What Do You Need To Know To Keep Your Family Safe?

1.  True or False: All toys that make it to the store shelf are safe.
False: Sometimes unsafe toys do make it to the store shelf and into our homes.  You may also have some older toys that are no longer safe, or the way the toys are being used may expose children to hazards.  Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission web site for any toys that may be on recall.

2. What's the first thing you should look for when buying a toy?  Read and follow the age label, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions for the toy.

3.  True or False: Toys made for older children are safe for younger
children, too.
False: Toys for older children may have small parts that can pose a choking hazard for younger children.

4. True or False:  All toy boxes are safe storage places for toys.
False:  Use a toy box without a lid or one with a lightweight lid that will not fall on the child, causing entrapment.

5. True or False: Baby walkers are the perfect choice babies after they
have learned to crawl.
False: Baby walkers are hazardous - do not use them.  A baby in a baby walker can move around very quickly.  Potential hazards like furniture, lamps, cords, decorations, appliances could be knocked down or pulled down on the child.  In addition, the walker could tip over.

6. True of False: There is no harm in letting babies and young play with latex (or rubber) balloons.
False:  Latex (or rubber) balloons have caused a number of deaths - the balloon can be inhaled and can block a child's airway. Also, uninflated balloons or broken pieces can also cause a choking problem as well.  NEVER give a child under the age of 4 a latex (or rubber) balloon - Use mylar (or the shiny ones) instead.

7. True or False: A child's development does not influence safe behavior.
False: Up to age 2:  Small children cannot tell you the difference between safe and unsafe.  They need active adult supervision at all times.

Ages 2 - 5:  These children are curious.  Sometimes they put things in their mouths to explore.  Fears of hazards or injuries are not developed.  Activities must be supervised.

Ages 6 - 10:  These children are acting a bit more independently.  When taught to value safety, they can react to potentially unsafe things.  Realistic expectations and consistency in discipline is essential.

Ages 10 and Older:  Pre-teens are able to comprehend the consequences of their actions and handle most situations if they have learned good safety habits.  Judgements will be affected by peer pressure and impulsive acts.

8.   Is it safe to dangle toys from my infant child safety seat to keep my baby happy on trips?
Soft, lightweight toys make good travel companions but you must follow the child safety seat manufacturer's instructions re: if the carrying handle of your infant child safety seat can be in the upright position during travel. Some do not allow it.

9. True or False: Home made toys are always safe?
False:  Some homemade toys may pose safety hazards.  You need to check home made toys for all the same things you check store bought toys.  They must be sturdy, with no sharp edges or protruding parts that could cut a child. They must contain no small parts that pose choking hazards.

10. How do I know if my toy will pose a choking hazard?
A Small Parts Tester (the approximate size of a toilet paper roll) is a good investment.  If objects can fit completely into the tester, they present a choking hazard.  Testers can be purchased in toy or baby stores in the safety aisle for about $2.00.

For more information, please call Safe Kids Mid-South, headquartered at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, at (901) 287-6730.