Focus on Toy Safety

This time of year, children across the country are making lists as adults search stores for the season’s “must-have” toy. There is no denying the holidays are peak toy season.

As you gather with loved ones to celebrate the holidays, it is important to make sure you know the toys you give your children are safe. Just because something says it is designed for children does not mean it is truly safe for kids. Furthermore, not everything you see on store shelves is safe in little hands. According to one study, a child is treated in an emergency room once every three minutes due to a toy-related injury.

With this in mind, here are several safety tips for toys.

Is the Toy Age Appropriate?

One of the first things you can do to keep your kids safe is make sure all toys are appropriate for your child’s age. Your toddler may love playing with his older sibling’s craft set, but chances are it contains extremely small parts that can easily choke a young child. Many retailers sell inexpensive toy safety sizers that allow parents to quickly test to determine whether a toy is a choking hazard. You can also use the cardboard tube from a paper towel roll as a rough guide.

Has the Toy Been Recalled?

Toy recalls may not always be widely reported by the media, but they happen much more often than you might realize. Fortunately, websites like Safe Kids are a great resource for keeping an eye on the latest recall information.

Be Wary of Bargains

Deep discounts may come with a steep price tag that impacts more than your wallet. In some cases, toys with toxic paint and hazardous parts make their way into the United States undetected. Other toys are sold online from disreputable sellers in parts of the world with poor safety and quality control standards. Before you purchase an item that seems too good to be true, consider its source.

Boston and Brockton Personal Injury Lawyers

As you prepare to celebrate the holiday season, remember to make safety a priority. From the Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. family to yours, we wish you a happy and healthy holiday season and a wonderful New Year. Call us today at (617) 742-1170 to discuss your case.

This website has been prepared by Joel H. Schwartz, P.C. for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.