All too often toys with poor design, toys that are too old for a child or are used incorrectly, or toys in bad repair can lead to serious, even fatal injuries. Use the following guide to keep children playing happily and safely.

Purchasing Toys

• Know the age of the child you're buying for and pay attention to the manufacturers are recommendations on the package. If a toy is labeled for children ages 3 and older, do not give it to a younger child. It could have small parts of sharp pieces that are dangerous to younger children. If you're unsure, ask the sales clerk to assist you.
• Good toys are designed to withstand wear and tear. Look for toys that are durable, well constructed and made from sturdy materials. Toys that come apart easily or have removable parts can be a choking hazard to the younger child.
• Look for manufacturers safety information on toy packages such as "nontoxic" or "nonflammable". Follow the manufacturers safety recommendations.
• If you're thinking about buying an electrically powered toy, ensure it has the CSA mark of approval on it. These standards are set to protect a child from electric shock or fire hazards.

Do Not Purchase

• Balloons: deflated or broken balloons can cause a child to suffocate if swallowed.
• Babywalkers: are dangerous around stairs and in kitchens where hot liquids are easily spilled.
• Caps, guns or other toys that make loud noises that could damage a child's hearing.
• Toys made of brittle plastic which may shatter and break into sharp pieces.
• Toys with strings that are long enough to wrap around a child's neck and cause strangulation.

After The Gifts Are Open

• Remove and throw away paper and packaging immediately.
• Inspect all toys carefully and regularly for possible wear, damage and age appropriateness. Watch for these hazards:
  • Sharp points, jagged edges, rough surfaces.
  • Small, detachable parts that could be swallowed, inhaled or stuck in the throat, nose or ears.
  • Sharp spikes or pins that have become exposed when a toy is pulled apart.
  • Long cords or strings that are over 12 inches should be cut or removed.
  • Squeakers or other noisemakers that are not securely attached to the toy and that could be removed and swallowed.
  • Nuts, bolts and clamps that are loose.
  • Electric toys with frayed or loose wires or that are not CSA approved.
  • Batteries that are old or leaking.
• Repair damaged toys and replace old batteries immediately. If they cannot be repaired, throw them away.
• Teach children how to use the toy properly.
• If your older children receive toys with small parts (ie. building sets or doll accessories), projectiles (ie. darts), toxic substances (ie. chemistry sets), or toys with small batteries that are shiny and attractive to small children, but dangerous if swallowed, be sure to keep them away from younger children.
• Teach older children to keep their toys out of a younger child's reach. They may enjoy decorating a shoe box as their treasure box to be kept high, safely beyond the reach of younger brothers and sisters.

Toy Storage

• Toys left laying around are a hazard to children and adults. Teach children to put toys away.
• A toy box should have air holes in case a child crawls inside. The lid should be lightweight and have supports that prevent it from slamming down. A lid that slams shut could cause head injury or suffocation. If there is any doubt, remove the lid.

Source: Alberta Safe Kids Campaign

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