What are the safety considerations regarding children’s toys?

Buying a children’s toy may appear to be a simple task, but purchasing the right item is vital to the child’s safety. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns when buying kids’ toys, you should make sure the item meets the following:

• The toy is appropriate for the child’s social and mental age.
• The toy meets the child’s physical capabilities.
• The toy is manufactured well.

Unfortunately, even if you have taken these precautions, you may not be able to protect the child from an adverse event, whether it happens in an accident or due to manufacturer negligence. According to a report in Newsweek, a 2014 study found that every three minutes, a child suffers a toy-related injury and requires emergency medical attention. These incidents can range from small children choking on small parts of toys to falling off scooters and bikes.

Researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that defective toys lead to a number of injuries. In some cases, a manufacturer will issue a recall. However, many people may be unaware of the recall and allow a child to continue to play with a potentially dangerous product. The researchers from the study suggest that manufacturers should be more transparent regarding injuries that stem from these products.

Another concern regarding children’s toys is the presence of lead. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that antique toys or those made in other countries heighten the risk for lead exposure, either in the paint on the product or the plastic used to make the item. The CDC warns that if you think your child has been exposed to lead, you should consult with a health care provider.

While this information may be useful, it should not be taken as legal advice.