SWPPD Blog

How awful would you feel if the thoughtfully selected holiday gift you gave a child or other loved one wound up injuring the recipient?

Beware of potential safety hazards when you’re choosing toys and other presents this year. Some tips:

• Just because a toy’s label says it’s safe doesn’t mean a child will use it safely. Choose toys that are age-appropriate.
• Toys with small parts are a choking hazard for children younger than 3.
• If a toy has to be plugged into the wall, it’s not a good choice for a child younger than 10.
• The smaller a toy’s battery, the greater the risk that it will wind up in a child’s mouth. Batteries can choke or even poison a child who swallows them.
• If you give a bike, scooter, skates or other toys that make a child mobile, spring for safety gear like helmets, too.
• Learn if the toy you’ve selected has been recalled for safety reasons by checking the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.