Safe Toys & Avoiding A Trip To The Pediatric Emergency Room

By Author: Wake Forest
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Every parent wants to provide the safest possible environment for their child. Every parent wants to avoid trips to the pediatric emergencyroom at the children’s hospital. One way to avoid emergencies is to purchase toys that are appropriate for every age group.
In fact, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has set clear guidelines for companies that manufacture toys. The Commission requires manufacturers to label toys that might be a hazard. Following are some general age-based toy buying guidelines.
Children Under 3

No toys with small parts due to choking threat.
No broken or uninflated balloons.
Avoid marbles, games, and balls that include balls with a diameter of 1.75 inches or less.
Avoid toys with sharp points and edges.
Buy toys with eyes, noses, and other body parts that are tightly secured.

 
Also—to clean germs and avoid emergency trips to the pediatric hospital ...
... clean plastic toys and place washable toys in a washing machine to kill germs.
Children Ages 3 to 5

Avoid toys with brittle plastic that can break into small pieces or create jagged edges.
Especially look for the code: ASTM D-4236. This means a toxicologist has provided information about the product.
Help older children inappropriate keep toys away from their younger brothers and sisters.

 
Children Ages 6 to 12

Double check for breakage and hazards.
The barrel of a toy gun must be colored so it can be distinguished from a real gun.
Put toys away after playing with them to avoid unintentional injury.

 
Organizations like Safe Kids USA help to prevent child injuries and work to provide education to keep children out of the pediatric emergency room and the pediatric hospital. Also, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission keeps a list of all toy hazard recalls.
Children have accidents. They happen. But it’s possible for parents and caregivers to avoid and prevent many accidents.
Want to test your child safety knowledge? Take ourchild safety quiz.For more information about Wake Forest Baptist Health’s pediatric emergency room and pediatric hospital, take a virtual tour or request an appointment.