Parents, it is a known fact that toys and baby products support learning and play. However, choosing and using them safely is key to preventing avoidable injuries. This article helps parents to know more about toy and baby product safety. So, follow the vital tips given below.Children usually enjoy and are happy when they play with toys. Currently, many children are using age-appropriate toys that help in learning. Toys and baby products play an important role in a child’s growth and development. From helping babies sit and crawl to encouraging creativity and imagination, these products are part of everyday life. However, toy-related injuries remain a common reason for emergency room visits among children. Understand that many of these injuries can be prevented with awareness, careful product selection, and proper supervision.
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Check that products are safe: Parents should regularly check official recall lists and safety alerts to ensure that toys, cribs, strollers, and other products are safe to use. Don’t just any product without knowing if its safe for child.Some products require special attention. Walkers are not recommended, as they can cause serious injuries and do not help babies learn to walk faster. Cribs should have proper spacing between slats, a snug mattress, and no broken parts. Highchairs and strollers should be stable, used with safety straps, and kept away from cords or hazards.Choose lead free and non toxic toys: Paint and coatings on toys should be lead free and made from child safe materials. Avoid toys with strong chemical smells which may indicate harmful substances.Avoid older toys, even hand-me-downs from friends and family: So, these toys might have sentimental value and are certainly less expensive, but they may not meet current safety standards and may be so worn from play that they can break and become hazardous.Say NO to loud toys: Parents, did you know? The noise of some rattles, squeak toys, and musical or electronic toys can be as loud as a car horn even louder if a child holds it directly to the ears and can lead to hearing loss. Repeated exposure to loud sounds can affect a child’s hearing overtime.Avoid small objects that pose choking risks : Marbles, coins, small balls,magnets, and toys with detachable tiny parts should never be given to to young children as they can casuse choking or breathing difficulties. Follow these tips: Always supervise children while they play. Follow age guidelines on toy packaging and regularly inspect toys for broken or loose parts. Be cautious with toys that come with strings, small pieces, shooting parts, or electrical plugs. Riding toys should always be used with helmets. Moreover, don’t throw or jump on toys; doing so can also cause accidents and falls. If a toy works on small batteries, be sure the battery compartment is sealed tightly so your child cannot get them out. Small batteries are a choking hazard, and parents need to stay vigilant regarding this. Store small toys meant for older children out of reach of younger ones to prevent incidents such as choking incidents or falls. Balloons are especially dangerous and are a leading cause of toy-related choking deaths. Children up to six years of age are still at risk, so close supervision is essential. Injuries can happen when children fall off riding toys or play with them in or near the street or near swimming pools, ponds, and lakes. Other riding toys, such as skateboards, scooters, and in-line skates, go fast, and falls could be deadly. Hence, the child should wear a helmet and safety gear when using these toys. Any toys with a sharp end or part, and even a shooting part, can lead to cuts and injuries to your child. Whenever you shop for toys, always feel the product to ensure its safety. So, parents, when buying toys, always look for washable toys to prevent asthma and allergies. Store the toys properly without fail. Keep an eye on children while they are playing with the toys. Choose washable toys whenever possible, as they help reduce dust, germs, and allergens that may trigger asthma or allergies. Clean and store toys properly to maintain hygiene and safety.Toy and baby product safety begins with awareness and continues with daily supervision. By avoiding unsafe used products and staying alert to common hazards, parents can reduce risks and allow children to play, learn, and grow safely.(Dr Prashant Laxmanrao Ramtekkar, Consultant – Paediatrician & Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar, Pune)
