Toy safety shopping

The year-end sales are a good time for shopping for toys. Shopping for toys during sale time can be fun, but it can also be frustrating. There can be thousands of toys to choose from in one store, and it is important to choose a toy that is suitable for your child. Toys that are meant for older children can be dangerous for younger children.

It is better to avoid buying toys with small parts that are intended for older children considering that children under three years old tend to put everything in their mouths.

The following are some tips on shopping for safe toys taken from www.cpsc.gov, the website of a US-based organization overseeing the safety of toys and many other consumer products.

Under three years old -Children at this age tend to pull, prod and twist toys. Look for toys that are well made with tightly secured eyes, noses and other parts. -Avoid toys that have sharp edges and points. -Never let children of any age play with uninflated or broken balloons because of the choking danger

Ages three through five: -Avoid marbles, balls and games with balls that have a diameter of 1.75 inches or less. These products also pose a choking hazard to young children. -Avoid toys that are constructed with thin, brittle plastic that might easily break into small pieces or leave jagged edges. -Look for household art materials, including crayons and paint sets labeled with cautionary information. -Teach older children to keep their toys away from their younger brothers and sisters. Ages six through 12: -For all children, adults should check toys periodically for breakage and potential hazards. Damaged or dangerous toys should be repaired or thrown away. -If buying a toy gun, be sure the barrel, or the entire gun, is brightly colored so that it's not mistaken for a real gun. -If you buy a bicycle for any age child, buy a helmet too, and make sure the child wears it. -Teach all children to put toys away when they're finished playing so they don't trip over them or fall on them.