With holiday shopping season underway, Georgia’s Attorney General is reminding consumers that now is the time to make toy safety a priority.
“We want all Georgians to be informed about toy safety so they don’t inadvertently give a gift that could harm a child,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “To that end, we are passing along these important tips from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, Safe Kids Worldwide and The Toy Association.”
- Check the label: Follow age guidance and other safety information on packaging.
- Avoid toys with small parts, as well as marbles and small balls, for children under age three.
- Ensure that stuffed toys have age-appropriate features such as embroidered or secured eyes and noses for younger children and seams that are reinforced to withstand an older child’s play.
- Be careful with magnets: High-powered magnet sets are a safety risk to children – toddler through teen. Children can swallow loose magnets, causing serious intestinal injuries.
- Choose toys that match your child’s interests and abilities, as well as your family’s play environment.
- Get safety gear. With scooters and other riding toys, be sure to include helmets. Helmets should be worn properly at all times, and they should be sized to fit.
- Know your seller. Purchase toys from retailers you know and trust.
It’s also a good idea to register any product when given the opportunity and to check periodically to make sure there has not been a safety recall of any toys or products you own. You can go to the federal government’s online database at recalls.gov to do a general search of recall announcements. Be aware that recalled products are in circulation at thrift stores, flea markets and through online resellers.
