In Canada, all toys are regulated to make sure they are safe for use by children. Even so, unsafe toys can make their way onto store shelves and into homes. And sometimes the ways toys are used can expose children to hazards. Being informed and aware of potential risks will help you protect your child’s health and safety.

Some general tips to follow include: to look for sturdy and well-made toys while buying them, ones that include the manufacturer’s contact information. Read and follow all age labels and safety messages. Toys for older children may have small parts or other hazards that make them unsafe for younger children.

Keep small toys and any loose parts/accessories out of the reach of children under three years of age, as these are choking hazards for children who still put non-food items into their mouths. Repair or throw away broken toys. Keep all toys — especially plush and soft toys — away from heat sources like stoves, fireplaces and heaters.

Use a toy box without a lid to store toys.. Heavier lids (often found on older wooden toy boxes and chests) can fall on a child’s head or neck, causing injury or even death. If you use a toy box that has a lid, make sure the lid is light and the box has holes to allow air inside. Never give children access to airtight storage bins, trunks or boxes. If they climb inside, they could suffocate.

As for baby walkers, they are very unsafe. They were banned from being sold in Canada in 2004 and should not be used by any child. Also dangerous are trampolines. They are not toys and can seriously injure children, even when an adult supervises them. Children under the age of six should never go on a trampoline and over six should be supervised at all times on a trampoline.

Source: Health Canada

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