Helicopters and other toys that have propellers are meant for teenagers. Young children can’t handle these types of toys properly, and could easily get a finger stuck in the working blades.
Advice: Choose toys that have propellers made out of soft plastic. Blade edges should be smooth without any notches.
2. Toy Doctor’s Kit
A child will definitely want to use the tools found in the kit on themselves or other kids, and this may end up with any small parts getting stuck in the nose, ears, or breathing passages. Furthermore, such games may arouse a child’s interest in real syringes, pills, and scissors.
Advice: Best to buy kits that don’t have any small parts, syringes, or tools that are made to look in the nose, ears, or mouth.
These don’t guarantee complete safety in water as a child can easily slip off or turn over. Furthermore, some of these products contain toxic isophorone, phenol, and hexanone, that can cause long-lasting skin irritations. The first two toxins are highly carcinogenic.
Advice: They should be strictly adjusted to the size of the child, worn for no longer than 30 minutes, and always used under adult supervision.
4. Toys with Batteries
Flat and round batteries might look like candy to a child, and they’ll want to try them. Their size and shape makes them easy to swallow, and the lithium inside them will cause severe poisoning and burns.
Advice: Batteries should be strongly protected by a plastic panel with a fixed screw.
Children will often neglect the distance from which shooting should be done. As a result, toys that shoot any type of ammo (even water), might cause facial injuries, especially to the eyes.
Advice: Make sure the toys come with protective glasses, or purchase such glasses separately.
6. Magnetic Kits
Children love magnets, but they really should only be given to those over the age of 14. The reason for this is that young children love to stick things in their mouths, and if they end up swallowing some magnets, they’ll be in serious trouble. When swallowed, the magnets will attach to each other and can flatten the intestinal walls.
Advice: Toys where magnets are secured by plastic covers are a lot safer.
A balloon may pop during inflation or games, scaring the child or even making them deaf. Due to the fright, a child may accidentally inhale the fragments of the popped balloon. That’s why it is not recommended to give a balloon to a child under the age of 8.
Advice: Don’t buy balloons that are crinkled and/or have a strong smell.
8. Fidget Spinner
A part of the spinner may detach during spinning and cause injuries. Furthermore, there is the possibility of a child swallowing the metal parts.
Advice: Replace the spinner with a children’s finger training device that gives children something to do, while also developing their fine motor skills.
How to Choose a Safe Toy
Stick to the following rules when buying a toy:
Size: Any toy should be no smaller than 2.5” long and 1.5” wide. If the toy is round, it should be no smaller than 2” in diameter.
Color: Avoid brightly-colored toys. Bright yellow ones are especially not recommended as there is a high chance that they contain lead.
Shape and material: The toy should have no sharp edges, large holes, or gaps where a child’s finger might get stuck. Try to choose toys made of a textile or wood that’s not painted or lacquered.
Source: brightside
Images: depositphotos
