Never compromise kid’s safety for inexpensive toys-2024

how not to compromising kid’s safety for inexpensive toys

Do you remember which type of toys you used to play with when you were a baby?

I can assure you it was not even close to the type of toys you can have for the current generation.

This problem of plenty raises concerns and doubts about the toys and their safety standards.

Undoubtedly, toys play a significant role in the development of babies.

Interaction with toys at an early age helps your baby learn and develop social, problem-solving, and emotional skills. 

Not every toy is an ideal selection.

Some toys are very bad in quality and risky for your baby and those toys should be avoided for your baby’s safety and comfort.

Never compromise kid’s safety for inexpensive toys.

You need to be very careful in choosing safe quality toys for infants and toddlers without worrying about the cost, to prevent any untoward incident.

Now questions come,

• • Do we have any set standards to determine toy safety?

• • How to ensure the toy is safe for your little one?

• • What Should I Look for When Buying Baby Toys?

• • Why is toy safety important?

Let us explore all below:

Do we have any set standards to determine toy safety?

The answer is, yes.

We do have regulatory authorities like CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), Canadian government safety standards, and the European Safety Standards.

Toy safety standards have evolved and reinforced over the years.

Guidelines on toy size, weight, composition, material used, flame resistance and other potential parameters have progressed with new technologies.

Compliance with these guidelines has helped curb accidents.

Parents need to perform their due diligence, as not all manufacturers abide by these safety norms.

Always consider high-quality brands for Kids.

Avoid cheap toys and never compromise kid’s safety for inexpensive toys.

How to make sure the toys you choose are safe for your child?

The main factor in selecting an appropriate toy is understanding your baby. All toys should meet safety standards.

Choosing safe toys for kids and toddlers requires extensive understanding and care.

Knowing the potential hazards and recognizing how to avoid them is the key.

Never compromise kid’s safety for inexpensive toys.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. Toys with an age range

Each age group has different kinds of toys.

Parents should know that one size does not fit all.

Toys can thrill some grownup kids but can be unsafe for infants.

Age bracket is mentioned on toys nowadays, and they are designed keeping in mind the physical and mental abilities of that age.

Read the label to find out the recommended age.

2. Toys Relevance

As babies develop, toy relevance also changes.

Parents need to track their baby’s development and it will help them to select the perfect toy.

Ideal toys arouse their curiosity and build their imagination without posing safety risks.

3. Safety Focus

Safety should be the major focus over cost and gender stereotyping.

Focus more on how the toys aid your baby’s overall growth safely.

Never compromise kid’s safety for inexpensive toys.

Choosing safe toys and detecting risky toys for babies and toddlers.

It is important to be more vigilant when buying toys for our babies.

We can look for certain things when buying baby toys.

Certain factors are crucial in determining the potential hazards of toys and need to be carefully analyzed when shopping for toys.

1. Choking Hazards Toys

Will you be more careful with toys with detachable small parts?

This is the main culprit for choking hazards.

Always avoid marbles, coins, and games with balls for kids under three years old.

They can be caught in the throat and cause breathing problems.

Always follow all manufacturer’s toy choking hazard guidelines.

2. Toxins in Toys

This is important to make sure your baby’s toys are toxin-free.

Infants and toddlers usually have a habit of putting everything in their mouths.

Certain homemade, cheap, and non-compliant toys can have toxic materials like cheap paint containing lead which can be risky for little ones.

Always avoid non-compliant toys and check for safety compliance labels.

Prefer non-plastic toys wherever possible.

3. Noisy Toys

Baby likes musical toys and it is essential for their sensory development, but some toys are quite loud, and it can cause more harm than good.

Make sure a toy is not too loud for your child.

It can cause hearing loss if directly used nearby.

Always go with sensitive toys with low volume.

4. Magnet Toys

Toys with magnets can cause medical problems if swallowed.

Don’t buy magnet toys and let your child play with them.

5. Long Strings or Cord Toys

This kind of toy can pose a strangulation risk.

Short-string toys are fine, but anything longer must be avoided.

Avoid toys with cords, especially elastic cords that could get wrapped around the child’s neck.

6. Balloons Toys

Balloon toys pose choking and suffocation risks. It should be avoided at all costs.

7. Electric Toys

Toys that need to plug directly into an electric outlet are unsafe for babies.

Always avoid anything electrical for their safety.

8. Projectile Toys

Kids can hurt themselves or their peers with these kinds of toys.

These kinds of toys launch something like arrows and could hurt little ones.

For example Bow & Arrow, Darts, etc.

9. Battery-operated Toys

Battery-operated toys are famous among the young generation, but they pose serious risks too of choking, and chemical burns.

The right type of batteries should be installed in toys to prevent leaks.

Battery fluid is corrosive, and it can cause burns if contact with skin.

The toy’s battery cases should be secured so that kids can not open them.

10. Damaged Toys

Do not use damaged or broken toys.

Any safe toy can become unsafe if it breaks and develops some sharp edge, or gets rusty.

11. Pick Durable Toys

The toys must be able to withstand hard drops, pulls, and twists.

Toys should be unbreakable and strong enough to withstand chewing.

Also, make sure it doesn’t have sharp edges.

Choose thicker plastic toys, stuffed toys that do not have buttons, eyes, or ears that could come off.

Washable toys are essential to avoid your child’s chances of picking up germs.

You can clean them regularly. It can protect your child from many unwanted diseases.

Examples of Toys as per age

Always choose toys that are essential for your baby’s growth.

Children develop educational skills as they play with the right toys.

Of course, it is evident that your child is likely to put objects in their mouth as they explore, so choosing mouth-safe toys is also key.

For babies, try teethers, rattle-safe toys that your baby can reach for and grasp, tummy time mats, toys with mirrors, and big ring stackers.

For 1-year-olds, try larger balls to throw, kick, and catch, wooden blocks, sorting and stacking toys, and pretend play toys.

For 2-year-olds, larger balls, paints, crayons, puzzles, wooden blocks, wooden animals, play musical instruments.

Things to do after buying toys at home

Always give the first demo to your kids about toys and teach them things to take care of.

The best way to do this is by supervising play.

Playing with your kids teaches them how to play safely while having fun.

Parents should:

• • Always read labels to make sure a toy is appropriate for a child’s age.

• • Teach kids about safety while playing.

• • keep toys neat and clean as per recommendations.

• • Inspect toys regularly to ensure that they are in perfect shape.

• • Throw away cracked toys or repair them right away.

• • Store outdoor toys when they’re not in use so that they are not exposed to rain or snow.

• • Always encourage high-quality unique gifts for newborns.

Reporting Unsafe Toys

Check the CPSC website for the latest information about toy recalls or call their hotline at (800) 638-CPSC to report a toy you think is unsafe.

You also can sign up to get news about the most up-to-date toy recalls.

Conclusion

Toys are manufactured with all safety standards in mind, but no toy is totally 100% safe.

Toys that crack or are misused can become hazardous.

With so many toy models and new ones arriving every day, it’s critical to make sure that the toys your child plays with are safe.

Never compromise kid’s safety for inexpensive toys.

Kindly note that the best way to safeguard your children is to watch them play.

There should be no compromise with the safety of your little one regardless of the features the toy is bringing.

Finally, never let your baby play with a toy, if you have any concerns regarding its safety.

Please share in the comments below which toys you are planning to buy for your kids.