What parents need to know about toys and child safety

Accidents can happen all too quickly. To prevent the worst—and avoidable—ones, here's everything a parent needs to know about toys and child safety.

Want to know more about the rules for toys and child safety? According to Health Canada, certain precautions have to be taken before giving a new toy to a child.

1. Make sure the toy is age-appropriate (this information is usually printed on the packaging);
2. Read the recommendations and safety warnings carefully;
3. Follow the assembly instructions;
4. Buy sturdy, good quality toys;
5. Choose toys that list the manufacturer’s or importer’s contact information;
6. Never leave children unsupervised;
7. Show them how to play safely;
8. Be sure to throw out all packaging and plastic wrapping;
9. Ensure that all parts are put together properly and are securely attached;
10. Make sure there are no sharp parts;
11. For children three years old and younger, avoid small toys or toys with parts they could choke on.

Other useful tips
You can never be too careful concerning toys and child safety. Here are some other tips you might find useful.

• Never give foam toys to young children because they can tear and cause suffocation;
• Don’t give toys with long cords to young children because they could strangle themselves;
• Teach your children how to use self-propelled toys, such as dart guns, because they can be dangerous for the eyes;
• Make sure the paint and varnish on wooden toys are non-toxic;
• If you give them battery-operated toys, ensure that the batteries are inserted properly and can’t be easily removed.

What about used toys?

You bought or have been given some used toys? Warning: these toys may not be as harmless as they seem. Here are some Health Canada recommendations.

• Before giving a used toy to your child, contact the manufacturer or Health Canada to ensure that it hasn’t been recalled;
• Make sure it’s in good condition;
• Make sure you have access to the safety instructions. You don’t have a printed copy? Check to see if you can find them online;
• Ensure that labels are still legible;
• It’s also important to ensure that safety devices are still in good condition;
• Contact Consumer Product Safety at Health Canada to find out if a toy meets safety regulations.

These toys and child safety tips will give you peace of mind while protecting your little darlings. So which toy will you choose?