Just about anything can catch a baby’s attention and bring a smile to their face, which makes buying gifts and toys for little ones very exciting. The only downside is finding safe baby toys. We’ve put together a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for baby.
Age recommendations
Most toys have an age recommendation on the packaging. This can be helpful as some toys, particularly, have small parts that may be choking hazards.
Check out recent recalls
Head online to see a list of recently recalled toys and products to make sure you make a safe decision.
Be careful where you shop
Most cheaper store, airports, and drugstores carry rather flimsy baby products that can break off easily and have sharp edges. Also, be careful of products sold at vending machines and carnivals as they are not required to meet any safety standards.
A few toys you should avoid
There are a few common toys that really are no good for a baby, such as:
- Those with small parts
- No-name toys
- Toys with parts that could pinch fingers
- Toys with metal, magnets, and strings longer than seven inches
Big is best
Sturdy, large toys and baby gifts are a lot less likely to break, get lodged in the throat, or be swallowed.
Carefully inspect teething toys, squeeze toys, and rattles
Make sure that there aren’t any small ends that can extend into the back of a baby’s mouth.
Pick well-made items
Used items that have been passed down from siblings or relatives or bought at yard sales may be frayed or worn, which can pose a danger. Check out all new items for batteries, buttons, ribbons, beads, and plastic parts that could be snapped off or chewed on.
Make sure the baby is ready for the toy
Parents of older kids, for example, may buy a bike that is one or two sizes too big to save money. But, this approach can lead to serious injury if a child doesn’t have the skills to control a bigger bike. Make sure that whatever you buy for a baby, he or she is ready for it. There is a great selection of baby gifts in Australia to choose from.
Avoid balloons
Balloons may well be cheerful decorations and tons of fun to bounce around, but do note that latex balloons are a main cause of choking fatalities in children.
Avoid things with magnets
Magnets are another hazard. Small, powerful ones are often used in baby toys, and they risk falling out and being swallowed. Two or more magnets that are swallowed can attract one another through the intestinal walls, causing a range of serious issues.
Avoid toxic toys
Even if you find a baby item that appears to be safe, make sure it is not made from chemicals that could be hazardous to a baby. For instance, phthalates are used to make plastic more flexible, and you’ll find this kind of chemical in a range of toys.
Take note of those points and ensure that you choose gifts and toys that are safe for the baby.
