Choosing Safe Toys for School-Age Kids
Every year, hundreds of kids go to the emergency room for injuries caused by unsafe toys. With the number of toys on the market, and the new ones coming almost every day, it is important for parents to ensure their kids’ toys are safe. While manufacturers follow guidelines and label toys for certain age groups, it’s up to you to provide proper guidance and supervision. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the safest options among the best toys for kids.
What To Look For When Choosing Toys
The CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) regulates and maintains toys, including wall stickers for kids. Any toy imported into or made in the US after 1995 must abide by CPSC standards. You can follow these basic guidelines when shopping for the best push and pull toys:
- Look for flame-resistant or flame-retardant labeling on fabric toys
- Choose stuffed toys that are washable
- Lead-free paint
- Non-toxic art materials
- ASTM-endorsed paints and crayons
While it may seem impolite, it’s a good idea to avoid hand-me-down toys from well-meaning family and friends. These toys may have family value, but they might not meet updated safety standards.
Guidelines
When choosing age-appropriate toys, you should look to the CPSC and other safety groups for guidance. However, it’s important to use your judgment—and to consider your child’s habits, behavior and temperament when you buy the best action figures for kids. Age levels for toys are set based on safety factors, not on maturity or intelligence. Keep these guidelines in mind when choosing toys for your school-age children.
- Skateboards, skates, scooters and the best toddler trikes should be used with a helmet that meets current safety standards from the CPSC or Snell.
- Toy arrows and darts should have suction cups or soft tips at the end, rather than a hard point.
- BB guns shouldn’t be used by kids under 16.
Staying Safe at Home
After choosing one of the best dollhouses for toddlers, it’s important to ensure that kids use them properly and safely. Teach your kids to take care of their toys by putting them away at the end of the day, and throw away or repair broken toys as soon as possible. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the best way to clean and maintain your kids’ toys.
While most toys, including kids toy guitars, are safe, it’s still important to supervise kids and encourage the formation of safe play habits. By following the tips above, you and your kids can have fun while staying safe.