Magnets, sound, and batteries: Choosing safe toys

The holidays feel more important than usual this year as the pandemic rages around us; we all are looking for something to enjoy. And a big part of holiday enjoyment for families is, of course, buying toys. As parents, friends, and family set out to buy toys for the children on their lists, here are some suggestions for things you shouldn’t buy — and those you should. Buyer beware when choosing toys The US PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) has a list of kinds of toys that people should try to avoid. They include Loud toys. Loud noises can actually damage hearing. Given how much noise we end up being exposed to over a lifetime, and the ubiquitous use of earbud earphones, you really don’t want to start early with extra noise. You can always turn the sound off, but it’s probably better to just not buy the toy. Slime. Apparently, some brands have high levels of toxic boron! Make your own instead (there are lots of easy recipes for borax-free slime), or just avoid it altogether. Fidget spinners and other toys designed for adults. The “designed for adults” is the key point here; they don’t have to meet safety standards for children. Anything with small parts if the child is under 3 years old — or if there is a child in the household that is under 3 years old. Read the safety labels! If you aren’t sure if a part is too small, see if it fits through a toilet paper tube. If it does, it’s too small. Be mindful, too, of attached small pieces that might come off,...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Adolescent health Children's Health Parenting Safety Source Type: blogs