Pediatrician Offer Parents Her Top 10 Toy Safety Tips to Follow When Shopping for Christmas Gifts
Austin, TX (PRWEB) December 21, 2013 -- According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), between 2009-2011, 1,700 children were admitted to the emergency room after ingesting magnets. These children were between the ages of 4 and 12 which illustrates just how concerned parents must be about the safety of toys for all ages of children.
Austin Pediatrician, Dr. Marta Katalenas has issued 10 tips for buying safe toys that parents should keep in mind when shopping this holiday season.
1. Read the label. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what ages the toy is safe for. Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the right way.
2. Think LARGE. Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking.
3. Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking.
4. For younger children, avoid play sets with small magnets and make sure batteries are secured within the toy. If magnets or batteries are ingested, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
5. Look for stuffed toys that are well made. Make sure all the parts are on tight and seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable. Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation. Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.
6. 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.
7. Inspect all toys before purchasing. Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental level.
8. Avoid toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning. Make sure the label says “nontoxic.”
9. Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years. They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make sure your older child knows how to safely handle these kinds of toys.
10. Be careful when buying crib toys. Strings or wires that hang in a crib should be kept short to avoid strangulation. Crib toys should be removed as soon as your child can push up on his hands and knees.
Dr. Katalenas provides more information and resources about pediatric health and safety on her website.
About Dr. Marta Katalenas
Dr. Katalenas is a board certified pediatrician and author of the book "The Step Up Diet: From Scratch… The Quality, Quantity, and Timing Solution to Childhood Obesity", a guide to healthy cooking and eating for busy families.
Melissa Shea, Dr. Marta Katalenas / Pediatric Center of Round Rock, http://www.drkatalenas.com/, +1 (512) 799-0217, [email protected]
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