Safety First!
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-12-06 14:38:00-05:00
This holiday season, the AARP Foundation and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are working together to inform toy shoppers, including grandparents, about safety tips that can help to prevent injuries and death to children.
According to a News Release issued by the CPSC on November 14th, there were 20 toy-related deaths to children under age 15 in 2005. Most of these deaths happened when children choked on small balls or other toys, or when children riding tricycles were hit by motor vehicles or rode them into swimming pools. The CPSC also reports that in 2005 about 152,400 children visited U.S. hospital emergency rooms for toy-related injuries.
Across America, grandparents are becoming more and more involved in their grandchildren's lives and they want what's best for them, including their safety. AARP's research shows that grandparents spend about $500 a year on their grandchildren. A lot of that money helps to pay for school expenses, general living expenses, and medical needs of their grandchildren. However, grandparents also love to give their grandchildren the perfect gifts. According to an AARP Survey (2002) 96% percent of grandparents say the reason they spend money on their grandchildren is for holiday gifts, and 76% say they buy toys for their grandchildren.
While shopping for your grandchildren this holiday season, keep the following tips in mind:
- It is always a good idea to discuss gift-giving with your grandchildren's parents — they often have certain guidelines and also know what toys your grandchildren may want or already have.
- Read Labels—Look for toys that give age and safety recommendations and use that information as a guide.
- While it's great to get the gifts your grandchildren want, be sure those gifts are right for their age range and abilities or skills, since all children develop at slightly different rates, and some great toys can become dangerous in the hands of children who are too young for them.
- Keep in mind the age range of all the grandchildren in a household. Sometimes younger siblings can get their hands on toys meant for their older brothers and sisters that are not right for their age.
- When the time comes to open the presents—be sure to throw away the wrapping and boxes that could be dangerous if your grandchildren plays with them.
- Make time to play with your grandchildren! Sometimes the most important thing you can do is supervise your grandchildren while they play. And if your grandchild spends time at your house, be sure all toys are checked for wear and tear regularly to make sure they continue to be safe.
Also keep in mind all the safety tips recommended by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Magnets—For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur.
- Small Parts—For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking.
- Ride-on Toys—Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should be sized to fit.
- Projectile Toys—Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries.
- Chargers and Adapters—Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission also suggests that consumers make sure that the gifts they purchase have not been recalled. In fiscal year 2005 The CPSC announced 76 recalls and corrective actions that involved toys and children's products. Consumers can check for recalls on CPSC's Website at www.cpsc.gov.
Have a wonderful holiday season and remember—Saftey is the most important gift you can give your grandchild!
AARP Resources
Check out this article about Choosing Toys for Grandchildren.
You can read Giving Gifts to Your Grandchildren for even more helpful suggestions.
Making Your Home Safe for Grandchildren is especially important during the holidays when they may come to visit.
2006 High-Tech Holiday Gift Guide for Kids will help you choose the coolest new high-tech toys for your grandchildren.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Resources
Check out the agency's Website for CPSC Toy Safety information, reports, and posters.
Report unsafe products you may know about.
Other Resources
Kidshealth.org presents Choosing Safe Toys
Virginia Cooperative Extension has tips based on age of the child
The American Association of Pediatrics has other tips for keeping your holidays safe
Prevent Blindness America has tips for keeping children's eyes safe from hazardous toys
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