Parents often buy toys for their children expecting them to be safe. However, there are some common mistakes that toy manufacturers make which can pose a hazard to younger kids. These are a few of the things parents should be on the lookout for when making their purchases.
CBS News recently published a report on the ten most dangerous toys of 2015. In the list, several of the same issues came up repeatedly and includes:
- Parts breaking off and posing as choking hazards
- Items that are dangerous to use even with adult supervision
- Misleading packaging
- Items that do not follow industry standards
Choking hazards are one of the most common issues with children’s toys. Items as long as four inches can still pose a threat, and any piece that is not fully secured can eventually be pulled off and placed in a child’s mouth.
Misleading packaging includes packages that show children playing without wearing helmets, or using items without adult supervision even if the written warning states that children must be watched while in play. Some items are still dangerous, however, such as trampolines or skateboards.
Items that do not follow industry standards include toys that exceed or fall shy of length requirements. For example, one toy meant for children as young as twelve months had a string over twenty-one inches long. Industry standards maintain that strings should only be twelve inches at most.
The World Against Toys Causing Harm, Inc., otherwise known as W.A.T.C.H., reviews many toys with a strict safety code as well, and state that toys can often pose dangers well before they are recalled. It is up to the parents to maintain vigilance and ensure that they aren’t buying things that can potentially be damaging.
