Playtime for children should be a fun and entertaining experience. Toys stimulate the imagination, provide learning opportunities and can nurture curiosity in children. Some toys, however, can hide hidden dangers for children, especially infants and toddlers. According to a study released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 254,200 toy-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms in the United States in 2015.
Many toy-related injuries can be prevented by recognizing common hazards and by following the safety and age guidelines of toy manufacturers. The personal injury attorneys at Dale E. Anstine remind everyone of the following common toy hazards:
Cords and Strings
Cords and strings pose a strangulation threat for small children. Toys that contain strings should be kept away from small children. If there is an older child in the home, make sure that his or her toys that contain cords and strings are kept away from younger siblings and relatives. When infants are able to stand and pull themselves up onto their feet, crib mobiles and crib gyms should be removed to prevent injury.
Small Parts
Children under the age of three should never have access to toys that contain small parts. This includes toys that have buttons that could come loose and even stuffed animals with small plastic eyes or noses. These small parts are choking hazards and should be kept away from small children. Make sure to read the age requirements of the toy packaging to understand if the toy contains small parts. Remember – batteries are also considered “small parts,” so if a toy contains a battery, it can become a choking hazard if the battery becomes dislodged.
Toys for the Wrong Age
Toys that are designed for older children can pose a serious threat for younger children. It is imperative to follow age guidelines provided by toy manufacturers.
Over the course of a year, there are hundreds of toy recalls because of safety issues including high lead levels, choking hazards and other risks. Toy recalls aren’t limited to off-brand toys, either. Many name brand and highly reputable companies have toy recalls. For reference, check out the most recent toy recalls sourced by Parents.com and the Consumer Product Safety Commission recall list. Stay informed of what is happening in the toy industry to keep your children safe.
We hope that children are always safe when playing with new toys. If, however, you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a dangerous or defective toy, reach out to the specialized personal injury attorneys at Dale E. Anstine for a free consultation. Our team is proud to protect the injured across the Central Pennsylvania community, with offices in York and Gettysburg.