Toy Safety: Identifying Dangerous Toys for Kids

Toys are an important and often inseparable part of childhood. The give comfort and provide sensory stimulation. If they’re educational in nature, the toy can boost creativity and even help expand the mental faculties. We cannot imagine our kids’ lives without toys in it. But beware, parents. Not all toys are safe for your little ones. Babies, for instance, have a tendency to put anything they find into their mouths. But choking hazards aren’t the only things you have to worry about when it comes to choosing the right toys for your children. Here are some that you should avoid getting them. Balls and Marbles Anything small enough for a young child to put in their mouths and swallow is a definite no-no. But choking hazards don’t just have to be limited to spherical objects. Toys with wheels or small detachable parts like a Potato Head are too. Even if the parts are not removable, they can easily be torn off by sheer force. We may often underestimate how strong our babies are, especially once they get their hands on something new and shiny. Ropes and Wires Any toy that involves ropes, wires, cords, and anything long and thin should be avoided. Anything longer than 7 inches (18 centimetres). This includes jump ropes, pull-along toys, traditional spinning tops, fling strings and yo-yos. And of course, the first rule of home safety, keeping electrical cords away from the reach of children. Kids can easily strangle themselves by accident. Another thing to note is that things like toy snakes, while usually not long or thing enough to cause this problem can often present as a choking hazard. Kids can easily swallow the tail part and choke on it. Noisy Toys Loud toys can negatively impact your child’s hearing down the line. Moreover, toys that make a lot of sounds and music can easily contribute to unnecessary noise pollution in the house. Some are also extra sensitive, so they could accidentally trigger while your baby is off drifting in dreamland. And we all know what happens when babies are interrupted from their beauty sleep. Toy Weapons Any toys that depict violence is usually not recommended for babies. This is more for psychological reasons than anything. You don’t want to promote any unnecessary violence in your kids. This does include things like toy soldiers and military tanks. Toy guns, swords, arrows, darts and knives should be avoided too. But on a more practical level, some toy guns, for instance, release bullets or pellets. Your kids can accidentally pull the trigger on themselves. Plus, the pellets are often small enough to be swallowed by an unsuspecting child. Battery-Operated Toys Mechanical toys are fun because they can keep a child entertained for hours. But they are often also very dangerous because of their electronic nature. Sometimes kids can pry open the back, or it could just pop out from mechanical error. This gives your baby access to the batteries that can both be a choking hazard and a poisonous substance. Dead batteries can cause internal bleeding, chemical burns and other deadly side-effects. They can also increase likelihood of lethal electrocution when exposed to water. Sharp Toys When we babyproof our houses we take care to cover sharp corners of furniture and store away kitchen utensils beyond the reach of children. But sometimes we forget to do so for their toys. In fact, anything hard can be dangerous for babies and even older kids. Blocks, for instance, are more suitable for toddlers than for babies. They have sharp edges that your baby can accidentally injure themselves playing with. If you do let your baby play with blocks, be sure to supervise them. Slime Slime is a relatively new toy that is often played by older children. They offer plenty of sensory stimulation and are fun to play with. Putty and Flubber also fall under this umbrella. But they are a definite danger for babies. Even if they are made of natural, non-toxic ingredients, there’s a high chance your baby will nibble on and swallow it. Slime is definitely not a toy for babies. Riding Toys Avoid buying toys that your baby can 'ride' like rocking horses, baby cars/bikes, etc. They are more suitable for older children who can handle playing alone. But even then, if the toy doesn’t have a harness or something to secure the child, then it’s a hazard. Safe Toys for a Safe Baby You usually don’t have to do too much research before buying a toy. Any ethical toy manufacturer will have the age recommendations displayed on the product packaging. If they don’t, then that’s an obvious red flag for a dangerous toy. Children’s toys should always come with the age range. This tells you that they’re not only safe, but are appropriate for your child’s current developmental stage. At the end of the day, the safest choice is usually plush toys, squishy things that won't harm your baby physically (or mentally). May you find the perfect toys for your children, parents! Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner. For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

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