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Although toy safety regulations and
enforcement have been improved, the CPSC has had 38 toy recalls in
2009 alone. That is why Prevent Blindness America, the
nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, has declared
December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month. The group is offering
toy-buying and gift-giving tips to all those planning to purchase a
gift for a child this year.
“We know that families are being more
budget conscious this holiday season and we want to make sure the
money we do spend is spent wisely,” said Hugh R. Parry, president
and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “We hope that everyone
takes just a moment to really think about the gifts they are buying
and make sure they are appropriate for a child’s age and development
level.”
Prevent Blindness America suggests
the following:
- Make recommendations to family
members and friends about gifts that you feel are appropriate
for your child.
- Inspect all toys as much as
possible before taking them out of the box. Once opened,
go through each part of the toy to make sure there are no small
parts that could be choking hazards or sharp edges.
- Avoid toys that shoot or include
parts that fly off. BB guns and air guns should not even be
considered toys. Flying toys caused 9,600 injuries in
2008.
- Gifts of sports equipment should
always be accompanied by protective gear (such as a basketball
along with eye goggles, a baseball with a batting helmet with a
face shield). In fact, 90 percent of all sports-related
eye injuries can be prevented by using the appropriate eye
protection.
- Educate yourself on what
products have been recalled. Contact the CPSC at (800)
638-2772 or go to
www.cpsc.gov.
- Keep toys meant for older
children away from younger ones. Closely monitor all
activities to make sure smaller children do not have access to
toys that are not at their age-appropriate level.
- Inspect toys for sturdiness.
Your child’s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or
points. The toys should also withstand impact. Dispose of
plastic wrapping material immediately on toys as they may have
sharp edges.
- Never give toys with small parts
to young children. If a part of a toy can fit inside a
toilet paper roll, the toy is considered a choking hazard and is
not appropriate for children under the age of 3.
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