| Year after year thousands upon thousands of young | | | | if the decibel level nears 100 or more. |
| children are injured while playing with toys. A good | | | | - Toys that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet |
| portion of these children are between one and two | | | | are probably not age appropriate for children under ten |
| years old or otherwise known as the toddler stage. | | | | years of age. Stick with battery operated for younger |
| Most manufacturers provide safety guidelines to assist | | | | children. Make sure the battery compartment is secure |
| parents in selecting age appropriate toys from babies | | | | and cannot be easily opened by your child. |
| to teenagers. In addition to factory set guidelines, | | | | - Projectile toys are not appropriate for toddlers due |
| parents may also want to consider the following | | | | the possibility of eye injury. Water shooting toys are |
| safety tips and suggestions specifically for their | | | | probably the only exception. |
| toddlers. | | | | - Store toys you buy for older children separate and |
| - First of all, pay attention to the details. Check dolls or | | | | out of reach from your toddlers and especially babies. |
| stuffed animals to make sure eyes and buttons are | | | | Children should be encouraged to always pick up toys |
| secure. Look for well built toys with sturdy | | | | when their done playing. |
| components. Avoid easily breakable or shatter prone | | | | - Fill out registration forms if they are included with your |
| toys. | | | | newly purchased toys. This will allow the manufacturer |
| - Do not allow young children to play with balloons, toys | | | | to notify you directly and in a timely manner in case of |
| with magnets and even marbles. Anything that can fit | | | | a recall or other toy related safety notice. |
| in the mouth of your child is a potential choking hazard. | | | | Along with these tips and suggestions, use common |
| - Carefully check toys with moving parts to make sure | | | | sense and be cautious and critical in your toy selection |
| there is no risk of pinching, hair entanglement or finger | | | | choices. |
| trapping. Even noisy toys can be dangerous especially | | | | |