nutch_noindex
Search Icon
    Menu Button
    Stanford Children's Health
    DonateContactMyChart LoginFind a Doctor
    • Second Opinion
    • Donate
    • Contact
    • Refer a Patient
    • En Español
    • Our Locations
    • Medical Services
    • About Us
    • Research & Innovation
    • Patients & Visitors
    • For Health Professionals
    • Second Opinion
    • Donate
    • En Español
    • MyChart Login
    • Recently Visited
      • Our Locations
      • Medical Services
      • About Us
      • Research & Innovation
      • Patients & Visitors
      • For Health Professionals
      CANCEL
      • View More Results

      Loading...

      COVID-2019 Alert

      Information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Read the latest >

      Información sobre el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Aprenda más >

      /nutch_noindex

       


      Buying Guidelines for Safe and Fun Toys

      The right toys can help children develop imagination and coordination. The wrong ones can do more harm than good.

      Toy-related injuries send tens of thousands of children to the emergency room each year. Many injuries occur when parents give their children toys meant for older children.

      Although many toy manufacturers follow safety guidelines for their products, some don't. Your challenge is to find toys your children will enjoy and that you know are safe.

      These suggestions can help you make the right choice when selecting a birthday or holiday gift for children.

      Watch for small parts

      Don't give toys with small parts to toddlers and small children. These youngsters tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.

      Age appropriate

      Select toys to suit a child's age, abilities, skills and interest level. Toys that are too advanced can pose safety hazards.

      Look for standards

      Look for the letters "ASTM." This means that a product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Be sure to read any warning labels before buying toys. Also, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission's website for a list of recalled toys and recall alerts.

      Is it noisy?

      Avoid toys that make loud or shrill noise to avoid serious ear injury.

      Choose well-made stuffed animals

      The eyes, noses, and other small parts of stuffed animals should be securely fastened to reduce the risk of choking. 

      Hobby kits

      Never buy hobby kits, such as chemistry sets, for children younger than 12. Provide proper supervision when older children play with such toys.

      Watch the action

      Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. Slingshots and high-powered water guns can injure children they are aimed at. BB guns shouldn't be considered toys.

      No heat

      Avoid toys with electric heating elements.

      Inspect toys for solid construction

      They should be made of long-lasting materials, have no sharp edges or points, and be able to survive impact.

      Read carefully

      Read instructions carefully and follow suggested age levels and safety instructions. Age labeling is provided for developmental and safety reasons.

      Show and tell

      Explain and demonstrate how to use toys.

      Toss it

      Repair or get rid of damaged toys.

      Keep separate

      Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger ones.

      How do they play?

      Don't let children play with toys in dangerous ways. 

      Trash wrappings

      Throw away wrappings immediately. Sharp staples and plastic bags can be dangerous and cause injuries.

      Safety rules

      Make a list of safety rules and share them with your children. If your youngsters are playing with friends, remind everyone of your safety rules.

      Related Topics

      • Neurological Exam for Children
      • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
      nutch_noindex
      • About Us
      • Contact
      • MyChart Login
      • Careers
      • Blog
      • Refer a Patient
      • Download from App Store Download From Google Play
      • Notice of Nondiscrimination
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy
      • Code of Conduct

      © 2021 Stanford Children's Health

      About

      • About Us
      • Our Hospital
      • Patient Stories
      • Blog
      • News
      • Send a Greeting Card
      • New Hospital
      • Careers

      Connect

      • Donate
      • Refer a Patient
      • Contact Us
      • Pay Your Bill

      Find

      • Doctors
      • Locations
      • Services
      • Classes
      Download from App Store Download From Google Play

      Also Find Us on:

      • facebook
      • twitter
      • youtube
      • linkedin
      US News & World Report Badge
      • Stanford Medicine
      • Stanford University
      • Stanford Health Care
      • Lucile Packard Foundation
      • Notice of Nondiscrimination
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy
      • Code of Conduct
      • © 2021 Stanford Children's Health
      /nutch_noindex