Although toys can bring a lot of joy to kids, there also are important dangers to keep in mind. Healthtrax has you covered with these mindful tips to keep young children safe and healthy with toys they receive this holiday season and beyond:

Children should not be left unattended during play time. Monitoring how they are engaging with their toys and games will ensure safe, fun, creative play without injury.

A common-sense approach starts with Reading labels:

·         Fabric toys - flame resistant/retardant and washable. Stuffed toys with secure tight seams, machine washable with no loose parts. Best to avoid those stuffed with small bean-like pellets.

·         Electric toys - should be “UL Approved." 

·         Plastic toys – durable, sturdy structure to prevent cracking and sharp edges.

·         Non-Toxic – thickly painted toys labeled non-toxic and lead-free.

·         Age-Appropriate Toys - avoid risk of choking with large toys to big for child to put in their mouth. Avoid tiny parts, small balls, magnets, disc batteries and to avoid frustration when a child does not understand a toy that is not age specific to their motor skills and cognitive level.

·         Things with wheels -require children of all ages wear protective head gear. Ensure their helmet is sized to fit. Riding toys, bikes, skates, skateboards present a falling hazard especially with loss of control going full steam ahead.

·         Packaging and party décor clean up -eliminate risks of suffocation or strangulation from packaging, plastic wrap, strings, ribbons, and balloons taking care to properly dispose of.

Bottom line, be a label reader. Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what ages the toy is safe for. Be sure to show and reinforce with your child how to use the toy properly and safely or shelf it until another day.

IImportant Information About Recalled Toys resource: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Healthtrax keeps our members’ safety at the forefront of our minds. Learn more details about starting a gym membership at one of our locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island or North Carolina and join us today!