How To Prevent Toy-Related Injuries In Your Household
Posted on: 6 April 2018
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Toys can be sources of joy for your kids, but they can also be hazardous if not properly used. As a parent, it is up to you to take precautions to ensure that your kids don't get injured by their toys. Here are some of the precautions for preventing toy-related injuries:
Adhere To Age Restrictions
Toys often come with age recommendations that state which ages can safely play with the toys. Follow these age recommendations religiously because toys that may be safer for a 14-year old may not be necessarily safe for a preteen. For example, younger children are more susceptible to choking or strangling hazards than older children.
Teach the Older Ones to Keep Toys Away After Playing with Them
If you have kids of different age ranges, then it follows that you will be having toys for different ages in your house. This can be dangerous because the younger kids may be tempted to play with the toys of their older siblings, and get injured in the process. Therefore, it's advisable to teach the older kids to keep away their toys when they are done playing with them.
Watch Out for Poisoning
Kids typically get injured by toys when they choke on the toys, get strangled by the toys, cut themselves with the toys or get stabbed with the toys. Therefore, these are the common toy hazards that people worry about, but there are other forms of injuries you should be concerned about. For example, you should be concerned about the risk of poisoning because toys have been manufactured with poisonous materials, such as lead pain. Research the materials used on toys before making purchases; you should also be aware of recalled products and stay away from them.
Teach Kids Proper Ways of Playing
Most toys are safe when used as their manufacturers designed them to be used; the danger comes when the kids don't use the toys as directed. As a parent, you should take it upon you to know how toys should be used to limit injuries.
Ensure Toys Are In a Good Condition
Lastly, you should always ensure the toys are in good physical condition because damaged toys may also pose some danger. For example, cracked plastic toys may have sharp edges that may cut your kids.
In the unfortunate event that your kid is injured in a toy, you need to evaluate whether the toy was defectively designed, manufactured or marketed. That way you may have someone to pay for the damages associated with the injury. Consult a product liability lawyer, such as from The Bernstein Law Firm, if you want to know whether you have a valid case.