Toy
Safety TipsWHEN BUYING TOYSChoosing toys with care. Keep in mind thechild''s age, interests and skill level.Look for
quality design and construction in alltoys for all ages.Make sure that all directions or instructions areclear -- to you, and, when appropriate, to thechild. Plastic wrappings on toys should bediscarded at once before they become deadlyplaythings.Be a label reader. Look for and heed agerecommendations, such as "Notrecommended for children under three". Lookfor other safety labels including: "Flameretardant/Flame resistant" on fabric productsand "Washable/hygienic materials" on stuffedtoys and dolls.WHEN MAINTAINING TOYSCheck all toys periodically for breakage andpotential hazards. A damaged or dangeroustoy should be thrown away or repairedimmediately.Edges on wooden toys that might havebecome
sharp or surfaces covered withsplinters should be sanded smooth. Whenrepainting toys and toy
boxes, avoid usingleftover paint, unless purchased recently, sinceolder paints may contain more lead than newpaint, which is regulated by CPSC. Examineall outdoor toys regularly for rust or weak partsthat could become hazardous.WHEN STORING TOYSTeach children to put their toys safely away onshelves or in a toy chest after playing toprevent trips and falls.Toy boxes, too, should be checked for safety.Use a toy chest that has a lid that will stayopen in any position to which it is raised, andwill not fall unexpectedly on a child. For extrasafety, be sure there are ventilation holes forfresh air. Watch for sharp edges that could cutand hinges that could pinch or squeeze. Seethat toys used outdoors are stored after play-- rain or dew can rust or damage a variety oftoys and toy parts creating hazards.