There is a lot to love about toys. They bring joy to our children and can help inspire imagination and learning. However, despite their brightly colored packages and gift-giving nature, children may be at risk from the hidden hazards of some toys. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates tens of thousands of toy-related injuries each year. Many of these injuries can be prevented with proper precaution and knowledge.

If you’re a parent reading this, I’m sure you want to do everything in your power to protect your child from injury while they are having fun. Our blog post will help you find out how to protect your child and what you should be wary of when purchasing toys for your children.

Common Toy Hazards

Toys should be safe for kids to play with. You must inspect toys before giving them to your child to check for potential dangers. Here are the hazards you need to look out for.

Toys that are Choking Hazards

Watch out for toy choking hazards! Any small object may pose a choking hazard for a toddler who puts things in his mouth as he learns to explore the world around him. Many toys contain small pieces that can be pulled apart and swallowed or block a child’s airway if inhaled. Other times, it can be simple household items too. For example, buttons and beads from clothing, coins, bottle caps, marbles, deflated balloons, paper clips, sewing needles, and pins. To avoid these hazards, keep small objects in a place where they can’t reach them.

The size of the toy is also an important consideration. Smaller-sized toys pose greater threats to younger children since their smaller airways can easily become blocked by toys that fit entirely within their mouth. Children under three years of age should not be given toys smaller than 1 ½ inch wide by 2 inches long by 1 inch thick (4 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm).

Pointed and Sharp Edges

Toys with sharp edges and pointed tips are a hazard to children under three years. This is because young children don’t understand that these sharp objects are not toys. They may try to eat them, stick them in their ears or noses, or throw them at another child. Even items you think are safe, such as wooden blocks, can cause cuts and lacerations if broken or misused. Check all items for sharp edges and replace them immediately.

Toys That Can Cause Strangulation and Suffocation

Long strings and cords can be hazardous for very young children and infants. These can wind up wrapped around an infant’s neck, causing strangulation. Don’t leave toys with dangling strings, loops, ribbons, or cords in playpens or cribs where children could get tangled. In addition, plastic bags can cause suffocation, so keep them out of reach. Throw away any plastic packaging your child’s toys come in right away.

Battery-Operated Toys or Toys with Loose Magnets

Toys with battery functions should have secure battery covers with screws to prevent children from removing the batteries. Lithium batteries, battery fluids, and magnets can cause internal bleeding, choking, and chemical burns.

Toys with Loud Noises

Many toys make loud sounds or shrill noises that can hurt your child’s hearing. While most toys are labeled with warnings about loud sounds, many of them produce louder sounds than what is recommended for children. Toy guns, for example, may sound like real guns at close range. When shopping for toys, check the volume or decibel level of the sound they make.

Lead Paint and Toxic Chemicals

Children can get lead poisoning from chewing on lead-containing toys. Lead poisoning can permanently affect a child’s development, behavior, and learning ability if exposed to lead poisoning. You may find lead in the paint, metal, and plastic components in some toys and jewelry, especially those made overseas and antique toys.

Make Your Child’s Play Danger-Free with These Tips

No one can guarantee that a toy will be free of hazards, but the point here is to do your due diligence so you can make a better decision about what’s best for your family.

Purchase Nontoxic Toys

Always check the labels on toys that you buy for your child. The labels provide important information about the chemicals and materials in the toy. Toys made of non-toxic materials are the ones you should only buy. In addition, if a toy has been recalled, don’t buy it even if you find it at discounted rates. It is better to be safe than sorry.

If you want to learn about recalls related to lead paint or other hazards associated with manufacturers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission‘s website or Recalls.gov are great resources.

Buy Age-Appropriate Toys

Toys should be developmentally appropriate and chosen based on age-appropriate labeling. For example, children younger than three years old should not be left alone with toys with small parts or choking hazards. An excellent way to determine whether a toy is large enough is to use a small-object choking tester. Crayons and other art mate.