Submitted by: Phill Monroe

Now that you have your little bundle of joy, it’s time to make sure he grows up healthy and strong. But besides making sure that he gets the proper nutrition and regular check-ups, you should also be wary of what your baby plays with.

There have been many reports of baby toys and products that are dangerous or even toxic to your little one. Keep your baby safe from these products by taking time to read our short primer on the materials and toys you should watch out for in baby shops.

1. Take into consideration your child’s age. It is extremely dangerous to let children below three or four years of age play with toys that have small parts in them. Your baby might suddenly put these pieces in his mouth and choke on them. Most of the toys that are not appropriate for younger kids are stamped with a red circle with a line drawn diagonally across, and the numbers 0-3 in it. Always check the product’s box or packaging to see whether the toy is suitable for your child’s age.

2. Avoid buying plastic toys as much as possible. Although older kids can enjoy playing with toys made out of plastic, it’s advisable that you don t let babies and very young children near them. Babies have the tendency to put things in their mouths. Plastic toys and baby products usually contain phthalates, a poisonous substance, that can leak out of the toys and go into your baby’s system. Note that the European Union placed a ban on most PVC toys containing phthalates in 2004, so it’s best to steer clear from these toys.

3. Check if the toy or baby product is painted with non-toxic varnish or paint. Paint or varnishes that have high levels of VOC are dangerous for both adults and children. Choose, instead, naturally varnished wooden toys or toys made out of cloth, like plush toys or stuffed toys.

4. Choose toys that don’t have any sharp or jagged edges. Toys with sharp edges can cut and injure your child. They might even cause extreme harm to babies or toddlers if they suddenly put these jagged toys in their mouths. You should also check if the toy’s parts come off easily. Your child might swallow dislodged parts and choke on them.

5. Check online for toys or baby products that have been recalled. Go online and read through the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s posts on recalled products. There have been a lot of recalled toys, baby car seats, bath seats and even educational materials in the past years because they contain harmful substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury and phthalates. Check the brands of the toys you are using to make sure you are buying products that are safe for your little one.

You should always be careful when buying gifts or toys for your children and your babies. Make sure that you veer away from plastic toys and avoid those painted with varnish that contains high VOCs. Also, read through the product information on the toy’s packaging and boxes carefully. With these guidelines, you’re sure to raise your children in a happy, healthy and fun environment.

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Source:

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