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Bringing joy and excitement to children around the world, Christmas toys are one of the most highly anticipated parts of the holidays. However, as with any type of toy, they come with some hazards that parents should be aware of and avoid. Some of these dangers are well known, while others come as a surprise to many parents. Five of the most common include:

 

• Lead and cadmium
• Harmful chemicals like phthalates and cadmium
• Magnets
• Noise
• Strangulation hazards

Keeping Your Family Safe

 

Although there are dangers that can arise during the Christmas season, there are some easy ways to arm yourself and protect your child from dangerous toys:

• Keep up to date with recalls – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers an online list of all toy recalls, but the consumer group U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) also offers a list of potentially hazardous toys, many of which have not been recalled.
• Use safety equipment – Although you may encounter some resistance from kids who consider helmets and kneepads “uncool,” make sure they always wear the proper safety equipment for whatever activity they’re doing.
• Always read and heed warning labels – Warning labels can sometimes seem like just a list of common sense instructions, but it’s still important to read them thoroughly and to follow their recommendations. The manufacturer has a reason for warning users of the product, and you don’t want to be the one who falls prey to the hazard against which they caution.
• Take the paper tube test – To test if an item is large enough to be safe against choking, see if it can fit through the center of the cardboard tube from a roll of toilet paper or paper towels. If so, then it’s too small for a child under age three and/or one who still puts things in his or her mouth.

 

No matter the time of year, there are always going to be certain hazards you’ll need to watch out for as a parent. However, by keeping informed as to specific risks, and taking the necessary precautionary steps to avoid them, you can feel secure knowing that your children are safe, and you can all enjoy a happy holiday.

 

 

 

Kara Alcamo is a concerned mother, freelance writer and contributor to the Ross Feller Casey blog. Visit the website to learn more about these medical malpractice attorneys in Pennsylvania

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