Safety Tips for Purchasing Children’s Toys over the Holidays

Another holiday season is upon us, and parents throughout the Dallas area will be on the lookout for the perfect gifts for their children. You may already know the toys your child is hoping to receive, or perhaps you are still in the process of researching the most popular toys out right now. Either way, it’s important to make safety a strong factor when purchasing holiday gifts for your kids. This is especially important if your child is under the age of 3.

The toys your children play with may pose a greater safety hazard than you realize, and this danger is magnified for very young children:

• Children under the age of 3 face a high risk of choking due to their propensity to place objects in their mouths.
• Approximately 50% of all toy-related injuries and almost all toy-related deaths occur in children under the age of 4.
• Falls and choking are responsible for the vast majority of toy-related injuries and fatalities in children.

The Turley Law Firm wants you and your family to have a safe, fun and memorable holiday experience this year. When shopping for gifts for your children, we encourage you to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Always ask yourself whether the toy you’re purchasing is appropriate for your child’s age, skill level and interests. Review age and safety recommendations on the toy’s label when considering whether to buy it.
• Inspect the toy to make sure it has quality design and construction. Only purchase toys that are sturdy enough to withstand the impact of heavy use without falling apart, being crushed or breaking.
• Avoid toys with sharp edges or that include projectile parts such as darts.
• Avoid toys with strings or cords longer than 7 inches since these can pose a strangulation risk when used by young children.
• Avoid electrical toys containing heating elements if your child is under the age of 8 since these may pose a risk of burn injuries when not used properly.
• Look for labels that indicate the toy has passed a safety inspection and meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
• If your child is under the age of 3, use a small parts tester to determine whether the toy poses a choking hazard. These devices can be found at most toy and baby stores.
• If you’re giving sports equipment as a gift, make sure it is accompanied by all necessary protective/safety gear.
• When purchasing crayons and markers for your children, make sure the label indicates that they are “nontoxic.”

In addition, it’s always a good idea to supervise your children the first few times they use a new toy to make sure they know how to use it properly and understand any potential safety risks.

While these safety precautions will significantly reduce the risk of injury to your child, the fact remains that some toys are simply not made properly. If your child has been injured by defective or dangerous toy, you may be entitled to recover compensation for any damages they suffered. The defective product attorneys at the Turley Law Firm have more than 40 years of experience handling cases involving children injured by dangerous toys, and we’ll fight aggressively to ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Please contact the Turley Law Firm using the form on this page or call 214-691-4025 today to schedule your free defective product consultation. We serve clients in the Dallas, Texas area.