🧸 Play Smart, Stay Safe: Simple Toy Safety Tips for Happy Healthy Playtime
Guest: Jaden Weil, Second Year Undergraduate Student at the University of Virginia
December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month, which is a perfect reminder to make sure the toys in your home are not just fun, but safe. With the holidays around the corner, it’s especially important to think about what ends up in little hands. Whether you’re wrapping presents, receiving hand-me-downs, or sorting through toy bins to make room for new favorites, now is the ideal time to double-check for safety. With just a few small steps, you can help prevent injuries and keep playtime positive. Here are five easy ways to promote safe play for your child:
Check the Label: Before you buy or unwrap a toy, read the label. It will tell you the recommended age range and whether the toy has small parts or other safety concerns. Look for labels showing the toy meets safety standards, like “ASTM ”, this means it’s been tested and approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials International.
Avoid Small Toy Parts for Little Kids: A quick rule of thumb: if a toy part can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it’s too small for kids under age 3. Small pieces are choking hazards. When shopping or cleaning out old toys, always double-check for anything tiny that might pose a risk.
Skip Batteries and Magnets for Littles: Button batteries and small magnets can be extremely dangerous if swallowed. Stick with battery-free toys for toddlers when possible. For older kids, make sure battery compartments are screwed shut and magnetic toys are only used under supervision.
Inspect and Rotate: Toys that are broken or worn out can become safety hazards. Loose parts, sharp edges, and cracks are all signs it’s time to retire a toy. Regularly rotating toys also keeps playtime exciting and helps avoid clutter that could lead to trips or falls.
Lead By Example: Children copy what they see. Show them how to play gently, share toys, and put things away after using them. Safe play habits are learned through everyday moments, when your child sees you model care, they’re more likely to follow your lead.