By Marianne Jackson

The holidays are right around the corner and soon we will be thinking of gifts for our loved ones. Do you have a toddler on your shopping list? You will want to make sure the toys you buy are safe. Always check that you are buying toys that fit the age and skill level of your child. A three year old can be frustrated to no end by a toy that is meant for a five year old. Not only that, but toys with small parts can be dangerous, even deadly. Small children automatically put things in their mouths so small parts from toys will probably end up there where the child can swallow or choke on them.

Small kids love stuffed animals and toys and they are given plenty of them as gifts, but even these toys need to be checked for quality construction. Make sure they eyes, nose, and other small features are on tight so the child can’t bite them off as they chew on the toy. It is best to get stuffed toys that have the eyes and nose embroidered on so you don’t have to worry about buttons or plastic parts coming off.

Avoid sharp edges. Imagine your child running with the toy and what would happen if he fell on it. Plus sharp edges can damage the mouths and face.

Save electric toys for when the kids are over eight years old. They are just not safe for toddlers. Don’t be tempted by something that looks neat or is on sale. Any toy that has an electrical heating or lighting element is unsafe and hazardous when left with a child unsupervised.

Be sure to read the labels on the toy before you buy. The recommended ages and safety guidelines are listed and should be adhered to.

As soon as your toddler unwraps his toy, throw away the plastic wrapping. Plastic is not safe around kids as it poses a suffocation hazard. Keep a watch out for the twisty ties that keep toys in their packages. Immediately throw them away as they pose a safety hazard to small children.

Before making your toy purchase and even periodically afterwards, it is a good idea to check the recall list from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to make sure the toy has not been recalled because it potentially poses a serious hazard to your child. Their website is http://www.cpsc.gov or you can call them at (800) 638-2772.

You will probably be surprised at the number of toys on the list, many by well known manufacturers. Below are a few that have been recalled:

Little People Animal Sounds Farm by Fisher-Price. An incident was reported where a small child inhaled the screws from the stall doors. Emergency surgery was performed to remove the screw from his lungs.

Walt Disney’s Woody Dolls. Woody Dolls that were distributed by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts also have been recalled. It was determined the doll’s buttons could easily detach and pose a choking hazard for small children.

Battat Drumsticks
Drumsticks sold with toy drum sets by Battat Incorporated. The end of the drumstick breaks off easily and the opposite end can loosen and detach therefore this toy was recalled since it poses a choking hazard for small kids.

Watch for those twisty ties that keep toys secure in their packages. They may keep them looking nice in the store but are a hazard as they are taken off the toy. They often have a small plastic backing between the cardboard and the tie. Even if your toddler’s toys don’t have these, an older sibling might receive a toy with them. They need to be properly discarded to avoid any danger to a younger child.

If you have a beloved tot on your shopping list, keep in mind the safety considerations above so your child will have a safe and happy holiday.