Gift Safer Toys to Your Kids
By Brandi Goodman
Safe Toys and Gifts Month arrives in December for good reason. With Christmas on the way, it's important to consider the types of gifts you're giving children. Not all of them are as safe and beneficial as you may think. Gift safer toys to your kids -- and any family or friends -- so they can play with items that suit their ages.
Buy Large Items
Tiny LEGOs aren't ideal for small children. Buy large items for younger age ranges so they don't pose a choking hazard. They make big building blocks for a reason. They're easier to hold and put together for younger kids, anyways, making the bigger sizes more suitable.
Skip the Shooters
Shooting toys may seem fun for some kids, but they pose a big danger. Skip the shooters that blast bullets, rockets, cannons, and other items into the air. These are more likely to hit a child -- or someone they're aiming at -- in the eye. It can cause more damage than you might realize.
Choose Toys With Volume Control
Little ones aren't likely to consider the volume when they're trying to play. They may leave the book, device, toy, or other gift turned up, even putting it close to their ear to hear it. This can result in hearing damage if they aren't careful. Make sure the toys you're choosing have volume control and can be turned down to a safe level.
Check the Labels
Always look for non-toxic label indicators. Toys from other countries that you can easily order online may not follow the same safety protocols that meet U.S. standards. Check the label and ensure no mention of cancer, toxins, or harmful chemicals are listed. If so, these are toys you need to skip.
Consider the Child's Age
It's always important to consider the age of the child. A 10-year old may have much more sense than a 4-year old when it comes to playing. You could get the older child a notebook and pen set, knowing they would use it correctly. A younger child may be more likely to poke themselves in the eye with a writing utensil -- or at the very least, color all over your walls.
You should always consider safety when you're gifting toys and other items to children. Whether it's for a special holiday or their birthday, kids need items that meet their current intellectual abilities and their age.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.