December Is Safe Toys and Gifts Month

The holidays are a time for getting together with friends and family, celebrating, and giving gifts. It’s also one of the most dangerous times of year for children in terms of toy-related  eye injuries as well as injuries in general. As parents, you can take some simple steps to keep your kids safe this season. Read on as a Marysville, WA optometrist offers some safety tips for this holiday season.

Supervise During Playtime

The best way to keep your child safe is to stay alert. When you’re not with your kids, you can’t be sure what toys they are playing with or how they are playing with them. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on your children while they’re playing with toys. You’ll also want to make it a point to supervise your children when they play with other children and their toys. 

And too, make sure that the toys are age-appropriate. If your child is playing with a toy intended for an older child, she may not be able to handle it properly and may get hurt. 

Check Labels

As you shop for toys and gifts this month, be sure to check labels. Look for the ASTM F963 label and the ASTM F963-19 label on each toy or gift. If it does not have these labels, you should check if it has another standard before buying it.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 is a law that requires manufacturers to use specific standards when making children’s toys and other consumer products that come into contact with children under the age of 12. The law also requires retailers to sell these products only if they meet these standards.

Check for Choking Hazards

The best way to check if a toy is safe is to use a flashlight! This will help you see the smallest parts of the toy, making it easier to spot any potential choking hazards.

Check the age recommendation on the packaging and make sure it’s appropriate for your child. If a toy has small parts that might come off, remove them before putting it in your child’s hands. Make sure toys are not too small for your child’s mouth—if your little one can fit their whole fist inside their mouth, chances are they could choke on something smaller than that!

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when choosing gifts for children of any age.

If you have more questions or experience an eye emergency please don’t hesitate to call us, your local Marysville, WA optometrist office, anytime!