The holidays are almost here. They bring with them joy, lights, sounds, and festivities of the season. We have shopping lists that seem to grow every year. It can be a stressful blessing to have so many people that we want to celebrate in our lives. Shopping for kids and toddlers can be extremely stressful. There are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind while shopping that will help to make this season safe and happy.
A list you will want to check twice
A useful resource is the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). They publish a holiday toy recall list in October each year. You can check to see if the toy you are considering has already made their naughty list. They also have several other excellent resources and guidelines for the safety of most consumer products available in the US.
A few things to consider when shopping for children are:
- Is the toy age appropriate? If the child is under three years of age you will want to avoid small parts, magnets, and other items that could pose a choking hazard to the child.
- Is the toy developmentally appropriate for the child? If you are purchasing a toy for a special needs child you will want to take into consideration their abilities and what position the toy needs to be in to be played with effectively. You might want to consider the different levels of noise, light, and texture that the toy has as not to upset the child if there are tactile or sensory concerns.
- Does the toy need safety gear to be used properly? When you put wheels under a child they tend to find their fastest speed and to fall as hard as possible. It is recommended to always have proper safety gear when giving things such as bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc. Make certain the safety gear fits properly and will not impede the use of the toy.
December is a month of joy and gift giving. Overall, use common sense when purchasing toys for children and keep in mind a few safety precautions.
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