First of all, make sure you are buying toys that will be of interest to the child. Think about what the child will get out of the toy? We recommend that you do your homework ahead of time and look at these websites for help, make sure you read reviews because there’s nothing better than recommendations from other parents that have purchased the toys that interest you.
Make sure you buy toys that are age appropriate and make sure that the pieces are big enough because there is a possibility that the child may swallow a piece if it’s too small. Look for cloth, wooden or bamboo, and plastic toys that are 100% PVC free. The less paint or flashy color they have the better. Think about Green Toys, there are several companies that make green toys from renewable resources and these are more safe for children to play with.
What Toys Should You Avoid?
- Avoid toys with phthalates, which is a toxic chemical that is linked to several health issues commonly found in plastics. Buy plastic that is harder, since softer plastics have a higher phthalate levels, which make them more flexible.
- Toys with a “#3” of “V” have polyvinyl chloride plastic, known as PVC or vinyl, which is very toxic, which by the way goes by “poison plastic”
- Avoid toys with sharp points, edges or glass parts. Think about any small parts that could fly into a child’s mouth or eyes. This includes toys with hinged parts that could pinch fingers and stuffed animals with small beans that they could accidentally eat or inhale.
- Avoid loud toys and if possible avoid toys that are battery operated. The loud noises could damage a child’s hearing and they could get to the batteries, which could also be dangerous.
- Skip toys that are too large or take up too much space. When a child is young, more than likely he will receive a lot of toys. A child needs space to play and if his environment is constrained, then you’re not really helping him or his parents.
Lastly, if you’re unsure if this toy has been recalled, you can visit www.recalls.gov or 1-800-638-2772 to make sure there are no problems associated with that toy. Remember that your child’s safety is a priority and taking the necessary steps can help prevent any injuries.
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