On Your Side: Top 10 Toy Safety Tips

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017

(WRDW/WAGT) -- South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and News 12 NBC 26 want you to have a safe, great holiday.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were more than 174,100 toy-related ER-treated injuries associated with toys to children under the age of 15 in 2016 alone.

DHEC has some tips to help make safety a top priority when your kids open up their new toys on Christmas morning.

Pay close attention to labels:

Choose toys according to a child’s age, interest, and skill level. Also, be aware of other safety labels such as “Flame retardant/flame resistant” or “Washable/Hygienic materials” on dolls and other stuffed toys.

Discard plastic wrappings immediately:

They become deadly playthings to small children.

Children 1 and under WILL put toys in their mouths:

Choose toys that are colorful, lightweight, have various textures and are made of non-toxic materials. Children this age learn through sight, touch, sound and taste and often put things into their mouths to explore them.

Don't give young children toys will small parts:

NO toys such as removable eyes, noses, etc.; they are choking hazards.

Inspect toys for sharp points or edges, metal, and glass:

These toys should not be given to children under 8 years of age. This includes stuffed animals with wires that could stab, cut or shock if exposed.

Don't hang up toys with strings, cords, or ribbons:

Toys with strings, cords or ribbons of any kind should not be hung in cribs or playpens. Young children can become entangled, which can cause injury or death.

Keep toys meant for older children away from younger children:

Teach older children to keep their toys that might have removable small parts, sharp points or toys run on electricity out of reach of younger siblings. Young children are very curious and may investigate toys that aren’t appropriate for them.

Keep toys and equipment in good condition:

Assure protective gear fits appropriately and discard any toys that are broken to prevent injuries.

Supervision is essential:

Provide safe hazard-free play environments both indoors and outdoors. Toys get used and abused by children; regularly conduct a toy maintenance check for safety and durability.

Teach children early to put toys away:

Children should put toys away when they are finished playing with them. This will prevent accidental falls.

Visit the SC DHEC website for more information on toy safety,

click here