| As children are making their festival lists and parents | | | | thrown-out. Children younger than 3 should also not |
| are checking it twice be sure to keep in mind toy | | | | be given toys with cords longer than 12-inches long. |
| safety. There are many things for gift buyers to | | | | These could get wrapped around a child's neck. Keep |
| consider before they make their purchases. More | | | | in mind Mylar balloons are safer than latex if you buy |
| children die each year from injuries than diseases, | | | | balloons. |
| kidnappings and drugs combined. Every year in | | | | * Magnetic toys should be kept away from children |
| Oklahoma approximately 130 children up to age 15 die | | | | younger than age 6. These can cause obstructions in |
| from unintentional injuries. | | | | the digestive tract or perforations and holes. They |
| The good news is these injuries are preventable. | | | | can be found in magnetic building sets and magnetic |
| Oklahoma City County Health Department Child | | | | beads and jewelry. |
| Development Specialist, Robyn Sears says, "The best | | | | * Children under 8 should not be given toys with |
| way to prevent injuries is by supervising children as | | | | sharp edges or electrical toys (not including batteries). |
| they play with their toys." | | | | * Teach older children to keep their toys separate |
| The following are more tips from the Oklahoma City | | | | from younger siblings' toys. |
| County Health Department to consider during this | | | | * Be sure toys do not contain toxic paint or lead. |
| gift-giving time of year: | | | | This year 19 toys have been recalled by the US |
| * Be a label reader. Look for toy labels that give age | | | | Consumer Product Safety Commission due to |
| and safety recommendations and use that | | | | violations of the standard for lead paint. |
| information as a guide. Check toy instructions for | | | | * Make sure dress-up costumes or pajamas are |
| clarity - for both you and, when appropriate, the child. | | | | labeled "flame retardant/flame resistant" |
| Always follow the manufacturers instructions and use | | | | * If you give a bicycle, roller blades, skateboard or |
| toys for what they are intended for. | | | | scooter as a gift be sure to include a helmet, wrist |
| * Before buying a gift always consider the child's age | | | | guard, knee pads with the gift. Use this as an |
| and maturity level. Buy a toy suitable for the child's | | | | opportunity to talk to your children about safety. |
| abilities, skills and interest level. | | | | * Immediately discard plastic wrappings on toys, |
| * To prevent choking do not give toddlers or infants | | | | which can cause suffocation, before they become |
| toys made for kids older than 3. The small parts | | | | deadly playthings |
| could be a choking hazard. Look for high quality, | | | | Again, do not forget to supervise children as they |
| well-constructed toys, such as tightly-secured eyes, | | | | play. Teach them to put away their toys after |
| noses and other potential small parts. Check the toys | | | | playing with them. Safe storage can help prevent |
| periodically for broken parts to be repaired or | | | | injuries. |