Nothing is more tempting to a one-year-old than a four-year
old’s toys!
According to the CDC, choking rates are highest for babies under one-year-old and is the leading cause of injury and death among children. Between 1990 and 2011, at least 231 children died after choking or asphyxiating on a toy or toy part. The Consumer Product Safety Commission designed this simple device to test the safety of toys or other articles for children under age (available in some toy stores). Any object that fits entirely within the cylinder is small enough to be a choking hazard.
There are so many toys available and many more being developed every year so it’s important for parents to follow some simple tips:
Fabric toys should be labeled flame resistant
Stuffed toys should be washable
Painted toys should be lead-free
Art supplies should be nontoxic
Avoid older toys and hand-me-downs
Keep an older child’s toys away from infants/toddlers
Make sure toys are sturdy
Broken toys can have sharp or jagged edges
Avoid toys with long strings or cords
Avoid cheap toys that may break
Avoid toys with small pieces
Heavy toys can injury your child or another
Avoid flammable objects
Keep small household items out of reach
Wooden toys might have splinters
Metal toys can have sharp edges
Has no places where fingers can get pinched
