It is Christmas and children will more than likely\u00a0find special\u00a0toys under the tree just for them.<\/p>\n
Some toys may seem harmless but every year many children are injured by their favourite toys.<\/p>
You should be diligent about inspecting your child\u2019s toys and adhere to all age suggestions listed on the packaging.<\/p>\n
Here are some things you should take into consideration when buying toys for kids this Christmas:<\/strong><\/p> \u2022 Read the label.<\/p>\n Warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and what ages the toy is safe for.<\/p>\n Be sure to show your child how to use the toy the right way.<\/p>\n \u2022 Think large.<\/p>\n Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child\u2019s mouth to prevent choking.<\/p>\n \u2022 Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air.<\/p>\n They can cause serious eye injuries or choking.<\/p>\n \u2022 For younger children, avoid play sets with small magnets and make sure batteries are secured within the toy.<\/p>\n If magnets or batteries are ingested, serious injuries or death can occur.<\/p>\n \u2022 Look for stuffed toys that are well made.<\/p>\n Make sure all the parts are on tight and seams and edges are secure.<\/p>\n It should also be machine washable.<\/p>\n Take off any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation and avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.<\/p>\n \u2022 Inspect toys for sturdiness.<\/p>\n Your child\u2019s toys should be durable, with no sharp edges or points.<\/p>\n The toys should also withstand impact. Dispose of plastic wrapping material immediately as it may have sharp edges.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/p>\n Community cares for animals<\/a><\/p>\n Residents beautify their wheelie bins<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022 Inspect all toys before purchasing.<\/p>\n Monitor toys that your child has received as gifts to make sure they are appropriate for your child\u2019s age and developmental level.<\/p>\n \u2022 Avoid toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning.<\/p>\n Make sure the label says \u201cnon-toxic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u2022 Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years.<\/p>\n They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make sure your older child knows how to safely handle these kinds of toys.<\/p>\n \u2022 Be careful when buying crib toys.<\/p>\n Strings or wires that hang in a crib should be kept short to avoid strangulation.<\/p>\n Crib toys should be removed as soon as your child can push up on his hands and knees.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check instructions for clarity. They should be clear to you, and when appropriate, to the child.<\/p>\n \u2022 Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, which can cause suffocation, before they become deadly playthings.<\/p>\n Some toys may not be right for all children.<\/p>\n There are some toys you should stay away from when checking off your Christmas list.<\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n