TOY Safety?

Toy Safety

Question: What should I be concerned about as it relates to holiday gifts with my special needs child?

Answer: Toy safety concerns are crucial as toys can soon turn harmful or even deadly. It should be noted that unless you get an appropriately packaged product from a reputable American manufacturer or may not be getting what you hoped for. Appropriate packaging can ensure that the content originates from its designated source. It is documented that three times as many foreign made products as American made products were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

What further complicates toy safety is that the very packaging that you want to ensure you have can be a safety hazard. Packaging can injure, suffocate or trap your child. It is important that adults take away packaging as quickly as possible. Also be aware of choking hazards such as twist ties, small plastic parts  and shrink wrap.

The holiday season is filled with joyous wonder. Taking a few small steps can ensure it is a safe season.

Have a question for “Ask the Nurse”. Send an email to [email protected]. Please make sure to put “Ask the Nurse” in email subject line.

DISCLAIMER: The contents of the Ask the Nurse column (“Column”) such as text, medical information, graphics, images and any and all other material contained in the column (“Content”) are for informational purposes only.  The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your (or your child’s) physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE OR DELAY IN SEEKING CARE BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU (OR YOUR CHILD) HAVE READ IN ANY MEDICAL LITERATURE!

Helpful Articles

• Toys“R”Us: Safe Play Tips for Children with Special Needs
• 9 Great Toddler & Preschooler Toys for Kids with Special Needs
• Tips for Selecting the Right & Safe Toys
• The Upside of Making Your Own Educational Toys
• Are Too Many Toys & Games Hurting Your Child’s Health?
• The Taming of the Toys

This post originally appeared on our November/December 2011 Magazine