November 2021- Safe Toys and Celebrations Month

A note from the author— Happy Holidays NCP friends! This year, I am changing it up--- featuring an article that I usually post in December. As we all know, the effects of the pandemic are still palpable in certain aspects of our lives, but this year, buying Christmas gifts may pose a new challenge, whether items are not available in stores, or our packages are deemed “lost” by Amazon due to the ships still stuck in the ocean with nowhere to dock. Every December I like to feature an article about Safe Toys and Gifts right around the time we are buying gifts for the little ones in our lives. This year, I encourage you to BUY LOCAL and start a little earlier than years past. We have some FANTASTIC little shops in our local towns and it is craft fair season, so local vendors are able to display their unique creations at local fire halls, schools, and event spaces. I challenge you this year to help give back to our communities and BUY LOCAL as much as possible. Get creative and know that we will make it through this together! Whether you have a new addition to the family, the babies are becoming the littles, or the littles are becoming the big kids… a wide variety of age ranges can make buying age-appropriate holiday presents challenging. As many of us do every year, you may get carried away by the holiday spirit and become vulnerable to advertising blitzes for the latest, “greatest” gifts. It is easy to be lulled into that false sense of security that no responsible retailer would dare to sell unsafe toys, especially around the holidays. But, before you make those purchases remember to consider the safety and age-range of the toys. December is Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month, so help us celebrate by reading more about safe toys and gifts to give this holiday season!

The Reality By Thanksgiving the holidays in full swing, and many parents are in full shopping mode. And some are already in full panic mode. The reason for all this? Their kids want the latest hot toys. And the parents want to see their kids’ faces light up when they get those toys.But in the middle of all this frenzy, it’s a good idea to stop and remember safety. No, it’s not fun. But it is important. Unfortunately, many toys are unsafe, in particular for very young children, and they are not pulled off of the market until there have been documented instances that they have caused serious injuries, even deaths. In 2010, emergency rooms treated an estimated 251,700 toy-related injuries, most of which were to the head and face and included lacerations, contusions, or abrasions (72% were people less than 15 years of age). In 2007 alone, toymakers recalled over 19 million toys worldwide because of safety concerns such as lead paint and small magnets.

Why is December Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month? Millions of toys are out there, and hundreds of new ones hit the stores each year. When it comes to toys and gifts, the excitement and desire to get your children their favorite toys may cause shoppers to forget about safety factors associated with them. Before you make these purchases, it is critical to remember to consider the safety and age range of the toys. Toys are supposed to be fun and are an important part of any child's development. But each year, scores of kids are treated in hospital emergency departments for toy-related injuries. Choking is a particular risk for kids ages 3 or younger, because they tend to put objects in their mouths. So, each December, Prevent Blindness America sponsors “Safe Toys and Gifts Month” to remind consumers that careful shopping for toys and gifts can maintain the magic of the holidays and prevent them from turning tragic. The most popular reminder is, “to prevent injuries, choose toys that are safe for the age of the child. Look for labels to help you judge which toys might not be safe, especially for infants and children under age three. For children of all ages, consider if the toys are suited to their skills and abilities.”

What are Manufacturers’ Responsibilities to Consumers? Manufacturers follow certain guidelines and label most new toys for specific age groups. However, even within the child’s age range, toys suitable for one child might not be suitable for another child. It’s good to keep in mind that younger children, if they’re not being watched closely, may play with toys purchased for older children. Perhaps the most important thing a parent can do is to supervise play.

How can they Sell Unsafe Toys? Well, it’s not always that the toy itself is unsafe. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) requires some of the most stringent testing for toys in the world. But even so it’s not perfect. Some toys are found to be unsafe after they’ve been on sale for a while. Often what happens is children get hurt in unexpected ways. That’s when the manufacturer and/or the government either:

• Issues a recall, or

• Adds additional warnings to the toy. This may include changing the recommended ages or advising it should be used only under adult supervision.

You can get the latest recall information from either the Safe Kids Worldwide website or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website. These lists are not limited to toys, but you can search the CPSC site for toys to shorten the list. Often, though, a toy is only unsafe in certain situations. That’s why, for example, toys with small parts are not recommended for small children. They are choking hazards, and young children often put things in their mouths. Even with the warnings, about 1/3 of all toy-related deaths are from choking. Other gifts, like sports equipment, often require safety gear to be used safely. For example, kids (and adults!) should wear helmets and other appropriate gear on bike, skates, and skateboards. It’s up to you as a parent to learn all you can about the toys your child wants and the ones you ultimately buy. And while recommended ages are a good guideline, you know your child best. If your child doesn’t have the ability to use a toy or gift safely, get something else. How are Toys Regulated in the United States? The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) closely monitors and regulates toys. Any toys made in — or imported into — the United States after 1995 must comply with CPSC standards. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when toy-shopping:

• Toys made of fabric should be labeled as flame resistant or flame retardant

• Stuffed toys should be washable

• Painted toys should be covered with lead-free paint

• Art materials should say nontoxic

• Crayons and paints should say ASTM D-4236 on the package, which means that they've been evaluated by the American Society for Testing and Materials

Before you Make that Purchase: Recommendations from Prevent Blindness America Prevent Blindness America recommends that shoppers always:

• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. The toy should have no sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.

• When purchasing toys for children with special needs try to: Choose toys that may appeal to different senses such as sound, movement, and texture; consider

interactive toys to allow the child to play with others; and think about the size of the toy and the position a child would need to be in to play with it.

• Be diligent about inspecting toys your child has received. Check them for age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness before allowing them to be played with.

• Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection –

“ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

• Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (give a helmet with the skateboard)

• Keep kids safe from lead in toys by: Educating yourself about lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead poisoning, and what kinds of toys have been recalled; being aware that old toys may be more likely to contain lead in the paint; having your children wash their hands frequently and calling your doctor if you suspect your child has been exposed to lead. Consult the last two websites listed below for more information.

• Do NOT give toys with small parts (including magnets and “button” batteries which can cause serious injury or death if ingested) to young children as they tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate for kids under age three.

• Do NOT give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements • Do NOT give crayons and markers unless they are labeled “nontoxic”. • Buy age-appropriate toys.

• Review warnings on the toy’s box. • Avoiding shooting toys that have pieces that shoot or fly off. • Remember that BB guns, air guns, and paintball guns are not really toys. (Sorry,

Ralphie, your Mom was right. They can shoot your eye out.)

The Addition of Safe Celebrations For many years, health advocates have celebrated December as Safe Toys and Gifts Month. However, the name has recently been changed to Safe Toys and Celebrations Month, which brings to light not only choosing the appropriate gifts for the children in your life, but also ensuring that the holiday celebration or event is child-friendly and all potential hazards are minimized. The following list was complied by Everheart Eye Associates from Virginia to help guide us during celebrations:

1. Choosing toys and age-appropriate gifts for children (a guideline list):

• No toys with sharp objects or edges.

• Avoid darts, pellet guns and other firearms as gifts, especially to children.

• Remember to avoid toys that can be choking hazards especially for children under the age of three. Remember the rule: If it can fit through an empty toilet paper roll, then avoid it for young children.

• Avoid hard candy for young children.

• Remember to avoid toys with strings longer than 12 inches for children less than three years old as it can be a strangulation hazard.

• Avoid slingshots or other projectile type of types.

• Avoid toys with magnets for young children.

• Give children under 10 only toys with batteries and compartments that can only be opened by an adult (such as a screw sealed battery chamber) and don’t let them play with batteries. Plug-in toys should be only for older children.

• Buy durable toys that will not break or shatter into pieces or release toxic substances.

• Observe video game age-ratings. They are there for a reason.

• Read all warning labels carefully on toys and decorations.

• Remember to supervise your children at all times

• Look for “ATSM” on the label, which means the item has passed standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

2. Remember safety gear for sports like helmets, googles when gifting for sports related activities.

3. Keep decorations safe by being careful when decorating trees, hanging glass ornaments higher up where children cannot reach them, using only safe electrical lights that do not have damaged wiring and candle/fire safety. Avoid fire hazards (open flames, heaters).

4. Remembering rules about fireworks safety from July.

5. Opening champagne bottle pointed away from the face, eyes and other people,

covering the cork with a towel and turning it slowly with a slight upward motion. Also make sure your champagne is chilled to at least 45°F for safety reasons.

6. Remember food allergies and other allergies when gifting items.

7. Remember to drive safely, have a designated driver if you are drinking, wear your seat belt and restrain children in age and weight appropriate car seats or booster seats.

Who is at Risk for Suffering an Injury Related to an Unsafe Toy or Gift? Children under 3 years of age have contributed to the majority of emergency visits for toy-related injuries. However, with the ever-growing import business and economical strain on households, more and more toys and gifts are being manufactured overseas, which puts a heavy strain on federal regulation and monitoring agencies.

Every year, thousands of young children under age 14 suffer serious eye injuries or even blindness from toys and gifts. Parents are urged to ask themselves if a toy is right for a child’s ability and age, show children how to use toys safely, watch them as they play, and fix or throw away broken toys.

How Do You Select Safe Toys? Choosing safe toys for children can seem complicated and frustrating for parents. Most of the time, safe toys are dependent upon your child’s age and/or level of development. Having children of various ages living in the same household can further complicate matters and increase safety concerns. It is important for parents to supervise children, especially those under 3 years of age, during play. Keeping age-appropriate toys separated and out of reach of younger children may help enhance child safety. Below are general safe toy selection tips for children of all ages.

Here are some guidelines for choosing safe toys for all ages:

• Steer clear of older toys, even hand-me-downs from friends and family. Those toys might have sentimental value and are certainly cost-effective, but they may not meet current safety standards and may be so worn from play that they can break and become hazardous.

• Make sure a toy isn't too loud for your child. The noise of some rattles, squeak toys, and musical or electronic toys can be as loud as a car horn — even louder if a child holds it directly to the ears — and can contribute to hearing damage.

• Look for toys that have a solid design and a sturdy construction—toys that won’t break, crush, or be pulled apart easily.

• Check to see if the instructions are clear.

• Read the labels to see if there are any fire hazards.

• Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection—ASTM means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

• Avoid toys with rigid points, spikes, rods, or dangerous edges.

• Check lenses and frames on children’s sunglasses, which can break and cause eye injuries.

• Buy toys that can withstand impact and do not break into dangerous shards.

• Inspect toys before purchasing. Avoid those with flying parts or that shoot.

• Toys should not have sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand any significant impact without breaking.

• Choose toy for children with special needs that appeal to different senses such as texture, sound, and movement. Consider toys size appropriate and those that allow the child to play with others. Inspect the toys your child receives. Check for age and skill level. Make sure of the developmental appropriateness.

• Make sure the toys have passed a safety inspection. “ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.

• Make sure Crayons are “nontoxic.”

• Make sure the toys do not have small part including magnets or small button batteries.

• Make sure the toys do not contain lead.

• Make sure toys do not have ropes or heating elements. The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to look for toys that are sturdy, contain nontoxic materials, and don’t make loud noise. In addition, the Academy recommends that:

• All electric toys be approved by Underwriters Laboratory (UL)

• Homeowners avoid purchasing trampolines

• Children under 16 avoid riding on four-wheel all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and that three-wheel ATVs should be banned

What Toys Are Unsafe? Along with knowing what kinds of toys to choose, it’s important to know what kinds of toys to avoid in order to prevent possible injuries. For example, do not choose:

• Toys with small parts and sharp edges and points

• Guns and other toys that shoot flying objects and make loud noises

• Crayons and markers that are not labeled nontoxic

• Toys that could shatter into fragments if broken

• Toys with ropes and cords

• Electric toys with heating elements

• Sharp or pointy edges/corners

• Long pull strings (generally longer than 7 inches) To see if parts are small enough to pose a choking hazard, use a small parts tester. Or just see if it’ll fit through a toilet paper roll—if yes, it’s too small for kids under 3 years old.

One of the most neglected safety concerns is toys which are so loud that they can cause hearing loss. These include:

• Cap guns

• Musical toys

• Toy phones

• Horns and sirens

• Some squeaky rubber toys

Such toys are capable of generating noise up to 120 decibels, which is as loud as a jet at take-off. When held next to the ear, they can cause pain and permanent hearing loss.

During the past few years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified many hazardous toys, most of which weren’t recalled until they had been on the shelves for many months. A few examples include:

• Toys with small magnets, which can come loose and be swallowed. • Toys with easily removable lithium button batteries that also can be swallowed. • Toys with lead paint. • Children’s jewelry containing toxic metals such as lead and cadmium.

“Dangerous Toys”--Many non-toys also can tempt kids. It's important to keep them away from:

• fireworks • matches • sharp scissors • balloons (uninflated or broken balloons can be choking hazards)

Safe Toys for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Always read labels to make sure a toy is appropriate for a child's age. Guidelines published by the CPSC and other groups can help you make those buying decisions. Still, use your own best judgment — and consider your child's temperament, habits, and behavior whenever you buy a new toy. You may think that a child who's advanced in comparison to peers can handle toys meant for older kids. But the age levels for toys are determined by safety factors, not intelligence or maturity. Here are some age-specific guidelines to keep in mind:

• Toys should be large enough - at least 1¼" (3 centimeters) in diameter and 2¼" (6 centimeters) in length - so that they can't be swallowed or lodged in the windpipe. A small-parts tester, or choke tube, can determine if a toy is too small. These tubes are designed to be about the same diameter as a child's windpipe. If an object fits inside the tube, then it's too small for a young child. If you can't find one of these products, a toilet paper roll can be used for the same purpose.

• Avoid marbles, coins, balls, and games with balls that are 1.75 inches (4.4 centimeters) in diameter or less because they can become lodged in the throat above the windpipe and restrict breathing.

• Battery-operated toys should have battery cases that secure with screws so that kids cannot pry them open. Batteries and battery fluid pose serious risks, including choking, internal bleeding, and chemical burns.

• When checking a toy for a baby or toddler, make sure it's unbreakable and strong enough to withstand chewing. Also, make sure it doesn't have:

sharp ends or small parts like eyes, wheels, or buttons that can be pulled loose small ends that can extend into the back of the mouth strings longer than 7 inches (18 centimeters) parts that could become pinch points for small fingers

• Most riding toys can be used once a child is able to sit up well while unsupported - but check with the manufacturer's recommendation. Riding toys like rocking horses and wagons should come with safety harnesses or straps and be stable and secure enough to prevent tipping.

• Hand-me-down and homemade toys should be carefully evaluated. They may not have undergone testing for safety. Do not give your infant painted toys made before 1978; they may have paint that contains lead.

• Stuffed animals and other toys that are sold or given away at carnivals, fairs, and in vending machines are not required to meet safety standards. Check carnival toys carefully for loose parts and sharp edges before giving them to your infant.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these tips to ensure that toys are age appropriate:

• Ages 3 and under. Avoid small toys that can fit inside a choke test cylinder or no-choke testing tube, which measures 1¼ inches wide by 2¼ inches long; never let children of any age play with uninflated or broken balloons; avoid marbles, balls and games with balls with a diameter of 1¾ inches or less; avoid toys with small magnets, magnetic pieces or loose magnets that can be swallowed.

• Ages 3-5. Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points, or are made of thin, brittle plastic that can break into small, jagged pieces; inspect art materials such as crayons and paint sets for the designation “ASTM D-4236,” which ensures that the products have been reviewed by a toxicologist and labeled, if necessary, with cautionary information; also avoid toys with magnets in this age group.

• Ages 6-12. Older children should be taught to keep their toys away from younger siblings. Any toy guns should have a brightly colored barrel so they cannot be mistaken for a real gun.

Choosing Toys for Children with Special Needs Here are some tips for buying quality toys for children with special needs:

• Choose toys that may appeal to different senses—sound, movement, texture.

• Consider interactive toys—toys that allow the child to play with others.

• Think about what size the toy is and what position a child would need to be in to play with it.

Determine if the toy could be adapted to different kinds of play in different situations—could it be played with alone or in interaction with other children? Could the toy be adjusted for a child with special needs? Could it be used with other toys? AblePlay™, a service of the National Lekotek Center, offers a database for parents, friends, and relatives to search for toys for children with special needs. Sources: National Lekotek Center

Keeping Toys Safe At Home After you've bought safe toys, it's also important to make sure kids know how to use them. The best way to do this is by supervising play. Playing with your kids teaches them how to play safely while having fun. Parents should:

• Teach kids to put toys away.

• Check toys regularly to make sure that they aren't broken or unusable: ▪ Wooden toys shouldn't have splinters. ▪ Bikes and outdoor toys shouldn't have rust. ▪ Stuffed toys shouldn't have broken seams or exposed removable

parts.

• Throw away broken toys or repair them right away.

• Store outdoor toys when they're not in use so that they are not exposed to rain or snow.

• And be sure to keep toys clean. Some plastic toys can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but read the manufacturer's directions first. Another option is to mix antibacterial soap or a mild dishwashing detergent with hot water in a spray bottle and use it to clean toys, rinsing them afterward.

• Store toys properly after play to avoid risks and falls.

• Supervise children’s crafts projects, especially those involving scissors and glue, which are dangerous to children’s eyes.

• Requiring children to wear appropriate eye protection such as face shields, helmets, and eye guards when playing sports is important in preventing eye injuries.

After the Toys/Gifts are Opened…

• Immediately discard plastic wrapping or other toy packaging before the wrapping and packaging become dangerous play things.

• Keep toys appropriate for older children away from younger siblings.

• Battery charging should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to young children. Pay attention to instructions and warnings on battery chargers. Some chargers lack any mechanism to prevent overcharging.

Safe Kids Worldwide On this site, you will find the top tips every parent needs to keep kids safe. The information is broken down by age and then organized into three categories (at home, at play and on the way) so you’re sure to find exactly what you need. The site is simple and easy to use and may provide a wealth of knowledge for parents, grandparents, and those purchasing gifts for children of all ages. Also, you can Sign Up to Receive Twice-Per-Month Children's Product Recalls. To stay current on the latest children's product recalls, visit the link below to sign up: http://www.safekids.org/our-work/recalls/sign-up-to-receive-monthly.html Keep Kids Safe From Lead in Toys: Keys to Prevention Toys imported from other countries and older toys may have high levels of lead in the paint or in the plastic. Because of normal hand-to-mouth activity, children can expose themselves to lead paint or dust. Even small amounts of lead can harmful to your child. It’s hard to know exactly what toys might be dangerous, but here are a few tips to help you protect your kids from lead exposure from toys:

• Educate yourself about lead exposure from toys

• Have your children wash their hands frequently

• Before shopping, look to see what kinds of toys have been recalled

• Be aware that old toys may contain lead in the paint

Call your health care provider if you suspect that your child has been exposed to lead. Most children have no symptoms, but some children may be irritable, show aggressive behavior, have little appetite or energy, or complain of headaches. Children exposed to a high dose of lead may have abdominal pain and cramps. For toy hazard recalls, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s page at www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/category/toy.html Recalled toys containing lead or magnets that might be swallowed are listed at www.cpsc.gov/recentrecalls.html For information on toys and childhood lead exposure, visit www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/faq/toys.htm More information about lead poisoning and its symptoms can be found at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002473.htm Sources: Food and Drug Administration, National Center for Environmental Health, CDC; National Library of Medicine, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Reporting Unsafe Toys Check the CPSC website for the latest information about toy recalls or call their hotline at (800) 638-CPSC to report a toy you think is unsafe. If you have any doubt about a toy's safety, error on the side of caution and do not allow your child to play with it.

Additional Resources: Age-Appropriate Toys www.medem.com/medlb/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ9VGSOQ7C&sub_cat=104 Choosing Safe Toys www.kidshealth.org/parent/growth/learning/safe_toys.html For Kids’ Sake: Think Toy Safety www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/281.html Safe Toy Checklist www.preventblindness.org/children/safetoys.html Top 10 Tips for Choosing Toys www.lekotek.org/resources/informationontoys/tentips.html Toy Safety Publications www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/toy_sfy.html Toy Safety Shopping Tips www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/grand/toy/toysafe.html For more information on “Safe Toys and Gifts Month” contact Prevent Blindness America at http://www.preventblindess.org/ The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), which publishes its “Trouble in Toyland Report” on dangerous toys each year is found at, https://www.uspirg/org/home/reports/report-archives/product-safety/product-safety-reports/trouble-in-toyland-the-25th-annual-survey-of-toy-safety#id5D46tK-16AQS0-LcXSZcwA More information www.kidshealth.org Resources http://everharteyes.com/december.html https://www.nonstopcelebrations.com/months/december/celebrate-safe-toys-gifts-month-every-december/ https://intermountaineyecenters.com/safe-toys-and-celebrations/ https://nationaltoday.com/safe-toys-and-gifts-month/ https://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/apha-calendar/2019/safe-toys-and-gifts-month-2019 https://www.activebeat.com/health-news/6-tips-for-safe-toys-on-your-christmas-list/?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=AB_BNG_US_DESK-SearchMarketing&utm_content=o_c_1175378083574339&cus_widget=kwd-73461156349275:loc-

190&utm_term=safe%20toys&cus_teaser=&utm_acid=34003256&utm_caid=268030476&utm_pagetype=multi&msclkid=d458a9f976f019597d8df41c42fb368d https://www.healthtradition.com/december-is-safe-toys-and-gifts-month/ https://child-familyservices.org/december-is-national-safe-toys-and-gifts-month/ https://www.preventblindness.org/safe-toy-checklist https://www.iabhp.com/national-wellness-observance-calendar/safe-toys-and-gifts-month/