Toy Safety

04/25/2012

The following article was featured in our April Newsletter….

Toy Safety by Kathleen Pierson High Level Health & Safety Inc.

As a mother I know worrying about your children becomes second nature as we want to protect them as much as possible. Toys can be a dangerous an easy to overlook when it comes to protecting our kids from accidental injuries and choking.
Here are a few GREAT tips, from Health Canada, to assist you in protecting your children:
When buying Toy (New or Used) – Read and follow the age label, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions. Look for sturdy well-made toys and have contact information for the manufacture. Purchase age appropriate toys as small parts cause a hazard for younger children.
Choking Hazards – Young Children (especially under 3) frequently mouth objects. Know how your child plays and how hard they are on their toys. Check squeeze toys to make sure that the squeaker or reeds are not removable. Check toy cars/trucks to make sure wheels/tires and other small parts do not come off. Check stuffed and plush toys to make sure that the eyes/nose and other small items are firmly attached. Always check toys frequently to make sure that you remove broken toys from children.
Other Hazards – Check that infant toys like rattles and teethers are large enough that they will not get stuck in their throats. Avoid toys with cords that are long enough to wrap around a child’s neck (especially stretchy or sticky cords) as it can strangle them. Check that the toys do not have sharp points or edges as this could cut your child.
After Buying Toys – Always supervise children and teach them how to use toys safely. Promptly remove and discard all toy packaging (plastic bags, plastic wrap, foam, staples and ties) as a child can choke or suffocate on them. Keep all toys away from heat sources as they can catch fire and burn your child. Make sure that toys that are attached to child care items (Cribs, playpens, strollers and car seats) are installed properly and checked daily that they are securely attached. Remove mobiles and toy bars on cribs as soon as the child begins to push up on hands and knees.

Toy Storage – Store toys and games for older children separate from those for younger children. Use a toy box without a lid or a light weight lid that will not fall on your child. If the storage box has a lid make sure it has air holes for breathing (in case your child climbs inside), if the lid has a hinge that it is strong enough that it will stay open even if the child pushes down on it, and this no latch or other device that could lock the lid (in case your child is inside they could be trapped).
High Level Health & Safety knows that are children are the so precious and we want to provide you with the tools you need in Emergency situations. Call TODAY, 403-394-3311, for a First Aid & CPR class.