There have been a slew of toy recalls over the last year. Make sure to check www.recalls.gov for a complete list of products that have been recalled to ensure safety for the home. When it comes to safety, toys can pose a danger.
Avoid toys that have:
- Strings, cords, or ribbons that are longer than 6 inches in length. They can strangle a child.
- Removable or loose small parts such as beads, detachable squeakers, shoes on dolls and button eyes. As a general rule, avoid toys with parts that can fit in an ear, nostril or are small enough to choke on.
- Springs, gears or hinges. They can injure little fingers and get tangled in hair.
- Sharp points or edges. Allow the use of pens and pencils only under close supervision. Watch for sharp, pointed sticks in the backyard.
- Sponge toys. Toddlers might bite off pieces and chew on them, causing gagging or choking. They should be allowed only with parental supervision.
- Decals or stickers. They can easily be peeled off and put in the mouth, increasing the risk of choking.
- Projectile parts. Dart guns and bows-and-arrows can cause bodily injury, especially to the eyes, and should not be used by small children. Water guns are OK if they are not the high-powered variety.
- Balloons. These are extremely dangerous! A toddler can easily choke if he ingests a piece of deflated balloon. The Heimlich maneuver is ineffective in dislodging a balloon that is swallowed.
Source: "What to Expect: The Toddler Years," Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi Murkoff and Sandee Hathaway. Workman Publishing, 1994.