Holidays, birthday parties, and even the occasional trip to Target typically leave you with more toys than your kids actually need, but if it keeps them entertained and happy, where’s the harm?
While the majority of toys on the market are safe, there are dozens of toys recalled every year. However, before you downsize your kid’s collection of toys or stop buying more, let’s take a look at some statistics, and some tips for ensuring your child is safe.
See Also: Why You Should Be Purchasing Educational Toys For Your Kids
How many toys are dangerous?
Decades ago, safety regulations on toys were laxer than they are today, and if you think back to some of the toys you played with, you might wonder how more kids didn’t get hurt.
In the last decade, fewer toys have been recalled, which means a few things: stricter regulations and more awareness.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2008, there were 172 toys recalled, including 19 containing lead. Ten years later, 18 toys were recalled, including 2 containing lead.
Injuries related to toys vary from minor to fatal, and as a parent, it can be scary to think that even the simplest of toys could cause a life-threatening injury.
Safety Tips For Purchasing Kids Toys
With the holidays approaching, your kids probably have some toys on their Christmas wishlist. However, before purchasing their gifts make sure you keep the following things in mind.
Select Age-Appropriate Toys
How many times have you looked at the age recommendation on a toy and thought, “Close enough!” in terms of your own child’s age.
Those age ranges are there for a reason. It could be that if a younger child uses a toy that’s beyond their age range, it could become a hazard for them.
Avoid Purchasing Toys with Magnets
Toys with magnets are fun and a great opportunity to build and learn. However, if you’re purchasing toys with magnets, make sure that they are secure or enclosed to the toy. Magnetic toys pose a danger to children of all ages.
You can read about one mom’s experience that resulted in an emergency visit here.
Buy Safety Gear
Buying a hoverboard, skateboard, or another riding kid toy?
Don’t forget to buy safety gear for your kids to wear when they’re riding.
A high-quality helmet and safety pads are well worth the investment.
Inspect Toys Often
One of the best ways to keep your child safe from toy-related injuries is to inspect their toys frequently.
Have batteries that look corroded or pieces that are broken or missing?
Toss out broken toys or see if the toy manufacturer has replacement parts.
Stay Up to Date on Recalls
There are recalls on products and toys that your child may use or play with, every month.
While this can be alarming, it’s important to remember that many of these products and toys are recalled as soon as an issue is addressed. In some cases, injuries have already occurred, but most of the time defective parts and pieces were discovered early on.
The best way to stay up to date on recalls is to check sites like Safe Kids Worldwide and CPSC.
If your child has a toy that breaks, seems dangerous, or causes an injury, it’s also crucial to report the toy to help protect other children from toy-related injuries.
In the event that your child is injured by a toy, it can be a good idea to contact a product liability attorney.
Final thoughts: When purchasing toys for your child keep these safety tips in mind
The purpose of this article isn’t to scare you into not wanting your kids to play with toys. However, it’s important to keep safety in mind before purchasing your child that new toy that they just have to have.
None of us want to see our kids hurt and, let’s face it, medical bills are expensive.
How do you decide which kid toys to purchase?
I want to buy toys for my son Leo because the latter’s birthday is fast approaching. I also agree with you that the toys must be inspected first. Aside from this, you made a pretty good point that the toy should be appropriate for his age.
This information is so important and so relevant to avoid accidents and injuries to our kids. #1 for me is always having a helmet on my kids head when they’re using toys/bikes, etc that they can fall off of.
Those are some really great tips! I am trying to make sure that the kids don’t get something that’s not appropriate for them.
Yes this is only reason I didn’t buy skating boots for my two kids. Daughter is asking for it. I may buy to her once she learned about safely use it.
I try to buy appropriate toys for my kids, but it seems like the youngest always wants her big sisters’ things. It’s important that my big kids put away anything that’s potentially dangerous. I hadn’t considered how important it is to inspect things regularly, but that’s an important step.
When I buy toys for my grandkids I always check to see if they age appropriate. I try to stay away from toys with small pieces because even though my granddaughter may be old enough my grandson is not. And he is always trying to play with her toys!
Great topic especially now that the holidays are almost here and we will be buying toys for our kids and for gifts
Oh, yes! Kid’s safety is very important. When my son was little, I only buy toys that were suitable for his age. Nothing more, nothing less.
Yes! Especially for staying up to date for recalls. I often forget to check on this but it’s definitely so important. It happens more often than we think!
This is a helpful list! We don’t always think about toys that may have dangerous aspects to them for little ones. It’s hard to know if something has been recalled when buying second hand so you really have to research.
This is going to be so helpful to many parents. Last thing you want to happen is to buy something that might harm your kids. This is spot on.
These are such a great tips that I didn’t even think about before . I need to be more up to date with recalls too!
Toys can be dangerous if parents don’t follow directions or age limits. These are great tips to choose toys that are safest for little ones.
I’m guilty when it comes to inspecting my kids toys. I do my best to go through their toys every so often and toss out anything that is broken. Any toys that can be donated or sold, go in a seperate pile so that I can make room for new stuff.
When my son got a bike, I also got him a helmet for him to wear. He doesn’t understand that he is low to the ground and cars may not see him. I’ve worked hard to teach him how to be safe when playing outside too.
These are wonderful tips to keep in mind, especially during the holiday season! Inspecting toys to make sure they are not falling apart with sharp edges or chunks that can come off and become a choking hazard are must-dos for all parents.
This is a good reminder before the holiday season begins! I think that this is a great way to review what is a good idea or a bad idea!
I always look at age recommendations and think about how my children will play with them. These are good tips for people without kids buying children’s toys.
I try to do all of these before buying a toy. I want my kids safe! Like for the longest time they wanted a hovercraft and I said no way since they kept bursting into flames. But now they are safer, so I’m considering it.
Amber,
I know what you mean. I finally gave in last Christmas and got once since my middle son had worked so hard in school. I definitely had to go over a long(ish) list of my rules though before he was able to even open the box.
I really enjoyed reading this post. Your tips are so helpful. It’s so important to keep this information in my when purchasing toys.