by Kids In Danger
As many of us gear us to gift shop for the holiday season, remember to keep safety in mind if there is a child on your gift list. Whether you are preparing to gift shop, or are already in the thick of holiday shopping, if there is a child on your gift list, ensure you buy safe products for them. Many of the newest products and toys in stores may seem like great gifts, but be aware that some of these products can actually pose hidden dangers. Avoid these risks by checking out these tips and tricks to gift safely this holiday season.
It’s no secret that children love receiving new toys as gifts. However, toys are also one of the main categories of children’s products that are recalled each year by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). In 2014 alone, 19 different toys were recalled by the CPSC – that’s 2.7 million units. The reasons for these recalls vary from risks such as falls, choking, and strangulation, to burns, drowning, and poisoning hazards. Stay up to date with recalls to make sure you are giving the children in your life safe gifts.
Did you know: Even if you see a product in stores, it may not meet the ASTM F963 standard for toys, since many new products on the market do not fit into any formal product category. We want all parents and caregivers to have the safety information they need to gift great and safe products.
Check out these tips for safe gift giving:
- Check toys for hazards such as loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges. Discard any weak or broken toys.
- Follow age recommendations on products. If you are giving a product that may be appropriate for older children or adolescents, be aware that any younger siblings they have may be at risk.
- Any cribs, play yards, or bassinets that you plan to gift to new or expectant parents you should meet current safety standards. Be sure to keep excess bedding such as pillows, blankets, or crib bumper pads off your list. #BareIsBest
- Check that the products on your gift list are safe by using the recall and safety information resources on gov and SaferProducts.gov. And, as you shop, remember that you can also report any product hazards that you see on SaferProducts.gov.
We also want to focus on one particular gift hazard that has recently emerged. Zen Magnets were put back on the market for children after a court overturned a CPSC ban on the product. Zen Magnets, Buckyballs, and other similar magnet sets have tiny, high-powered magnets. These magnets pose a serious ingestion risk; if ingested they can attract inside of a child’s body, causing serious internal damage that often requires surgery to repair. Despite the dangers posed by this product, these magnet sets are back on the market. Keep these magnet sets off your gift lists!
This holiday season, give your loved ones the greatest gift of all – safety and peace of mind.
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