Toy Safety for Holiday Shoppers

Toy Labeling

Toy manufacturers design the packaging for a child's toys with two things in mind: The product must be  eye-catching on the shelf and it must be informative to the buyer. Manufacturers place labels on  toy packages to reduce the guesswork many people have to do when shopping. Though children develop at their own pace, there are certain stages of development that toy designers can predict, and design their products accordingly.

According to the Toy Industry Association, labels are based on four specific criteria:  safety components of the product; the physical abilities of the child to manipulate the product; the cognitive  understanding a child has of the product; and the child's interests. Toy designers create toys (and corresponding labels) with this in mind.

In addition to safety information and warnings about the  product, toy labels generally suggest the age at which the toy is most appropriate. Following typical industry standards, use this guide to determine what toys are right for the child you will be buying for this season.

Under 3 Years Old

Avoid:

• Toys with small parts such as marbles that are 2 inches or less; these are easily swallowed or inserted in the nose or ears.
• Stuffed animals and dolls with eyes and noses which are loosely fastened.
• Toys with ribbons and straps, such as a play guitar; these can strangle the child.
• Toys with sharp edges and points
• Crib gyms, kickers and exercisers that are placed above a crib after the child is able to push up on his/her hands and knees (roughly 5 months old). The baby could hang on the toy and become entangled.

Instead, purchase:

Rattles; teething rings and squeeze toys; floor gyms and activity quilts; musical toys; busy boxes and soft blocks; cloth and cardboard books; bath toys; play lawnmowers or shopping carts

Ages 3-5

Avoid:

• Toys made of brittle plastic that may break into small pieces-
• Toxic art supplies

Instead, purchase:

Art supplies marked "ASTM D-4236" (these have been reviewed by a toxicologist); tricycles or bicycles (with helmet); construction toys; puzzles; dress-up clothing; puppets; word and matching games; story books; backyard gym equipment.

Ages 6-8

Avoid:

Toys with the ability to break or possess potential hazards

Instead, purchase:

Complex gym equipment; sports equipment such as a baseball glove, tennis racket or basketball; ice skates or roller skates; jump ropes; magic or science kits; doll houses and furnishings; classic fairy tale books; jigsaw puzzles; craft kits.

Ages 9-12

Avoid:

Toys that may be of interest but are far too dangerous and/or complex for his/her age, such as a BB gun.

Instead, purchase:

Advanced construction sets; threedimensional puzzles; remote control vehicles; craft and handiwork sets; board games; chess, checkers or dominoes; tabletop sports such as ping-pong; electric trains; biography, mystery or science-fiction books; music