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Small Parts
Older toys can break to reveal parts small
enough to be swallowed or to become lodged
in a child's windpipe, ears or nose. The law
bans small parts in new toys intended for
children under three. This includes removable
small eyes and noses on stuffed toys and
dolls, and small, removable squeakers on
squeeze toys. LOUD NOISES Toy caps and
some noisemaking guns and other toys can
produce sounds at noise levels that can
damage hearing. The law requires the
following label on boxes of caps producing
noise above a certain level: "WARNING −− Do not
fire closer than one foot to the ear. Do not
use indoors." Caps producing noise that can
injure a child's hearing are banned. Cords
and Strings
Toys with long strings or cords may be
dangerous for infants and very young children.
The cords may become wrapped around an
infant's neck, causing strangulation. Never
hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or
ribbons in cribs or playpens where children
can become entangled. Remove crib gyms for
the crib when the child can pull up on hands
and knees; some children have strangled
when they fell across crib gyms stretched
across the crib. Propelled Objects
Projectiles −− guided missiles and similar
flying toys −− can be turned into weapons and
can injure eyes in particular. Children should
never be permitted to play with adult lawn
darts or other hobby or sporting equipment
that have sharp points. Arrows or darts used
by children should have soft cork tips, rubber
suction cups or other protective tips intended
to prevent injury. Check to be sure the tips are
secure. Avoid those dart guns or other toys
which might be capable of firing articles not
intended for use in the toy, such as pencils or
nails. Not all toys are safe for all
children Keep toys designed for older
children out of
the hands of little ones. Follow labels that
give
age recommendations −− some toys are
recommended for older children because they
may be hazardous in the hands of a younger
child. Teach older children to help keep their
toys away from younger brothers and sisters.
Even balloons, when un-inflated or broken, can
choke or suffocate if young children try to
swallow them. More children have suffocated
on un-inflated balloons and pieces of broken
balloons than on any other type of toy.
Electric Toys
Electric toys that are improperly
constructed,
wired or misused can shock or burn. Electric
toys must meet mandatory requirements for
maximum surface temperatures, electrical
construction and prominent warning labels.
Electric toys with heating elements are
recommended only for children over eight
years old. Children should be taught to use
electric toys properly, cautiously and under
adult supervision. Infant Toys
Infant toys, such as rattles, squeeze toys,
and
teethers, should be large enough so that they
cannot enter and become lodged in an infant's
throat. |
