Best PlacesBusinessesCalendarLocal InfoRestaurantsVisitorsWhat to Do

Silver Spring, Maryland's Official Website

Silver Spring Center.com

HomeAdvertiseAbout UsBOSSNewsletterFacebookContact Us

Best of Silver Spring

Art
Camps
Fire & Police
Government
Health
Hospitals
Hotels
Leaf Collection
Libraries
Post Offices
Recreation
Religion

Residents

Silver Spring

News

Schools
Shopping
Snow Removal

Transportation

Trash & Recycle
Volunteer
Weather
Wireless Access

Safe Toys & Gifts Month

Tips for Choosing a Safe Toy

The right toy can help build imagination and coordination, but the wrong toy can do more harm than good.
Prevent Blindness America reports that in 2003, there were more than 10,000 eye injuries to children 14 and younger related to toys and play activities.

Further, 90% of these injuries were preventable.
While many toy makers follow mandatory and voluntary safety guidelines for their products, some do not. The challenge is to find a toy your child will love and one that you know is safe.

BOSS ADS

Put your family's dental care into the hands of a Caring Dentist

Elsabet H. Tekle, DDS LLC - A Caring Dentist

Dr. Tekle and staff focus on the total elimination of pain through the use of nitrous oxide analgesia and painless injection techniques. We provide conservative white fillings, smile makeover, teeth whitening, implants, treatment for dysfunctional TMJ and gum disease.

Previous Health Topics

How do I select a safe toy?

> Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that fly off. Slingshots and even water guns are dangerous because they invite children to target other kids. BB guns should not even be considered toys.
> Inspect toys for solidness. Your child’s toys should be durable with no sharp edges or points. The toys should also withstand impact.
> Look for the letters “ASTM.” This means the product meets the national safety standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

What should I consider when buying toys for 2 and 4-year-olds?

> Don’t give toys with small parts to young children. Young kids tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking.
> Read directions carefully and follow suggested age levels. Ask yourself if the toy is right for your child’s ability and age.
> Remember that age labeling is for abilty levels and for the safety of your child

How can I keep my child safe after buying a toy?
> Explain how to use the toy.
> Repair or throw away damaged toys.
> Keep toys meant for older children away from younger ones.
> Don’t let your child misuse toys in ways that could be dangerous.

Are there other things I can do to help prevent eye injuries?
> Store or give away toys that your child has outgrown.
Keep your child away from unsafe areas in the home. Make sure your child plays in an open area and, if necessary, under your supervision. Make a list of safety rules and share them with your child. If your child is playing with friends, tell everyone your safety rules.

For more information, visit Prevent Blindness America or call 800-331-2020

Previous Health Topics

Adoption

Allergies Alzheimer's Disease
Arthritis

Aphasia

Autism

Baby Safety Blood Donor

Bone Marrow

Breast Cancer Brain Injury

Cataracts

Cell Phones & Cancer Cervical Cancer Child Abuse
Child Eye Health & Safety Chiropractic Cholesterol
Colds Colo-Rectal Cancer Cord Blood Banking
Counseling Dental Diabetes
Donate Life Drunk & Drugged Driving Eye Care
Flu Swine Flu Foot Care
Group B Strep Heart Health Hepatitis
High Blood Pressure Home Safety Immune System
Immunizations Kidney Disease Lead Poisoning
Leukemia & Lymphoma Lung Cancer Lupus
Migraine Headaches Muscular Dystrophy Multiple Sclerosis
Myasthenia Gravis Nutrition Occupational Therapy
Ovarian Cancer Premature Births Preventive Health
Psoriasis Radon Recreation
Safe Toys & Gifts SARS Scleroderma
Sickle Cell SIDS Skin Cancer
Sleep Stomach Cancer Strep
Stress Awareness Stroke Thyroid
Toys - Eye Safety TMJ UV Rays
Varicose Veins Vision West Nile Virus
  Yoga  

Silver Spring, MD's Official Website is SilverSpringCenter.com™, a privately owned and operated company established in 2000.

Advertise Here with BOSS - Business Owners of Silver Spring Contact Us with comments or questions.  See our Privacy Policy.