The most important thing to do when choosing a toy is to read the labels for recommended age, which can be taken as a starting point in your selection process. Toys that are to advanced can be a safety hazard for younger children. Be careful to keep toys for older children away from young children.
Choking is the most common toy- related death among children. Small balls, marbles, balloons and pieces of balloons can block a child‘s airway. Children under age 6 should not be given balls smaller than 1.75 inches in diameter. If toys or parts are small enough to swallow, they should be avoided. A method to determine proper size is to use the cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels. It the toys or its parts are small enough to fit through the tube, they are not safe for children age three and under. Parents can purchase a choke test cylinder at a retailer specializing in child safety products, to help give a sense for how small an item is. A choke test cylinder has a diameter of 1.25 inches. an object that can fit In the cylinder is banned for children under 3 years age. Balls with a diameter ot 1.75 inch or less are also banned tor use by children younger than 3 years old under federal law.
Strings : Avoid toys with cords or long strings (more than 15 inch). These present a strangulation hazard to very young children, as cords or strings can get wrapped around. Removed beads or end knobs from anything longer than 1 foot, to prevent tangling.
Plastic Toys : Select toys that are tree of small pieces, have no sharp edges or point and are non toxic. Avoid thin plastic toys that might break into small pieces and leave jagged edges that could cut your child.
Art Materials : When buying art supplies. look for the AST M D 4236/ EN71 designatlon on the package. These means the item has been reviewed by an toxicologist and has been deemed safe for use by children.
Balloons : Do not allow children under age 8 to handle uninflated or broken balloons. Inflated latex balloons present a choking hazard it they pop. If you want to use balloons at a child's party, don't let the children blow up the balloons themselves, and be sure to deflate and dispose of balloon pieces afterward.
Plaster or Paris : Basically plaster at Paris (gypsum) is not a harmful material, but if the powder is inhale or swallowed it may form hard clots in the lungs or in the stomach. According to Toys Safety Standards EN 71 p15, this item is for children over 5 years ot age only. This item is for use under adult supervision only.
Crayons : Use soap. water and sponge to remove marks form walls. Check a small area first before washingwalls, as some house paints may also be removed when washed. If crayon marks remain after washing, use a non- abrasive cleanser. Melted crayons may cause permanent heat-set stains. Check pockets for crayons before placing clothing dryer.
Candle Wax : Candle wax can be effectively removed by placing the object that has been stained into a freezer untill the staining agent is quite hard and brittle, then the material can be literally shattered of the object that has been stained. In the case of coloured wax there may still be a colour stain. Sponge with a liquid made by adding 1part of methylated spirits to one part of water.
Modelling Dough / Clay : Do not use hot water hot cleaning solutions to clean dough or clay ttam carpets or fabrics. For best result remove excess and allow compound to dry. Loosen compound with stiff brush and vacuum cleaner. It necessary, wash with gentle soap, cold water and brush