Safe toys for safe play at Christmas

Choosing toys that are right for your child

As the holiday season approaches, it’s likely your child’s letter to Santa will name a whole range of toys that might not be suitable for his age. Our children are the primary target audience of toy advertising and may have firm views on what they’d like – but it’s up to Mum and Dad to consider which ones are actually appropriate.

Think about hidden hazards:

Small or loose parts on toys can choke small children; toy guns can shoot out flying objects that may cause eye injuries, and others emit loud noises that can damage hearing; ride-on toys may transport children into streets or ponds… not to mention the health hazards of the toxic toys that have hit the headlines recently.

China supplies 80 percent of the world’s toys and is a safe and reliable source for good toys, says the British Toy & Hobby Association, which points out that products supplied to any number of countries could have suffered a similar problem as the contaminated paint came from a supplier to the industry.

Supernanny’s stay-safe tips…

• Read warning labels to check whether toys are age-appropriate and whether adult supervision is advised; and show your child how to use new toys properly.

• Check for small parts
Children under 3 can choke on small parts contained in toys or games and balls with a diameter of 1 3/4 of an inch or less.

• Avoid projectile toys that shoot small objects into the air.

• Protect hearing
Bypass toys that make loud or shrill noises – especially if they don’t have volume control buttons.

• Steer clear of flimsy toys
Look for sturdy construction and don’t by anything that could break, exposing sharp points or edges.

• Make sure toys aren’t toxic
Look for paint sets, crayons and play dough that are marked nontoxic.

• Check for screw-shut battery compartments
Small batteries can be a choking or swallowing hazard and battery acid could leak from them if they’re swallowed.

• Restrict hobby kits and chemistry sets to kids over 12 and balloons to over-8s (younger children shouldn’t play with latex balloons, as they’re a choking hazard.

• Ensure electrical toys are safe by making sure they’re approved.

• Keep cords short
Be careful when buying cot toys or pull-alongs – strings or wires should be kept short.

• Store toys safely
Toy chests with lids should have locking supports and safe hinges, as well as ventilation holes.