Safe Toys For Our Children

It seems to me that almost every month around the world there is another company that has to call in defective and dangerous toys.

As a mother of 2 it makes me mad. Let me explain why.

When I hear about a recall I wonder how someone passed the toy through inspection? What sort of quality control is there out there when it comes to toys for children?

A friend of mine had a child who was innocently playing with their toys when one day a small toy got stuck in his throat. Thankfully she was certified in first aid and successfully saved her baby. But how many children are not so lucky?

The reality is that we can't be everywhere all the time. It's just not reasonable . All we can do as parents is to make sure we check the toys that come into our homes as well as the toys at the places our children play. We should also spread the message of keeping toys safe.

There are a few simple steps that all of us can take.

1) Stay Informed

The easiest solution is to stay informed.

Yes, I know this seems simplified but I can assure you that it's a legitimate and effective step. You or I are only moments away at anytime from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. We can visit the site at any time to stay informed of the toys that are considered dangerous.

Also, we have the opportunity to report any toy that we feel endangers a child to the website as well. Let's always think about giving back and not just taking.

2) Throw Out Broken Toys

Another safe step is to get rid of toys that break. We know how many toys suffer this fate and it's best to get those toys out of the house. All it takes is for a child to find a small broken piece amidst their collection of toys and they could be in serious danger.

3) Look At The Toy Labels

I don't feel that every toy company is bad. In fact I know that many sincerely wish for the safest use of their toys to be the only experience the child experiences with their toys. As such, we should be keeping an eye on the labels on the toy packages. If the toys is not suitable for the age of the child or it looks precarious then leave it on the shelf and don't take it home.

Parents should judge the safety of a toy before its bought and listen to the age suggestion on the box.

4) Show Your Kids How To Play

Teaching your children the proper way to play with their toys will also educate them so they can play safely. It is not just enough to tell them not to point a toy dart gun at another child. It is also important to think of other ways that the toy may be harmful to them.

5) Try To Break The Toy

Even if your kid finds themselves with a toy they get as a gift make sure to get your hands on it for examination before they do. Look to pull at anything that could pose as dangerous if it happens to come loose.

6) Test Used Toys Too

If you ever find yourself with a used toy it is essential to test it as well. Just because it managed to last as long as it has and still look to be in good enough shape to pass onto your kids doesn't mean it is. Sometimes used toys are on the brink of breaking and becoming dangerous so do your due diligence.

It is not only cheap toys like those at McDonald's that have raised concerns but even big brand toys have found themselves in trouble. Don't let the number of years a toy has sold fool you. Even it was made in America doesn't automatically qualify it as a safe toy. We as parents must still do our part to make sure what our children play with are not a threat.

Unlike you, who are reading this information, there are numerous other adults in the world who are not aware of what is going on. They are not aware that some of the toys they have in their homes or the homes of the children's friends could be a danger to them.

It is important that even if a toy is designed to educate and entertain a child, that doesn't mean that it is going to be safe for a child to play with. It goes without question that researching and testing the toys in your home is imperative.

In this situation it is better to be safe than sorry and even if a few toys are broken after you test them, at least you know that your child is a bit safer.