Do You Know How to Purchase Safe Toys for the Holidays?

Have you finished your holiday shopping list? If there are children on your gift giving list, you must be careful when choosing toys for kids. Some toys are not appropriate for certain ages. The toy might be perfectly safe for its intended use, but if you give it to a child who is too young to use it correctly, the toy can be dangerous. To avoid a holiday accident, we urge you to shop carefully when purchasing toys for children.

Safety Tips for Holiday Gift Shopping

When you are shopping for children this year, keep these tips in mind to purchase safe, appropriate toys that kids will love:

• Always read the toy’s warning labels! The warning label provides information about safe use of the toy and the appropriate age range for safe use. Many toys are not appropriate for young children. Purchase toys that are age-appropriate.
• Avoid toys with small parts for young children. Small parts pose a choking hazard.
• When purchasing a toy that shoots objects into the air, including toy guns, consider the age and abilities of the child. Objects propelled from toys can cause severe injuries, including eye injuries.
• If a toy has magnets or batteries, make sure those items are permanently sealed inside the toy or in a compartment that a child cannot open. Swallowing batteries and magnets are life-threatening and can cause severe injuries.
• Be careful when purchasing pull-along toys or toys with strings. Strings can be dangerous for some children and pose a strangulation hazard.
• Avoid toys with toxic materials. Look for labels that say “non-toxic.”
• If you are purchasing a bicycle, roller skates, skateboards, hoverboards, or other riding toys, you should also purchase a helmet and other safety gear.
• When purchasing electronic toys, you must also consider the age of the child. Also, look for toys that have parental controls and other features that allow parents to limit access to the internet and limit playtime.

Also, do not forget to check the recall list to make sure a toy has not been recalled because of a defect or dangerous hazard. Furthermore, you need to periodically check toys to make sure they are still safe for a child. A toy might be safe, but damage from wear and tear could create a dangerous condition.

Dangerous and Defective Toys

Some toys are defective because of a design flaw or manufacturing defect. In some cases, there may be an error with the packaging or in the instructions that result in a potential hazard not being disclosed to the consumer. Toys that are sold must be safe for their intended purpose. If a toy is defective, it can cause severe injuries or death.

If a toy injures your child, you need to consult an experienced personal injury attorney. The wrongful death attorney of The Travis Law Firm assists families who have experienced the tragic consequences caused by a defective toy. Call The Travis Law Firm at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with a Pennsylvania product liability attorney.