When buying toys it is important to do so with care. Keep in mind the child's age, interests and skill level and look for good quality design and construction.
Make sure that all directions or instructions are clear to you and your child and that wrapping on toys are discarded at once. Also, make sure you read all safety labels.
Check all toys occasionally for breakage and potential hazards. A damaged or dangerous toy should be thrown away or repaired immediately. When repainting toys and toy boxes, do not use old paint because it may contain more
lead than a new paint would. Examine all outdoor toys regularly for rust or weak parts that could become hazardous.
Toy caps, noisemaking guns, and other toys can produce sounds at noise levels that can damage
hearing. The law requires the following label on boxes of caps producing noise above a certain level: "WARNING
Do not fire closer than one foot to the ear. Do not use indoors."
Toys with long strings or cords may be dangerous for infants and very young children. Never hang toys with long strings, cords, loops, or ribbons in cribs or playpens where children can become entangled, possibly causing strangulation. Remove crib gyms for the crib when the child can pull up on hands and knees.
Projectiles guided missiles and similar flying toys -- can be turned into weapons and be dangerous to the
eyes. Children should never be permitted to play with adult lawn darts or other hobby or
sporting equipment that have sharp points. Arrows or darts used by children should have soft cork tips, rubber suction cups or other protective tips intended to prevent injury.
Even balloons, when uninflated or broken, can
choke or suffocate if young children try to swallow them. More children have suffocated on uninflated balloons and pieces of broken balloons than on any other type of toy.
Electric toys that are improperly constructed, wired or misused can shock or
burn. Electric toys must meet mandatory requirements for maximum surface temperatures, electrical construction and prominent warning labels. Electric toys with heating elements are recommended only for children over eight years old. Children should use electric toys under adult supervision.
If your child has been a victim of a dangerous toy product, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case
free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you.
See Also
- Children's Products
- Easy-Bake Oven Recall
- Fisher-Price Toy Recall
- L.M. Becker & Co. Inc. Toy Necklaces
- Mattel Toy Recall
- Scooters: Overview
- Tek Nek Ride-On Toys
- Thomas & Friends Toy Train Recall
- Vending Machine Metal Toy Jewelry Recall
- Water Balloon Slingshots
- Blindness
- Breathing: Overview
- Choking: Overview