Q: Just how many injuries and deaths are caused by toys each year?

A:  There are approximately 217,000 toy-related injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms nationwide.  On average, only 15 children under the age of 14 die each year from a toy-related injury.

Q: What causes the most deaths?

A: The most frequent cause of death related to a toy is choking on small parts.

Q: It seems like a lot of toys have been recalled recently?

A: Actually, the number of toys recalled is a fraction of the 3 billion toys sold in the United States every year.  The vast majority of toys on the market are considered to be safe.

Q: What can I do to make sure I buy toys that don’t have lead paint or dangerous magnets?

A: The best way to know if a toy is safe to buy is to stay current on what toys have been recalled.  Toy shoppers can stay up-to-date on toy recalls by signing up for email alerts at http://www.cpsc.gov/. 

Q: What else should I think about when holiday shopping for toys?

A: First, only buy toys from a reputable retailer.  Second, avoid buying second-hand or used toys; they may have been recalled and deemed to be unsafe.  Third, use caution when buying toys online; only buy from sources you know have been vigilant about removing recalled toys from their inventories.

Q: How do I know if a toy is right for the child I’m shopping for?

A: Buy age-appropriate toys.  All toys are clearly marked if they have small parts; do not buy toys with small parts for a child under 3(or allow a child under age 3 to play with those kinds of toys belonging to an older sibling.

Q: How do I know if a part is too small for a young child?

A: To be sure of a toy’s size, use a small parts tester (available in quantity from the Safe Kids Resource Catalog).  If you don’t have a small parts tester, you can use an empty toilet paper roll (which is slightly larger in diameter than a small parts tester).  Do not let small children play with anything that can fit into any of these cylinders.

Q: What about toys I already own?

A: Inspect toys to make sure they are in good repair. Do not let young children play with toys that have straps, cords or strings longer than seven inches, due to the risk of strangulation.  Caregivers should actively supervise children playing with any toy that has small parts, moving parts, electrical or battery power, cords, wheels or any other potentially risky component.

Q: What does it mean to “actively supervise” children?

A: Simply being in the same vicinity as your child is not necessarily supervising. Active supervision means keeping the child in sight and in reach and paying undivided attention.

Q: How do I keep my older child’s toys away from my younger child?

A: Teach children to put toys away after playing, to help prevent falls and unsupervised play, and make sure toys intended for younger children are stored separately from those for older children. Toy chests should be equipped or retrofitted with safety hinges that prevent the lid from closing on a child who is leaning over the open chest; if a chest does not have safety hinges, remove the lid.