Safe Toys this Holiday Season

We buy toys to our children to not only to entertain and bring fun, but also to help them in their development. Toys provide an amazing source of learning and entertainment for kids of all ages. Toys have wonderful ways in fostering creativity and stimulating intellectual developments. But with the many recent recalls of toys, even from those of big toy manufacturers who had been in a market for ages, it is important to choose toys that are age appropriate and safe for your kids.

This holiday season, it is expected to have the influx of toys. As parents, we should be aware of the danger these toys could bring to our children. We have to be aware and selective when it comes to giving toys to our kids. Dangerous designs, toys containing illegal levels of lead, toys that are inappropriate for the age of the child and toys that have strong magnets that can be deadly if swallowed are examples of toys that should be avoided.

Let me give some quick tip on how to select safe toys for your toys this holiday season.

1. Choose toys that are suitable for the child’s age and/or skill level. If you are not sure, ask a salesperson for suggestions of age appropriate toys.

2. It pays to read the labels. Take time to read the labels of the toy you are buying. Check for age appropriateness and safety recommendations. Do not presume that a bright child can safely handle a toy created for a much older child.

3. When buy a riding toy such as a skateboard, bicycle, or roller blades make sure to purchase protective gear as well. Protective gear should include helmet, elbow pads and knee pads. Be sure that the protective gear fits the child perfectly before allowing the child to ride the toy.

4. For young kids who seem to put everything in their mouths, choose large toys to avoid choking hazards.

5. Look for durable and well made toys. Avoid toys made of brittle plastic that can break and leave hazardous points or edges.

6. If possible avoid buying toys with projectiles such as rockets or darts. Improper use can cause serious eye injury.

7. Avoid buying toys with magnets for children under age of 6. Magnets are hazardous, when swallowed it can cause serious internal injuries and may require surgery to remove.

8. Buy toys that meet the safety standards set forth in CSMC’s ASTM F963. The ASTM-F963 is a standard that covers the requirements and contains test methods for toys intended to use by children under 14 years old.

9. Research the companies you are buying from to determine their safety history and their reputation for addressing and eliminating problems and concerns.

With these tips you can buy toys for your children this Christmas season and be assured of their safety and quality. Bear in mind that the safety of our children is a mutual cooperation between the toy manufacturer and consumers. As for Latoystore.com we do all we can to ensure that your children can reap all the benefits a quality toy have to offer without being in harmful.