Big Problems In Small Parts

Around 160,000 children per year in our country go to the emergency room with accidental injuries involving toys. Even though most toys are extremely safe for children in the age group indicated by the label, manufacturers' instructions and warning labels should be taken seriously. It's important to follow age guidelines and follow the labels' instructions. Anything that fits in a federally approved "small parts tester" is considered a small part and a choking hazard for infants and toddlers. These testers are available in toy stores; however, to save on the cost, a cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper will work just as well. Just make sure the toy or part is larger than the roll, otherwise it is too small to give to a baby or young child.

Be very careful of button-type batteries and small magnets which a baby or small child can easily put in their mouths. These can be particularly dangerous if swallowed. Besides being a choking hazard, batteries can poison a child. Magnets can get stuck in the digestive system and can cause life-threatening internal injuries. Another choking hazard is balloons. Each year, several children choke to death on broken or deflated balloons. When considering things to keep away from your child, remember that small children have small airways that are very easily blocked.

Many of today's new toys come with a product registration card. Be sure to register the toy for recalls and send in the card. This way you are registered for recalls from the manufacturer and they can contact you If the product is found to be defective, or with other important information. The manufacturer will contact registered owners with safety notices and trade-in instructions. On secondhand or hand-me-down toys, look for the manufacturer's toll-free number or Website to register. You can visit Recalls.gov to check on safety notices and information about the product.