damage a child's hearing. A toy that is loud for an adult is likely too loud for a child. Two grandkids with their grandfather and a toy box Toy Boxes Use a toy box without a lid, or use a toy box with a lightweight lid, sturdy supportive hinges, and air holes. Heavy lids can fall on children's heads and necks causing death. Children should not have access to airtight storage bins, trunks, or boxes. Access to these types of storage products could lead to suffocation if a child climbs inside. Ride-On Toys Choose a ride-on toy that suits the child's age, size, and abilities. Check that the ride-on toy will not tip when the child is using it. Be aware that a child on a wheeled ride-on toy can move very quickly: Use a ride-on toy far away from stairs, traffic, swimming pools, and other dangerous areas. Use a ride-on toy away from hazards such as lamps, cords, decorations, or appliances that could be knocked or pulled down onto a child Latex Balloons Latex balloons have caused a number of deaths. Deaths have occurred in children as old as 9 years. Balloons or broken balloon pieces can be inhaled and as a result, block a child's airway. Latex balloons are best used for decoration, not for play. Always keep inflated and uninflated latex balloons, and pieces of broken balloons, out of the reach of children. Adults should always inflate balloons. Supervise children when balloons are around. Toys With Batteries Only adults should install batteries. Improper installation, or mixing different battery types, can cause batteries to leak or overheat, which coul injure a child. Make sure batteries in toys are not accessible to the child. A child should not take battery-operated toys to bed. Burns or other injuries could result from batteries leaking or overheating. Call your doctor or poison control centre right away if a child swallows a battery. Batteries can be poisonous. Trampolines Trampolines should not be considered as toys; there is a serious risk of injury to children using them. Most trampoline-related injuries happen at private homes, usually in backyards on full-size trampolines. The hazards that result in injuries and deaths include: colliding with another person on the trampoline, landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline, falling or jumping off the trampoline, and falling onto the trampoline's springs or frame. Always supervise children when they are using a trampoline. Do not allow children under 6 years of age to use a trampoline, even when supervised. Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time. Do not allow children to perform somersaults and other stunts. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/cons/child-enfant/index-eng.php#Pacifiers