In the world of toys, when the word “safe” is used most people think about whether a toy is made well. Will it break into pieces as soon as a child plays with it? Does it contain a harmful ingredient? Is there a choking hazard that we don’t see right away? These are just some of the questions we think about, but there are many others.
Most toys, however, are deemed safe. This means that when an age-appropriate child uses the toy in a way intended by the manufacturer, the toy is considered safe. That is why most items for young children have clearly posted age ranges on the box. Within a reasonable certainty, the item that says it’s for ages 3 and above should be safely used by a child 3 years old or above.
But this is an important aspect of safety. Are your children using the items correctly? Are they following directions, have they been properly trained on the item’s use, are they wearing appropriate gear to use the item?
Heelys are the popular shoe/roller skate hybrid product that was released to the public in 2006. While at first they look like normal sneakers, with a click tiny wheels are released (like a plane’s landing gear) allowing the child to glide effortlessly on a variety of surfaces. If you’ve seen them being used, you probably noticed that many of the kids using them are dressed normally, with their wheeled shoes being the only difference in their outfits. You may have also seen them being used on sidewalks, on stairs, and on a variety of surfaces.
According to the manufacturer, Heeling Sports Ltd., this was not the intent.
On the Heelys Web site it is made clear that instructions are needed for using these items. In fact, there are several pages dedicated to explaining how to use these shoes, with specific graphics and tips. The site suggests that the directions should be printed out and explained to children using the shoes.
So serious are the manufacturers that these items be used appropriately, that each purchased pair comes with “hot to use” tips, safety instructions, proper protective gear recommendations, a safety video, and a special 866 phone number for safety questions.
Some of the safety tips on the site include: Never skate faster than you can run; never skate in or near streets, around traffic, or stairs; never try to skate over cracks, or through rocks, sand, or water; and always wear protective gear. (This includes a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads). There is also a warning that excessive wear of the heal bracket or wheel well can make the item unsafe.
Even so, children do get injured from incorrectly using Heely’s, and the item did appear on W.A.T.C.H.’s (World Against Toys Causing Harm) “2006 Worst Toys List.”
Every child loves stuffed animals, right? What’s not to love – they’re cute and cuddly and part of childhood. But, unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that the wrong child with the wrong stuffed animal doesn’t mean big problems. That is, there are plenty of stuffed animals that are not intended for young children, due to the fact that babies and toddlers play with items in different ways than older children. Young children chew and pull on toys, tearing or breaking them far more regularly than older children.
In its Toy Safety Tips guide, The Home Safety Council advises parents to find stuffed animals with “washable/hygienic materials” or some similar labeling. They also say to be aware of toys rated specifically safe for infants. These will have safety features such as secure attachment of the stuffed toys’ eyes and noses as well as non-removable squeaking mechanisms.
Because small parts that can be removed from items can pose choking hazards, the CPSC has banned products with small parts for use by children under age 3. The CPSC defines a small part as “any object that fits completely into a specially designed test cylinder 2.25 inches long by 1.25 inches wide.” Using a common toilet paper roll, if any toy parts fit inside the roll, choose another toy until your child is older than age 3.
There are many other items whose danger level is increased by being misused. The recent recall of items with tiny magnets didn’t solely occur because the items were choking hazards. The magnets were also being shoved up noses, put on the inside of mouths, and used in other unintended ways. Children should be taught the damage that can be done when using these magnets in ways other than those expected. Specific details of magnet misuse can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s Web site.
Children are curious and often do not follow the rules, not out of rebellion but out of ignorance or wonder. Most backpacks are safe until overfilled and not worn correctly. Medicines are helpful unless the incorrect dosage is taken. A Wiffle Ball bat is fine unless used as a weapon. Children need to be given instruction and watched over when using toys and products. They should not be expected to “just know how it works.” Guide them and help them stay safe.