Shopping for gifts for children makes many shoppers nostalgic for their own childhoods as few adults can forget the joy of finding the perfect gift under the tree on Christmas morning. Re-creating that magic for a youngster can be as joyous for gift givers as it is for kids, but shoppers should keep several tips in mind to ensure they give toys that are as safe as they are fun.
When buying for a grandchild, niece, or nephew, shoppers should first ask the child's parent or guardian for suggestions. These people will know which types of toys their children like, and they will also know each child's maturity level. Some kids may not be mature enough to play with otherwise age-appropriate toys, while others may be mature beyond their years and enjoy more complex toys than their age would suggest.
Toy labels are good sources of information, but shoppers must know what to look for. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that toy labels include information about age-appropriateness (such as "Ages 3 and Up") as well as directions regarding how to use the toy. If the instructions seem a bit complex for the child the item will be for, look for something else. Children's toy labels also include information that consumers may not be familiar with. For example, toys labeled "ASTM F963" meet the latest safety standards from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. An "ASTM D4236" label indicates the materials associated with an art toy have been reviewed and deemed safe by a toxicologist. More information about toy label requirements can be found at http://www.cpsc.gov. The AAP advises that electric toys should only be given to children if they include the UL label, which indicates that the toy has been certified by the global safety certification company UL.
The AAP notes that toys that are loud, shoot objects into the air or contain small pieces pose a threat to children. Toys that are too loud can damage children's hearing, and projectiles can increase the risk of eye injuries or choking. Toys with small pieces also pose a choking risk to young children who may try to put the pieces into their mouths.
Consumers who are uncertain about the safety of a given toy, even after reading its label, should err on the side of caution and only give toys they are confident will not pose a safety risk. Even toys that may seem safe could be dangerous to kids who might otherwise seem old enough. For example, the AAP advises against giving children under age 12 hobby kits and chemistry sets. That is because such kits may contain dangerous chemicals that even pre-adolescents are not old enough to handle safely.
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