| Safety first when toy shopping | | | Nashville, TN – The holiday season is upon us, and parents know that can mean new toys around the house for the little ones. The Division of Consumer Affairs hopes the toy recalls of 2007 means this will be one of the safest holiday seasons in years.
A few tips for parents to look out for when shopping this season are listed below:
• Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
• Do your research.
• Select toys to suit the age, abilities, skills and interest level of the intended child.
Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly-secured eyes, noses and other potential small parts.
• For all children under 8, avoid toys that have sharp edges and points.
• Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys before they become dangerous play things.
• Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings or neighbors.
• Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any device to prevent overcharging.
• Be cautious when shopping online.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission also gives these tips:
• Ride-on Toys – Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
• Small Parts – For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
• Magnets – For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If magnets or pieces with magnets are swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
• Projectile Toys – Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
• Chargers and Adapters – Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
For a list of recalls, please feel free to call Consumer Affairs toll-free at 1-800-342-8385 or visit the Web site www.tennessee.gov/consumer/ConsumerAlerts . To request information on lead in consumer products, call the Consumer Product Safety Commission hotline at 800-638-2772 or visit www.cpsc.gov
WCP 12.20.07 | | | | |
