(This is a revised version of an article that appeared originally in Nanny's Notes 6, June 24, 2000.)

*Buy toys suitable for the age, interests and skill level of the child. Look for quality design and construction. Avoid toys that are made of thin, brittle plastic that can break easily. A rule to keep in mind is that the smaller the child, the bigger the toy needs to be (think of the different sizes of Lego blocks, for example.)

* Make sure you read the labels. Look for and pay attention to any age recommendations. For example, in the United States any ball with a diameter of 1.75 inches (44.4mm) or less is banned for use by children younger than 3 years. If toys with balls of this size are intended for children 3 years or older, they must be labeled: "WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD-This toy is a small ball. Not for children under 3 years."
- In the UK look for the CE Mark, the Lion Mark and the Kite Mark, which mean that the toy has been tested to the British Standard BS 5665. (Visit http://www.devon.gov.uk/tradstds/notes/safetoys.html to see what these marks look like.)

*Also look for other safety labels, such as "Flame retardant/Flame resistant" on fabric products, "Washable/hygienic materials" on stuffed toys and dolls and "UL (Underwriters Laboratories) Listed" on electrically operated toys. When buying art materials, including crayons and paints, look for the designation "ASTM D-4236." which means the product has been reviewed by a toxicologist.

*While new toys are required to meet certain standards, they don't always do so, so you should make your own evaluation. Be even more cautious when buying second hand toys, for they may have been made before the standards were set. Second-hand toys may also be in poor condition, so be sure to look them over carefully.

*Toys should not have any sharp or rough edges. They should not have moving parts that could pinch, cut, or trap part of your child's body.

*Toys for children under three should not have any removable small parts. This includes small parts that aren't intended to be removed, but can be pulled off by curious children, such as small eyes and noses on dolls and stuffed toys or small squeakers on squeeze toys. It also includes labels and stickers. Test all potentially removable parts to make sure they're firmly attached. Make sure all the seams are tight, so that stuffing or squeakers can't fall out.

*Toys with cords, strings, ropes and ribbons over 30cm long should never be given to babies and very young children as the cords may become wrapped around their necks.

*Toys for babies such as rattles, teething rings and squeeze toys should be too large, even when compressed, to become stuck in your child's throat.

*Broken or un-inflated balloons are dangerous to children of all ages. For more information on balloons, please read my first child safety column: http://www.themestream.com/articles/45496.html

*Never allow children to play with adult lawn darts or other equipment with sharp points.

*Don't give toy guns with pellets. Each year, children suffer from eye, ear and other injuries caused by these dangerous toys.

*Avoid toys that need constant supervision, or that will be annoying to the rest of the family.

*Also check the packaging and remove plastic bags, staples, or anything else that could harm your child. But be sure to keep the packaging and the receipt in case the toy needs to be returned.

If you notice a toy or other children's product with a possibly dangerous condition resulting from faulty construction, design, or packaging; or if your child is injured, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov/ There's a link on their site for reporting unsafe products. You can also call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-827.
If you live in in the UK, notify your local Trading Standards & Consumer Protection Office

This information was compiled from these sources:

Beware when buying kids' toys this Christmas http://www.iclinic.co.za/dec99/kidstoys14.htm

Consumer Product Safety Commission For Kids' Sake: Think Toy Safety http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/281.html

Toy safety shopping tips http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/grand/toy/toysafe.html

Consumer Information Center Toys: The Tools Of Play http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/children/toysplay/tools.html

Ten Steps To Fun and Safe Play http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/children/toysplay/10steps.html

Your Guide to Buying Safe Toys http://www.devon.gov.uk/tradstds/notes/safetoys.html

Copyright 2000 by Donna Zelzer, all rights reserved. The individual writers hold copyright to the individual articles.
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